Princess Mary’s Pride Cocktail Recipe

In 1922, the British royal family celebrated the wedding of Princess Mary to Henry George Charles Lascelles, the sixth Earl of Harewood, and this momentous occasion inspired a cocktail to commemorate their union. The legendary bartender and author, Harry Craddock, immortalized the recipe in his 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, naming it Princess Mary’s Pride. 

This elegant drink blends Calvados, a French apple brandy, with Dubonnet rouge, a wine-based aperitif, and dry vermouth, creating a variation on the classic Perfect Manhattan. With a base of whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of aromatic bitters, the result is a fruit-forward, slightly floral concoction. While many bartenders prefer shaking cocktails with juice or creamy elements, this recipe bucks that convention by encouraging you to stir the spirits over ice before straining into a cocktail glass. 

The smooth, silky texture, free of ice shards, is finished with a zesty citrus note from an orange twist. Even today, bartenders like veteran brand ambassador Charlotte Voisey honor the typical rules of modern practice by serving this timeless drink with pride. So, next time, raise a glass and toast to this royal recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Calvados (French apple brandy).
• 1 ounce Dubonnet rouge (wine-based aperitif).
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth.
• Garnish with a zesty orange twist.

Steps

1. Calvados (French apple brandy) serves as the cocktail’s base.
2. Add Dubonnet Rouge, a wine-based aperitif, for depth and flavor.
3. Include a small amount of dry vermouth to balance the sweetness.
4. Fill a mixing glass with ice and gently stir the ingredients until well-chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
6. Garnish the drink with a zesty orange twist for an aromatic finish.

A Zesty Finish

A zesty orange twist is the final touch to this Star of Bombay cocktail. The orange peel uplifts the drink with zesty freshness and aromatic depth, playing off the fruity nature of our next guest: Calvados. Pour the orange twist over top for a big shot of fragrant oils, creating an overall sensory experience on par with that first taste of Princess Mary’s Pride.

A Timeless Classic

The Princess Mary’s Pride is an elegant cocktail that can be sipped even to this day by those who appreciate quality concoctions. It is both timeless in its ingredients and polished in its approach making it appropriate for almost every occasion. This royal recipe will work perfectly well for you whether you’re celebrating something special or maybe just a casual evening at home.

Additional Topics to Explore

• Manhattan Cocktail Origins and Evolution: Learn more about how Manhattan began and what it has become over the years. All about the various versions and interpretations of this classic cocktail.
• We continue our tour with Calvados and find out about the unique qualities of this special apple brand and its mixability. Divulge other famous cocktails where Calvados is a star.
• What is Cocktail Garnishes The Science of Garnishing Cocktails: About the role of garnishing cocktails and how certain garnishes can make a drink taste better and look more appealing. Different garnishing styles and the most popular options of garnishes.

Conclusion

Princess Mary’s Pride is a classic cocktail tribute to the royal wedding of Princess Mary and Henry Lascelles. This cocktail is a beautiful tribute to the couple, boasting tasteful flavors and an extra splash of class in its presentation making it perfect for any aspiring cocktail connoisseur. 

From studying how to make a simple Manhattan, the type of cocktail that inspired one of the most famous cocktails in America’s history, to learning about the versatility of Cat Madeau(Calvados), and taking a look into the profound art of garnishing with limes and orange peels you can begin to wrap your mind around this majestic recipe and why it succeeded so long before us.

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