Red Lion Cocktail Recipe

The Red Lion cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1930s by Arthur Tarling, a bartender at the Café Royal in London. This classic cocktail has been enjoyed by many over the years, particularly those who appreciate a well-balanced, slightly sweet and sour drink. The Red Lion has even won several awards, including the 1933 International Cocktail Competition.

• The Red Lion is a classic cocktail with a rich history
• Created by Arthur Tarling in the 1930s
• Has won several awards, including the 1933 International Cocktail Competition

The Red Lion cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the gin. The orange liqueur adds a citrusy sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness. The grenadine gives the drink a subtle fruity sweetness, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable cocktail.

• The Red Lion is sometimes called the 'King of Cocktails' due to its award-winning status
• The cocktail's name is thought to have been inspired by the popular British pub name, 'The Red Lion'
• The Red Lion is often served in a cocktail glass, showcasing its vibrant red color

1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
   • 1.5oz gin
   • 0.75oz orange liqueur
   • 0.75oz lemon juice
   • 0.5oz grenadine
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
4. Discard the ice from the chilled cocktail glass
5. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass
6. Garnish with an orange twist

• Use fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor
• Shake vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed
• Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer

Appetizers

• Cheese Platter: The citrus and botanical notes of the Red Lion complement the creaminess of cheeses like Brie and Gouda.
• Fried Calamari: The crisp acidity of the cocktail cuts through the richness of the fried batter.

Main Courses

• Grilled White Fish: A delicate fish pairs nicely with the lemon and gin flavors, without overpowering the dish.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: The lemon component of the drink will resonate with the citrusy marinade of the chicken.

Desserts

• Fruit Tart: The Red Lion's sweet and tart profile will echo the dessert's fruity sweetness.
• Sorbet: A light, citrus-based sorbet will refresh the palate in between sips of the cocktail.

• Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a smoother taste
• Orange Liqueur: Triple sec can be used as a substitute
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can be used for a different citrus twist
• Grenadine: Raspberry syrup can be used for a different fruity flavor

Berry Lion

To berry-fy the classic, swap grenadine for blackberry syrup. Add some muddled fresh berries before shaking. This will give the Red Lion a fruitier and more seasonal feel, perfect for late summer evenings.

Green Lion

Give the cocktail an herbal upgrade by using Green Chartreuse in place of orange liqueur, and basil instead of an orange twist. This twist offers an intriguing depth with herbal notes that will make the cocktail more savory and complex.

Spiced Lion

Introduce a warm dimension by adding a dash of cinnamon and replacing grenadine with honey syrup. This wintery variant transforms the Red Lion into a more soul-warming concoction, ideal for chilly nights by the fireplace.