Millionaire Cocktail

The Millionaire Cocktail is a sophisticated, fruit-forward classic that balances sweet, sour, and boozy notes perfectly. It combines the berry tartness of sloe gin with the stone fruit sweetness of apricot brandy and the rich depth of a dark Jamaican rum. Fresh lime juice cuts through the sweetness, creating a complex and refreshing drink that feels truly luxurious.
Millionaire Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Millionaire Cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in the Prohibition era. It belongs to the sour family of drinks, characterized by a base spirit, a sweet element, and a sour citrus element, creating a balanced and flavorful profile.

Serving

The Millionaire Cocktail is served "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, making for a pleasant but potent sipping experience.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This version of the Millionaire Cocktail first appeared in Harry Craddock's influential "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930. Like many cocktails with opulent names from the early 20th century, it was designed to evoke a sense of wealth and aspiration. Its rich combination of imported ingredients made it a decadent treat during a time of economic uncertainty.
Origin
The drink was popularized by its inclusion in "The Savoy Cocktail Book" in 1930. While its exact creator is unknown, its origin is firmly tied to the sophisticated American and European cocktail scenes of the 1920s Prohibition era.

Millionaire Cocktail

The drink is commonly known as the Millionaire Cocktail. It is sometimes specified as "No. 1" or the "Savoy version" to differentiate it from other, unrelated cocktails that share the "Millionaire" name, such as a popular bourbon-based version.
Original name
Millionaire Cocktail
Alternative name
Millionaire Cocktail No. 1

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex fruity flavor profile with a beautiful balance between sweet and sour. It has a smooth texture and a lovely ruby appearance, offering a refreshing yet rich drinking experience.
Flavor
fruity, tart, sweet, complex, berry notes, stone fruit, molasses
Aroma
fruity, jammy, citrusy, funky
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
clean, fruity, lingering sweetness
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
reddish-pink, hazy, ruby hue
Texture
smooth, silky
Seasonality
refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and sour, with a noticeable sweetness and a moderate alcohol presence. It is a bold, well-balanced drink that is not creamy, salty, or spicy.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need sloe gin, apricot brandy, dark Jamaican rum, and fresh lime juice. A dash of grenadine is also traditionally included for extra color and sweetness.
  • Sloe Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A gin-based liqueur flavored with sloe berries, providing a tart, fruity base.
  • Apricot Brandy20 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use a quality apricot liqueur for the best stone fruit flavor.
  • Dark Jamaican Rum15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A pot-still Jamaican rum adds a distinctive funky character.
  • Lime Juice20 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and balance.
  • Grenadine1 dash (approx 2.5 ml / 0.08 oz)(optional)
    Optional, for a touch of sweetness and color, as per the original Savoy recipe.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a shaken cocktail, so you will need a cocktail shaker and a set of strainers. A jigger is essential for measuring the ingredients accurately to maintain balance.
  • Cocktail shaker, for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool, for accurate pouring.
  • Hawthorne strainer, to hold back ice when pouring.
  • Fine-mesh strainer, for double straining to remove ice shards.

Instructions

The process is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake well until chilled, and double strain into the glass. Garnish and serve immediately.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine the sloe gin, apricot brandy, dark Jamaican rum, fresh lime juice, and grenadine (if using) in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with fresh ice cubes.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel or a lime twist and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lime wheel or twist is the perfect garnish. It adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements the drink's ingredients without overpowering them.
  • Lime wheel or twist, to place on the rim or float on top.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is 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, primarily from the alcohol and sugars in the liqueurs and juice. The sugar content is relatively high due to the sweet liqueurs used.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent cocktail for sophisticated gatherings, celebrations, or as an aperitif before a meal. Its rich and complex profile also makes it a wonderful drink for quiet evening sipping.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Celebration
  • Evening Sipping

Pairing suggestions

The Millionaire Cocktail's fruity and tart profile pairs well with savory and fatty foods. Consider serving it with a charcuterie board, sharp cheeses, or even alongside rich poultry dishes like duck, as its acidity can cut through the richness of the food.
  • Sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Lightly spiced nuts
  • Rich poultry dishes like duck confit

The Millionaire Cocktail: A Taste of Vintage Luxury

The Millionaire Cocktail is a delightful throwback to the glamour of the Prohibition era. It's a complex sour that beautifully marries the tart berry notes of sloe gin with rich apricot and the distinctive character of Jamaican rum. Its balance of sweet, sour, and potent flavors creates a deeply satisfying experience. While not as famous as some of its contemporaries, it offers a sophisticated taste for those looking to explore classic cocktails beyond the usual suspects.

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