Roulette Royale Cocktail Recipe

Roulette Royale Nutrition Facts

Calories:225

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:20%

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 Roulette Royale cocktail is a luxurious and sophisticated drink, inspired by the glamour of Monte Carlo casinos and the excitement of the roulette wheel. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life and love to indulge in a little risk-taking. The Roulette Royale was first created in the 1950s by a renowned bartender at the Monte Carlo Casino, and has since become a favorite among high-rollers and celebrities alike.

How Roulette Royale Tastes?

The Roulette Royale is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and velvety texture. The taste is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and bitter notes, with a hint of spice and a smooth, warming finish.

Interesting facts about Roulette Royale

  • The Roulette Royale is named after the popular casino game, roulette, which originated in France in the 18th century.
  • The cocktail is often served at high-stakes poker games and exclusive VIP events.
  • The Roulette Royale has been featured in several movies and TV shows, showcasing its glamorous and sophisticated appeal.

Ingredients

Cognac

Cognac (1.5 oz) serves as the foundation of this cocktail, providing a deep, rich flavor with a hint of oak and vanilla. Using less would make the drink less robust; using more could overpower the other ingredients. If cognac is not your forte, try an aged brandy for a similar mature profile.

Emma Rose

Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier (0.75 oz) mixes in a sweet orange essence and brings a touch of elegance. A smaller amount might get lost among the bolder cognac, while too much could over-sweeten the cocktail. For a twist, consider substituting with Cointreau for a dryer orange note.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice (0.5 oz) introduces a vital acidic component, balancing the sweetness and refreshing the drink. A little less, and the cocktail becomes cloyingly sweet; more, and it could turn too sour. Try swapping with lime juice for a tarter profile!

Mary Mitkina

Simple syrup

Adding Simple Syrup (0.25 oz) gives just enough sweetness without making the cocktail a sugar bomb. A delicate balance is key here, so measure with care! Go without it, and you might pucker up more than at an awkward prom photo. Honey could be an alternative sweeter, with a more complex taste.

Emma Rose

Angostura Bitters

Angostura Bitters (2 dashes) are like the seasoning of the cocktail world, adding depth and a spectrum of spices that bridge the sweet and sour components. Skip them, and the cocktail may feel a bit one-dimensional. There's no true substitute, but orange bitters could add an interesting twist.

Alex Green

Orange Twist

An Orange Twist (1) garnish is not just there for a pretty face; the oils express over the drink, giving an aromatic zing. It’s all about that zesty first impression. Leave it out, and you'll be missing some high notes. A lemon twist could also brighten things up with a different citrus kick.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine

Lastly, Grenadine (1 dash) is the magic that provides a pop of color and a hint of pomegranate sweetness. Too much can turn your cocktail into a cherry lollipop, too little, and it's just an undercover agent going unnoticed. A dash of raspberry syrup could stand in for a berry variation.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Roulette Royale Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the Cognac, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
  3. Shake well until chilled and well-mixed.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Carefully pour a dash of grenadine into the center of the cocktail, allowing it to sink to the bottom.
  6. Garnish with an orange twist.

Pro Tips

  • Cognac: Use a high-quality cognac for a smoother, richer flavor.
  • Shaking: Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for at least 10 seconds to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.
  • Garnish: Twist the orange peel over the glass to release its oils before adding it to the cocktail.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats and cheeses complements the rich and complex flavors of the Roulette Royale.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bitter and sweet notes of dark chocolate play nicely against the warming cognac and citrus notes of the cocktail.
  • Roasted Almonds: Their natural sweetness and crunch make a delightful contrast with the drink's smooth texture.

Drink Pairings

  • Espresso: Enjoy a strong espresso alongside to add a bitter counterpoint that enhances the cocktail's sweetness.
  • Sparkling Water: A palate cleanser like sparkling water between sips would balance the cocktail’s sweetness and strong flavors.

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What you could change in Roulette Royale

  • Cognac: Can be substituted with Brandy.
  • Grand Marnier: Can be substituted with another orange liqueur, such as Cointreau.
  • Simple Syrup: Can be substituted with honey or agave syrup.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Twist #1: The Spicy Roulette

  • Substitute Cognac with Rye Whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Replace Grand Marnier with a chili liqueur to add some heat.
  • Add a slice of jalapeño into the shaker for an extra punch. This version will warm you up twice – perfect for those who like to play with fire in their glass.

Twist #2: The Citrus Spin

  • Swap the Cognac for a citrus vodka.
  • Use a blood orange liqueur instead of Grand Marnier for a deeper orange flavor.
  • Infuse the simple syrup with lemon zest. Expect a brighter, more citrus-forward cocktail that feels like a sunny vacation in a glass.

Twist #3: The Berry Blast

  • Use a berry-infused brandy in place of Cognac.
  • Use Chambord instead of Grand Marnier for a raspberry note.
  • Muddle a few fresh raspberries in the shaker before adding other ingredients. It’s fruit-forward with a berry punch, ideal for those with a bit of a sweet tooth.

In case you forgot basics how to make Roulette Royale

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

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 Roulette Royale

What kind of glassware is ideal for the Roulette Royale cocktail?

While it is traditionally served in a coupe glass, a martini glass would also work well if a coupe is not available.

Can non-alcoholic substitutes be used for this recipe?

Yes, non-alcoholic versions of cognac, Grand Marnier, and grenadine are available and can be used as substitutes to make a mocktail version.

Is Roulette Royale a seasonal drink or can it be served anytime?

Although its rich, warming flavors lend themselves well to colder seasons, the Roulette Royale cocktail can be enjoyed anytime of the year.

Do I need to stir the cocktail after adding the grenadine?

No, the grenadine is meant to sink to the bottom of the glass to create a layered effect. It is not stirred into the cocktail.

What can I pair the Roulette Royale cocktail with?

The rich, sweet and bitter flavor profile of this cocktail pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly dishes with a slight hint of spice.

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