Bentley Cocktail

The Bentley Cocktail is an elegant and spirit-forward drink that balances the fruity notes of apple brandy (Calvados) with the rich, herbal, and wine-based character of Dubonnet Rouge. A couple of dashes of Peychaud's bitters add aromatic complexity, creating a smooth and warming sipping experience. It's a forgotten classic perfect for those who enjoy drinks like the Manhattan or Vieux Carré.
Bentley Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Bentley is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the family of stirred, spirit-forward drinks often enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal. Its historical roots place it firmly in the category of Prohibition-era classics.

Serving

The Bentley is served neat (straight up) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It is a spirit-forward drink with a moderate alcohol content, intended for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The cocktail first appeared in Harry Craddock's influential 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book." It is widely believed to have been named in honor of the Bentley Motors company, which was renowned for its luxury and high-performance cars. The name was meant to evoke the same sense of sophistication, power, and class associated with the automobile.
Origin
United Kingdom, circa the 1920s. The recipe was canonized in London with its publication in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930.

Bentley Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Bentley Cocktail, named after the luxury car brand, reflecting its sophisticated and classic character.
Original name
Bentley Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a smooth, silky texture with a beautiful deep ruby hue. Its flavor is a harmonious blend of crisp apple and rich, herbal wine notes, making for a warming, aromatic, and balanced all-season sipper.
Flavor
Apple, Fruity, Herbal, Vinous, Aromatic, Slightly sweet
Aroma
Apple, Anise, Botanical, Red berries, Quinine
Taste balance
Balanced, Semi-sweet
Aftertaste
Smooth, Warming, Fruity, Herbal
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Deep ruby, Reddish-brown, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
All-season, Autumnal, Warming

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a medium-intensity flavor profile, where the bright fruitiness of Calvados is perfectly complemented by the herbal sweetness of Dubonnet. It is spirit-forward but smooth, with a gentle bitterness and no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires three key ingredients: an equal-parts base of Calvados (apple brandy) and Dubonnet Rouge, accented with a couple of dashes of Peychaud's Bitters.
  • Calvados45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A good quality VSOP Calvados is recommended for depth of flavor. Other apple brandies can be substituted.
  • Dubonnet Rouge45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A quinine-flavored fortified wine aperitif. There is no direct substitute.
  • Peychaud's Bitters2 dashes
    Adds notes of anise and gentian. Angostura bitters can be used in a pinch, but will alter the classic flavor profile.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar equipment for a stirred cocktail. A mixing glass, a bar spoon for chilling and diluting, and a strainer are essential.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients with ice
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Hawthorne or Julep strainer for straining into the glass

Instructions

This is a straightforward stirred drink. Simply combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until well-chilled, and strain into a chilled coupe glass before garnishing with a lemon twist.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Add the Calvados, Dubonnet Rouge, and Peychaud's bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is frosty and the drink is well-chilled.
5. Strain the cocktail into your pre-chilled coupe glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the drink's surface to express the citrus oils, and then drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist provides the perfect finishing touch. Expressing the oils from the peel over the glass adds a bright citrus aroma that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Lemon twist expressed over the drink and used as a garnish

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets and is typically gluten-free as it is made from distilled spirits and fortified wine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates for an alcoholic beverage, with most of its sugar content coming from the Dubonnet Rouge.
Calories
Averagely 150-170 kcal / 628-711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 5-7 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 5-7 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite before dinner. Its refined character also makes it perfect for sophisticated cocktail parties or a quiet, contemplative evening drink.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Sophisticated gathering
  • Quiet evening

Pairing suggestions

The Bentley's fruity and herbal notes pair beautifully with savory and rich appetizers. It stands up well to the fats in cheeses and cured meats, and its complexity is complemented by the earthiness of nuts or pâté.
  • Mild cheeses like Comté or Gruyère
  • Charcuterie board
  • Roasted almonds or walnuts
  • Duck pâté

The Bentley Cocktail: A Luxurious Sip of History

The Bentley Cocktail is a refined and elegant classic from the Prohibition era. It masterfully combines the crisp, fruity notes of Calvados with the rich, fortified wine character of Dubonnet Rouge, accented by the subtle complexity of Peychaud's bitters. Perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif, this smooth, ruby-hued drink is a sophisticated alternative for fans of stirred, spirit-forward cocktails like the Manhattan. Its connection to the golden age of motoring adds a layer of historical charm to every sip.

Similar Cocktails

Manhattan

Uses rye whiskey instead of Calvados and sweet vermouth instead of Dubonnet, offering a spicier, grain-based profile.

Deauville Cocktail

Also uses Calvados but is a sour-style drink, shaken with triple sec and lemon juice for a lighter, more citrus-forward taste.

Champs-Élysées

Uses brandy (often Cognac) instead of Calvados, and includes Green Chartreuse, lemon juice, and sugar, resulting in a more complex herbal and tart profile.

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