Coronado Cocktail

A classic gin-based cocktail from the Prohibition era, the Coronado Cocktail is a beautifully balanced sour. It combines the botanical notes of gin with the nutty complexity of amontillado sherry, the stone fruit sweetness of apricot liqueur, and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. This creates a drink that is both refreshing and layered with flavour, perfect for those who enjoy a nuanced and elegant sipper.
Coronado Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Coronado is classified as a classic cocktail, specifically belonging to the sour family. It follows the traditional sour template of a base spirit, a sweet element, and a sour element, but with added complexity from the sherry.

Serving

Served straight up in a pre-chilled coupe glass, this is a crisp, cold cocktail with a moderate alcohol by volume. The presentation is elegant and simple.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz per serving (before ice dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 24% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Coronado Cocktail first appeared in Harry Craddock's legendary 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book". Its exact origin is unknown, but it's named after the famous Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California. The hotel was a popular destination during the early 20th century, and the drink likely reflects the sophisticated tastes of its clientele.
Origin
The drink was popularized by its inclusion in "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930, placing its origins in the late 1920s, likely in the USA or created by an American bartender in Europe during Prohibition.

Coronado Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Coronado Cocktail, with no common alternative names. Its name is believed to be a reference to the famous Hotel del Coronado in California.
Original name
Coronado Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This is a crisp, smooth cocktail with a complex flavor profile, balancing botanical gin, nutty sherry, and sweet apricot against a bright citrus backbone. It has a beautiful pale golden hue and a clean, refreshing finish.
Flavor
Citrusy, nutty, stone fruit, botanical, complex
Aroma
Lemon zest, apricot, gin botanicals, almond
Taste balance
Sour, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, nutty, lingering botanicals
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale gold, clear
Texture
Smooth, silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season, spring, summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is well-balanced, with a moderate flavor intensity where sour and fruity notes are most prominent. It has a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol strength and is completely still.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need four key ingredients: a quality London Dry Gin as the base, Amontillado sherry for complexity, apricot liqueur for sweetness, and fresh lemon juice for acidity.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic London Dry style works best to provide a solid botanical backbone.
  • Amontillado Sherry15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Provides key nutty and saline notes that make the drink unique.
  • Apricot Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Also known as Apricot Brandy in many older recipes. Provides sweetness and stone fruit flavor.
  • Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a shaken cocktail, requiring a standard cocktail shaker set with both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers for a smooth, ice-free texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting
  • Jigger for accurate measurement
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining

Instructions

The process is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake well, and double-strain into the glass before garnishing with a lemon twist.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before mixing.
2. Combine the gin, amontillado sherry, apricot liqueur, and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Double-strain the liquid through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express its oils, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, providing an essential aromatic citrus note that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink to release its aromatic oils and then dropped in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and gluten. However, it may not be suitable for those with nut allergies due to the nutty characteristics of sherry and the potential use of apricot kernels in the liqueur.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains approximately 180 calories, with around 8 grams of carbohydrates derived mostly from the sugars in the apricot liqueur and lemon juice.
Calories
Averagely 180 kcal / 753 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate. It's also an excellent choice for cocktail parties or any sophisticated gathering where a classic, elegant drink is desired.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Summer Evening
  • Sophisticated Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Coronado's nutty and citrusy profile pairs well with salty and savory appetizers. Consider serving it with Marcona almonds, olives, or light cheese and seafood dishes to complement its complex flavors.
  • Marcona almonds
  • Goat cheese on crackers
  • Green olives
  • Light seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail or oysters

The Coronado Cocktail: A Forgotten Classic of Nutty, Fruity Elegance

The Coronado Cocktail is an elegant and underrated classic from the Savoy Cocktail Book. It's a gin sour variation that achieves a remarkable balance between the dryness of gin, the nutty depth of sherry, the sweetness of apricot, and the brightness of lemon. Refreshing yet complex, it's a perfect aperitif or a sophisticated choice for any cocktail enthusiast looking to explore beyond the more common classics. A true gem for those who appreciate nuanced and historical drinks.

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