Elder Fashioned Royale

Elder Fashioned Royale

Death & Co’s Modern Classic Cocktails book is one of the most influential cocktail books on my shelf.  With a propensity to make great cocktails, I love taking a pass through it to get new ideas and find new recipes to try.  Looking for something floral for the summer, I stumbled upon their Elder Fashioned Royale.  With a similar make up to a French 75, the Elder Fashioned Royale uses a gin base, but picks up St. Germain and Orange Bitters to add a floral twist.  The result is a slightly sweet, yet delicious sparkling cocktail that’s good for any time of year.

Elder Fashioned Royale

  • 1 1/2 oz Gin – Plymouth or Old Tom
  • 1/2 oz St. Germain
  • Dash Orange Bitters
  • Dry Champagne or Sparkling Cava
  • Lemon Twist

Combine Gin, St. Germain, and Orange Bitters in a mixing glass.  Add ice, stir, and strain into a champagne glass.  Top with Dry Champagne and a lemon twist.

Elder Fashioned Royale Drink Notes

Elder Fashioned Royale Bottles

The Elder Fashioned Royale is Death & Co’s drinks, but below are some notes I’ve observed in making it:

  • Gin – Plymouth Gin is called out by Death & Co, but I’ve found Old Tom works well too.
  • St. Germain  – Affectionately known as ‘Bartenders Ketchup’, this elderflower liqueuer is versitale enough that you will find something to put it in.
  • Dry Champagne  –  While Dry Champagne is called out, there’s no reason you couldn’t use a good sparkling Cava.  I recommend Anna Codorníu or Segura Viudas.
  • Garnish – A grapefruit twist is called out, but if you don’t have one laying around, you could use a lemon.  Not quite the same, but it works.