Princess Cocktail Recipe

Princess Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0.2g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Princess Cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first created by a bartender named Harry MacElhone at the famous Harry's New York Bar in Paris. This elegant cocktail was popular among the high society and royalty of the time, hence the name 'Princess'.

  • The drink was often enjoyed by European royalty and aristocrats during the 1920s and 1930s.
  • It is said that the Princess Cocktail was a favorite of Princess Anastasia of Russia.
  • The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as modern bartenders rediscover and reinterpret classic recipes.

How Princess Tastes?

The Princess Cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the pineapple juice adds a tropical sweetness. The lemon juice balances the sweetness with a refreshing tartness, and the grenadine gives the drink a hint of berry flavor.

Interesting facts about Princess

  • The Princess Cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Anastasia Cocktail' in honor of its royal patron.
  • The original recipe called for French vermouth, but it has since been replaced with pineapple juice in most modern interpretations.
  • The cocktail is often garnished with a pineapple wedge or cherry, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Ingredients

A few good options for Princess are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

The gin (2 oz) acts as the backbone of the Princess cocktail, providing a botanical punch that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Less gin might not cut through the mix, while more could overwhelm it.

If gin is not your spirit of choice, you could swap for vodka for a cleaner taste, or white rum for a sweeter, more Caribbean flair. Remember though, no gin, no sin!

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

1 oz of pineapple juice adds a tropical sweetness and tartness, helping to create a harmonic mix with the gin's botanicals. If too little is used, the drink may become too sharp; too much and you might as well call it a pineapple punch.

Mango juice could be a fun substitute, adding a different sweet profile, and up the ante on the tropical vibe.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

Half an ounce of lemon juice cuts through the sweetness with its bright acidity, ensuring the cocktail is balanced and not cloying. Skipping it would be like a day without sunshine—dull and overly sweet.

In a pinch, lime juice can stand in for lemon, bringing a slightly more complex, tart edge to the party.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine

At a modest quarter ounce, grenadine provides a hint of pomegranate sweetness and a blushing color. Think of it as the tiara on our Princess—without it, she just doesn't shine as bright.

A dash of raspberry syrup could serve as an alternative, adding a berry twist to the tale.

Alex Green

Pineapple Wedge and Maraschino Cherry

They're not just there to look pretty; the pineapple wedge adds fresh aroma and a juicy bite, while the cherry brings a touch of nostalgia and another layer of sweetness. They're the final touches that say 'this drink is ready for the ball!'

Without the garnish, your Princess might feel a bit underdressed. If you're out of cherries, a twist of orange or lime could also dress up the drink nicely.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Princess Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until chilled and well combined.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Chill the cocktail glass before serving to keep the drink cool for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Tropical Fruit Platters: The pineapple and citrus notes of the cocktail pair perfectly with a selection of tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, and kiwi.
  • Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smokiness of the grilled shrimp complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the Princess cocktail.
  • Cheese Platter: Mild cheeses like brie or camembert can balance out the acidity and sweetness of the drink.

Meals

  • Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet and tangy profile of a teriyaki glaze echoes the fruity and slightly tart flavor of the Princess cocktail.
  • Fish Tacos: Light fish tacos with a tropical salsa bring out the flavors in both the tacos and the cocktail.

Desserts

  • Coconut Cream Pie: A dessert with creamy and tropical flavors will enhance the fruity character of the Princess cocktail.
  • Lemon Bars: The zesty lemon profile of the bars will resonate beautifully with the citrus notes in the drink.

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What you could change in Princess

  • Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a smoother taste.
  • Pineapple Juice: Can be substituted with orange juice for a different fruity flavor.
  • Grenadine: Can be replaced with a dash of raspberry syrup for a different berry note.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Tropical Princess

Substitute lime juice for lemon juice, and add 1/2 oz of coconut cream. This twist introduces a creamy texture and an extra layer of tropical flavor, making it feel like a mini vacation in a glass. The lime juice brings a bit more zing than the lemon, while the coconut adds a luxurious silkiness that'll make you want to dance the hula.

Berry Princess

Add 1/2 oz of raspberry purée and use tonic water as a top up. This berry-licious twist offers a refreshing fizz and a berry explosion that could steal Cinderella's spotlight. The raspberry purée adds depth, and the tonic water brings a quinine tang, creating a more complex, layered experience.

Spiced Princess

Infuse the gin with cardamom and star anise beforehand, and add a dash of mango bitters. Spices bring a sense of mystery and exoticism to the original recipe. Cardamom and anise provide warm undercurrents, and the mango bitters enhance the tropical notes, crowning this Princess with a tiara of spice.

In case you forgot basics how to make Princess

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Princess

What is the best kind of gin to use for the Princess cocktail?

While any quality gin can be used for the Princess cocktail, it is typically made with a dry gin. Premium brands such as Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray, because they lend a sophisticated flavor to the drink. However, the choice is entirely dependent on personal preference.

Is there a specific type of cocktail shaker that is best suited for making the Princess cocktail?

You can use any type of cocktail shaker to make the Princess cocktail. However, a Boston shaker or a cobbler shaker is most commonly used. The Boston shaker consists of two cups, usually one glass and one metal, while the cobbler shaker is a one piece shaker with a strainer built in.

Is the Princess cocktail considered a strong alcoholic drink?

The Princess cocktail does have a strong alcoholic content, thanks to the 2 oz of gin. However, the sweet fruit juices and grenadine, which are non-alcoholic, help to balance out the kick from the gin. Whether one finds it strong or not often depends on personal tolerance and preference towards alcohol.

How did the Princess cocktail get its name?

The Princess cocktail was reportedly a favourite of Princess Anastasia of Russia, hence the name 'Princess'. This, combined with its popularity amongst high society and royalty in the early 20th century, firmly established its royal name.

Is the Princess cocktail suitable for those on a vegan or vegetarian diet?

Yes, the Princess cocktail is suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet as it does not contain any animal products.

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