Lonsdale Cocktail

The Lonsdale Cocktail is an elegant and lesser-known classic from the 1930s. It beautifully marries the botanical notes of gin with the herbaceous qualities of both dry and sweet vermouths, balanced by a hint of citrus from orange bitters and a bright lemon twist. It's a sophisticated, stirred cocktail that serves as a perfect aperitif, stimulating the palate before a meal with its complex yet approachable flavor profile.
Lonsdale Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Lonsdale Cocktail is classified as a classic, spirit-forward cocktail. Due to its balanced and appetite-stimulating profile, it is also perfectly categorized as an aperitif, ideal for serving before a meal. It belongs to the family of stirred gin drinks from the early 20th century.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward, cold drink served "up" (without ice) in a chilled cocktail or coupe glass. Its alcohol content is moderately high, typical for a classic stirred cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml or 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Cocktail glass or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Lonsdale Cocktail first appeared in the 1937 "Café Royal Cocktail Book" by William J. Tarling. It is named after Hugh Lowther, the 5th Earl of Lonsdale, a famous English nobleman and avid sportsman who was a founding member of the National Sporting Club in London. Known as "the yellow Earl" for his distinctive livery, he was a prominent figure of the era, and this cocktail reflects the sophisticated tastes of the time.
Origin
The Lonsdale Cocktail originated in the United Kingdom, specifically London, around the 1930s. Its first documented appearance was in the 1937 "Café Royal Cocktail Book".

Lonsdale Cocktail

The Lonsdale Cocktail is consistently known by its full name, though it is sometimes shortened to just "Lonsdale" in conversation. It does not have any widely recognized alternative names or significant naming variations.
Original name
Lonsdale Cocktail
Alternative name
Lonsdale

Characteristics overview

The Lonsdale offers a sophisticated aromatic profile of gin botanicals and citrus, with a silky smooth texture. Its taste is a harmonious balance of bittersweet and herbal notes, leading to a crisp, clean finish.
Flavor
Herbal, botanical, bittersweet, citrusy, complex, smooth
Aroma
Aromatic, gin botanicals, wine-like, subtle orange, lemon oils
Taste balance
Balanced, slightly sweet, slightly bitter, dry finish
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering herbal notes
Fizziness
Still, none
Color appearance
Pale gold, clear, luminous
Texture
Silky, smooth, slightly viscous
Seasonality
Refreshing, crisp, suitable for year-round enjoyment

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, with a gentle sweetness and bitterness from the vermouths complementing the strong botanical character of the gin. It is a spirit-forward but not overpowering drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To create this cocktail, you will need a base of London Dry Gin, complemented by equal parts of both sweet and dry vermouth. A couple of dashes of orange bitters are essential for complexity.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml or 1.5 oz
    A classic, juniper-forward London Dry Gin works best.
  • Sweet Vermouth22.5 ml or 0.75 oz
    Use a quality Italian-style (rosso) sweet vermouth.
  • Dry Vermouth22.5 ml or 0.75 oz
    Use a quality French-style dry vermouth.
  • Orange Bitters2 dashes
    Adds depth and a subtle citrus note that ties the ingredients together.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for stirring

Mixing equipments

This is a stirred drink, requiring a mixing glass, a bar spoon for chilling and dilution, and a strainer. Accurate measurements with a jigger are key to achieving the correct balance.
  • Mixing glass: for combining and chilling the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool: for accurate pouring.
  • Bar spoon: for stirring the cocktail.
  • Hawthorne or Julep strainer: for straining the drink into the glass.

Instructions

This cocktail is built by stirring all liquid ingredients with ice in a mixing glass to achieve perfect chill and dilution. It is then strained into a chilled cocktail glass and finished with the essential oils of a lemon peel.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice and water.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Stir gently and consistently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is frosty and well-chilled.
5. If you used ice to chill your serving glass, discard it. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink with the skin facing down, and give it a sharp squeeze to express the citrus oils onto the surface.
7. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel, then drop it into the drink as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The sole garnish is a lemon twist. Expressing its oils over the drink is crucial as it adds a bright citrus aroma that significantly enhances the drinking experience.
  • Lemon twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the surface of the drink and drop it in or place it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is caffeine-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. While spirits are generally considered gluten-free after distillation, it's not guaranteed, and some vermouths may use non-vegan fining agents like isinglass or gelatin.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Lonsdale Cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol. Its sugar and carbohydrate content comes almost entirely from the sweet vermouth, making it relatively low in both.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 6-8 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 6-8 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfectly suited as a pre-dinner aperitif to awaken the senses. Its classic and refined nature makes it an excellent choice for sophisticated cocktail parties or any gathering where classic recipes are appreciated.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Classic Cocktail Night

Pairing suggestions

The Lonsdale Cocktail pairs wonderfully with savory and salty appetizers that complement its herbal and bittersweet notes. Think classic aperitivo snacks like olives, cured meats, and hard cheeses. Its clean profile cuts through richness without overwhelming delicate flavors.
  • Marinated Olives
  • Salted Almonds
  • Charcuterie board with prosciutto and salami
  • Mild cheeses like Comté or Gruyère

The Lonsdale Cocktail: A Noble Sip of History

The Lonsdale Cocktail is a sophisticated, stirred gin drink that offers a perfect balance of botanical, herbal, and bittersweet notes. Hailing from 1930s London, it combines gin with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, finished with orange bitters and a bright lemon twist. It's an excellent choice for an aperitif or for anyone who enjoys classic, spirit-forward cocktails like the Martinez or a Perfect Martini, offering a glimpse into the elegant cocktail culture of a bygone era.

Similar Cocktails

Perfect Martini

A Perfect Martini also uses gin with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, but typically in different ratios (e.g., 2 parts gin to 0.5 part of each vermouth) and often omits bitters.

Martinez

Considered a precursor to the Martini, the Martinez traditionally uses Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Boker's or Angostura bitters, making it sweeter and more complex.

Income Tax Cocktail

Similar base of gin and two vermouths, but adds a small amount of fresh orange juice, making it slightly sweeter and fruitier.

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