Rolls Royce Cocktail Recipe

Rolls Royce Nutrition Facts

Calories:~178

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~4g

Alcohol:%abv:~26%

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 Rolls Royce cocktail is a luxurious and somewhat lesser-known classic that exudes elegance and sophistication, much like the car it's named after. It's believed to have been created in the early 20th century, during the golden age of cocktails. This drink is a hit among connoisseurs who appreciate a well-balanced cocktail with a touch of herbal complexity.

  • The Rolls Royce is often enjoyed by those who appreciate classic gin cocktails.
  • It's a perfect choice for a refined evening or a classy cocktail party.
  • The Bénédictine rinse adds a unique layer of flavor that sets it apart from other gin-based cocktails.

How Rolls Royce Tastes?

The Rolls Royce cocktail presents a harmonious blend of botanical gin notes with the herbal sweetness of Bénédictine, and the dry and sweet vermouths. It's a smooth, aromatic, and complex drink with a hint of citrus from the lemon twist garnish.

Interesting facts about Rolls Royce

  • The Rolls Royce cocktail is not as widely known as other classic gin cocktails, such as the Martini or the Negroni.
  • The name 'Rolls Royce' implies a standard of luxury and quality, which is reflected in the cocktail's refined taste.
  • Bénédictine, an herbal liqueur originally made by Benedictine monks, is the secret ingredient that gives this cocktail its distinct flavor profile.

Ingredients

  • Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Dry vermouth: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Sweet vermouth: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Bénédictine: Rinse
  • Lemon twist: Garnish

A few good options for Rolls Royce are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of this cocktail, providing the primary alcoholic base and introducing a complex botanical profile. At 2 oz., it's the dominant flavor, but balanced so as not to overpower the vermouths. Skimp on the gin and you're missing out on strength and depth. Overdo it and you've got a botanical bully on your hands. Swap gin for vodka if you fancy a less herbal touch; your cocktail will be smoother, but you'll lose some character.

Alex Green

Dry Vermouth

Dry vermouth, 0.5 oz., plays a supportive role, adding a dry, herbal complexity that complements the gin's botanicals. Too little, the drink becomes heavy-handed on the sweet side; too much and the cocktail veers into a martini territory. Opt for Lillet Blanc if you want a slightly sweeter, floral undertone to your Rolls Royce.

Emma Rose

Sweet Vermouth

Sweet vermouth, another 0.5 oz., offers a counterpoint with its rich, sweet, and herbal profile, giving the drink depth and a rounded taste. Not enough and you won't balance the dryness of the gin and dry vermouth; too much, and you risk cloying sweetness. Reach for a red Italian aperitif like Campari for a bittersweet twist.

Mary Mitkina

Bénédictine

A rinse of Bénédictine lends an intricate bouquet of herbs and spices, offering a layer of complexity without overpowering the drink. If omitted, you lose a nuanced backdrop that rounds out the flavors beautifully. No Bénédictine? Try an absinthe rinse for a punchy, anise-edged alternative.

Alex Green

Lemon Twist

The lemon twist garnish isn't just for looks; expressing the oils over the drink adds a fresh, citrusy aroma that lifts the other ingredients and balances the cocktail's richness. Forget this, and you miss a crucial bright note. Lime could substitute, offering a slightly sharper, zestier highlight.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Rolls Royce Drink

  1. Rinse a chilled coupe glass with Bénédictine, ensuring the inside surface is well coated, and discard the excess.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine 2 oz. of gin, 0.5 oz. of dry vermouth, and 0.5 oz. of sweet vermouth.
  3. Add ice to the mixing glass and stir the ingredients until well chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into the Bénédictine-rinsed coupe.
  5. Express a lemon twist over the drink and garnish.

Pro Tips

  • Always use fresh ice when stirring to ensure the cocktail is properly chilled without being overly diluted.
  • When expressing the lemon twist, do it over the glass to capture the essential oils on the surface of the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Oysters: The brininess of oysters complements the botanicals in the gin and the herbal notes of the Bénédictine.

