Jubilee Cocktail

The Jubilee Cocktail is a sophisticated and lesser-known classic gin drink. It beautifully balances the botanicals of dry gin with the zesty brightness of lemon juice and the subtle herbal sweetness of Bénédictine. It's a shaken cocktail served straight up, offering a refreshing and complex flavor profile that is both crisp and aromatic.
Jubilee Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Jubilee Cocktail is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the sour category, characterized by its balance of a base spirit, a sweet element, and a sour citrus component.

Serving

This moderately strong cocktail is served cold and straight up in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass for an elegant presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 105 ml / 3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 26% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is believed to have been created in the late 19th century to celebrate one of Queen Victoria's jubilees, either the Golden Jubilee in 1887 or the Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Its elegant character and classic ingredients reflect the celebratory spirit of the era. The use of Bénédictine, a French liqueur, adds a touch of continental sophistication to this British creation.
Origin
United Kingdom, late 19th century.

Jubilee Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Jubilee Cocktail. It is believed to have been named in honor of one of Queen Victoria's jubilees during the late 19th century.
Original name
Jubilee Cocktail

Characteristics overview

It presents a complex flavor profile where gin's botanicals meet herbal sweetness and sharp citrus, with a smooth texture and clean finish. The aroma is equally enticing, with fragrant notes of lemon and herbs.
Flavor
Herbal, Citrusy, Crisp, Complex, Slightly sweet, Botanical
Aroma
Botanical, Lemon, Herbal, Honeyed
Taste balance
Balanced, Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Herbal, Lingering, Zesty
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow, Hazy, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is well-balanced, leading with tart citrus and complex herbal notes, supported by a moderate alcohol presence from the gin. It is neither overly sweet nor bitter, resulting in a refined and refreshing taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To create this drink, you will need three key ingredients: a good quality dry gin, the unique herbal liqueur Bénédictine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A quality London Dry Gin is recommended for its crisp botanical character.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This specific French herbal liqueur is essential for the drink's unique flavor profile.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best taste and brightness.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

Standard cocktail-making equipment is required, including a shaker to chill and combine the ingredients and a double-straining setup to ensure a smooth, ice-free drink.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accuracy
  • Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh strainer for pouring

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: chill a glass, shake the gin, Bénédictine, and lemon juice with ice, and then double-strain the mixture into the prepared glass before garnishing.
1. Chill a coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add the dry gin, Bénédictine, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
7. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink, then use it as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, adding a bright citrus aroma that enhances the drink's refreshing flavors.
  • Lemon twist to express oils over the drink before placing it in or on the glass

Dietary Information

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

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, mainly from the alcohol and the Bénédictine liqueur. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low compared to more fruit-heavy or cream-based drinks.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif, the Jubilee Cocktail is also an excellent choice for celebratory events, sophisticated cocktail parties, or simply as a refined evening sipper.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Celebration
  • Evening Drink

Pairing suggestions

Its crisp and herbal profile pairs wonderfully with seafood such as oysters and smoked salmon. It also complements light appetizers and creamy cheeses like goat cheese, cutting through richness without overpowering the palate.
  • Oysters
  • Smoked salmon canapés
  • Light appetizers
  • Goat cheese with crackers

The Jubilee Cocktail: A Regal Gin Classic

The Jubilee Cocktail is an elegant and overlooked gem from the late Victorian era. It's a gin sour variation that uses Bénédictine to provide a unique sweet and herbal complexity that balances the tart lemon and botanical gin. Easy to make yet sophisticated in flavor, it is a perfect choice for those who appreciate classic, spirit-forward cocktails and want to explore something beyond the usual repertoire. Its refreshing nature makes it an excellent aperitif.

Similar Cocktails

Bee's Knees

Uses honey syrup instead of Bénédictine for sweetness, resulting in a simpler, more floral flavor profile.

White Lady

A classic gin sour that uses orange liqueur (like Cointreau) instead of Bénédictine, making it more citrus-forward and less herbal.

Alaska Cocktail

Another classic gin cocktail that uses a herbal liqueur, but features Yellow Chartreuse instead of Bénédictine and adds orange bitters for a different kind of complexity.

Champs-Élysées

Uses brandy as the base spirit instead of gin, and typically Green Chartreuse instead of Bénédictine, creating a warmer, spicier profile within a similar template.

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