Coronation Cocktail No. 1

The Coronation Cocktail No. 1 is an elegant, pre-Prohibition classic that deserves to be better known. It is a stirred drink featuring a harmonious blend of dry French vermouth and crisp Fino sherry, creating a nutty and aromatic base. A small amount of maraschino liqueur adds a subtle fruity complexity without overt sweetness, while orange bitters tie all the flavors together. The result is a refined, light, and wonderfully complex cocktail perfect for starting an evening.
Coronation Cocktail No. 1

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Coronation Cocktail No. 1 is considered a classic cocktail, specifically a pre-prohibition style aperitif. It falls into the category of stirred, spirit-forward drinks that highlight fortified wines. Its elegant and refined nature makes it a perfect example of early 20th-century mixology.

Serving

Serve this small, elegant cocktail very cold in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its moderate alcohol content makes it a perfect, civilized start to an evening.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was created to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, following the long reign of his mother, Queen Victoria. It first appeared in print in "The Flowing Bowl" by William "Cocktail" Bill Boothby. The recipe was later popularized by its inclusion in Harry Craddock's influential "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930, cementing its place in the pantheon of classic drinks.
Origin
The cocktail originates from England, created around 1902. It is a quintessential example of the sophisticated, fortified wine-based cocktails that were popular during the Edwardian era in London.

Coronation Cocktail No. 1

Originally known simply as the Coronation Cocktail, it is now often specified as "No. 1" to distinguish it from other cocktails created for later coronations. It is also associated with the famous Savoy Cocktail Book where it was published.
Original name
Coronation Cocktail
Alternative name
Savoy Coronation Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This is a dry and aromatic cocktail with a nutty, herbal profile from the sherry and vermouth, and a clean, silky texture. Its pale golden appearance and refreshing character make it an elegant choice any time of year.
Flavor
Dry, nutty, herbal, subtly fruity, complex, aromatic
Aroma
Herbal, wine-like, nutty, faint cherry, orange zest
Taste balance
Dry, slightly bitter, hint of sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering nutty and herbal notes
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Pale straw, clear, light golden
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied, silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season, elegant

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is delicate yet complex, dominated by dry and nutty notes with a low sweetness and moderate bitterness. It is a light-bodied, still cocktail with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a balanced mix of dry vermouth and Fino sherry, modified with a small amount of Maraschino liqueur and a couple of dashes of orange bitters.
  • Dry Vermouth45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A quality French dry vermouth is recommended.
  • Fino Sherry45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Use a dry, crisp Fino sherry for its characteristic nutty and saline notes.
  • Maraschino Liqueur1 bar spoon (approx. 5 ml / 1/6 oz)
    Adds a touch of complexity and subtle sweetness. Do not add too much.
  • Orange Bitters2 dashes
    Essential for adding depth and tying the flavors together.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring

Mixing equipments

You will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon, and a strainer. This cocktail is always stirred, never shaken, to maintain its clarity and smooth texture.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Julep or Hawthorne strainer for straining

Instructions

Preparation is simple: chill a glass, stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, and strain. Garnish with an expressed orange twist to finish.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the dry vermouth, fino sherry, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice and stir gently for 20-25 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
4. Empty the ice from your serving glass, then double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
5. Express the oils from an orange twist over the surface of the drink and drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

An orange twist is the classic garnish, providing a bright citrus aroma that complements the cocktail's flavors perfectly.
  • Orange twist - Express the oils over the drink and drop it in or place on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free. The vegan and vegetarian status depends on the fining agents used in the specific brands of sherry and vermouth, as some may use animal-derived products.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, with minimal carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the maraschino liqueur and residual sugars in the fortified wines.
Calories
Averagely 150 kcal / 628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 4g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 4g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is ideally suited as a pre-dinner aperitif, stimulating the palate with its dry complexity. It is also perfect for celebratory toasts or sophisticated gatherings where a light yet elegant cocktail is desired.
  • Aperitif
  • Celebratory Toast
  • Formal Gathering

Pairing suggestions

Its dry, nutty profile pairs beautifully with salty snacks like olives and almonds. It also serves as an excellent companion to fresh oysters or a light board of cured meats and hard cheeses.
  • Marcona almonds
  • Green olives
  • Oysters
  • Light charcuterie

The Royal Sip: A Guide to the Coronation Cocktail No. 1

The Coronation Cocktail No. 1 is a journey back to a more elegant era of drinking. It is a sophisticated, spirit-forward aperitif that beautifully showcases the interplay between dry vermouth and Fino sherry. While not as famous as some of its contemporaries, it offers a uniquely dry, nutty, and aromatic experience for those looking to explore the classics beyond the usual repertoire. Easy to make yet complex in flavor, it's a perfect choice for discerning palates.