  • Smoked Salmon: This pairs wonderfully with the Rolls Royce cocktail; the smoky flavor melds with the herbaceous and sweet vermouth tones.

Cheese

  • Gouda: The sweet and creamy taste of an aged Gouda can pair well with the complex and herbal layers of the cocktail.

  • Blue Cheese: For those who like a strong flavor, the moldy sharpness of blue cheese will contrast and balance the sweet and dry components.

Appetizers

  • Bruschetta: The acidity and freshness from a tomato Bruschetta complements the citrusy twist and vermouth in the drink.

  • Marcona Almonds: The richness of these almonds will go nicely with the botanicals in the gin.

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What you could change in Rolls Royce

  • If Bénédictine is unavailable, a similar herbal liqueur like Yellow Chartreuse can be used for the rinse, though it will alter the flavor profile.
  • For a less herbal note, a simple lemon peel can be used instead of a Bénédictine rinse.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Earl Grey Rolls Royce

  • Infuse the gin with Earl Grey tea leaves for a delicate bergamot flavor.
  • Replace the sweet vermouth with an Earl Grey syrup for added tea complexity.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist and a sprig of lavender.

This twist brings an aromatic, tea-forward flavor profile, perfect for those looking to add a floral and citrusy depth to their cocktail experience.

Spiced Rolls Royce

  • Add a small piece of cinnamon stick and a clove to the mixing glass before stirring.
  • Use a spicy gin variety or infuse the gin with peppercorns for extra kick.
  • Garnish with an orange twist to complement the spices.

Expect a warm, spicy take on the original, with an invigorating heat and a touch of winter spice that's ideal for chilly evenings.

Green Chartreuse Rolls Royce

  • Use Green Chartreuse to rinse the glass instead of Bénédictine for a bolder herbal punch.
  • Introduce a dash of citrus bitters to the mix for added complexity.
  • Garnish with a grapefruit twist for a more pronounced citrus note.

The Green Chartreuse will amplify the herbal intensity, making for a bolder, more vibrant sip that's sure to intrigue the adventurous palate.

In case you forgot basics how to make Rolls Royce

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

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

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 Rolls Royce

What type of gin works best for the Rolls Royce cocktail?

A London Dry Gin is typically preferred for its clean, botanical flavor that pairs well with the herbal notes of the cocktail.

Can I use pre-chilled glasses instead of chilling them with ice?

Yes, using pre-chilled glasses is an excellent way to maintain the cold temperature of the cocktail without further dilution.

Is there a specific technique for stirring cocktails to achieve the right dilution and chill?

Yes, a proper stirring technique involves swirling the ice in a circular motion with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to ensure even chilling and slight dilution.

What can I substitute for vermouth if I don't have it on hand?

While there is no perfect substitute for vermouth, you could try using a fortified wine such as Lillet Blanc or a dry sherry to approximate the flavor.

Is the Rolls Royce cocktail suitable for large gatherings?

The Rolls Royce cocktail is more of a sophisticated, individual choice. It's not commonly served in large batches but can be pre-mixed in smaller quantities for intimate gatherings.

How long should I stir the cocktail to achieve the right temperature and dilution?

Stirring for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute should sufficiently chill and dilute the cocktail to the desired level.

What's the reason behind expressing the lemon twist over the drink?

Expressing the lemon twist releases essential oils and adds a subtle citrus aroma to the cocktail, enhancing its complexity.

What does 'rinse' mean in cocktail preparation?

A 'rinse' is a technique where a small amount of liquid (in this case, Bénédictine) is swirled around the inside of the glass and then discarded to impart a hint of flavor.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Rolls Royce cocktail?

You can create a mocktail version by using non-alcoholic gin substitutes and aromatized syrups in place of vermouth, though the taste will differ from the original.

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