Queen Anne Cocktail

The Queen Anne Cocktail is a lesser-known classic that offers a beautiful blend of flavors. The gin provides a crisp, botanical backbone, which is softened by the rich, herbal notes of sweet vermouth. The addition of pineapple juice gives the drink a tropical, fruity sweetness and a pleasant tartness, resulting in a well-balanced and refreshing libation. It's a simple yet elegant drink perfect for those who enjoy gin cocktails with a fruity twist.
Queen Anne Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Queen Anne is classified as a classic cocktail. It falls into the category of shaken, gin-based drinks with a fruity profile, often enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal.

Serving

Served cold and 'up' in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, this is a spirit-forward yet fruity drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approx. 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The exact origins of the Queen Anne Cocktail are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been named in honor of Queen Anne of Great Britain. It began appearing in cocktail recipe books in the early to mid-20th century. The combination of gin, a quintessentially English spirit, with ingredients popular at the time likely led to its royal moniker, reflecting an air of classic sophistication.
Origin
The cocktail likely originated in the United States or Europe during the pre-Prohibition or early post-Prohibition era, roughly the 1920s-1930s. Its exact place and creator are not well-documented.

Queen Anne Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Queen Anne Cocktail, though it sometimes appears with the possessive "Queen Anne's Cocktail". It is a classic cocktail with a straightforward name, avoiding significant variations in its moniker.
Original name
Queen Anne Cocktail
Alternative name
Queen Anne's Cocktail

Characteristics overview

It presents a fruity and botanical flavor profile with a sweet-tart balance and a smooth texture. The aroma is dominated by pineapple and juniper, leading to a clean, refreshing finish.
Flavor
Fruity, botanical, herbal, sweet, tart
Aroma
Pineapple, juniper, herbaceous
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, slightly herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, pale yellow, golden-hued
Texture
Smooth, medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, suitable year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a moderately sweet and sour cocktail with a strong fruity character and noticeable alcohol presence. It is completely still and contains no bitter, salty, or spicy notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires just three main ingredients: a solid London Dry gin, a quality sweet vermouth, and fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor.
  • Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A London Dry style gin works best to cut through the other flavors.
  • Sweet Vermouth22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A quality Italian-style sweet vermouth is recommended.
  • Pineapple Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly pressed pineapple juice is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and strainers, to prepare this drink properly. A fine mesh strainer is recommended for a smoother texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to separate ice from liquid.
  • Fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture.

Instructions

The preparation involves chilling a glass, shaking all three liquid ingredients with ice, and double straining into the glass before garnishing.
1. Place your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
2. Pour the gin, sweet vermouth, and pineapple juice into 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 frosty.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a small wedge of fresh pineapple on the rim of the glass and serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish simply with a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim for a tropical touch, or optionally drop in a maraschino cherry for a classic look.
  • Pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass.
  • Maraschino cherry dropped into the drink (optional alternative).

Dietary Information

This drink is typically free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Most ingredients are gluten-free and it is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and the natural sugars in the pineapple juice and vermouth.
Calories
Approximately 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-13 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is versatile enough for various social gatherings, from a casual summer party to more formal events. It serves wonderfully as an aperitif before dinner.
  • Cocktail party
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Summer gathering
  • Elegant events

Pairing suggestions

The Queen Anne Cocktail pairs well with light fare such as seafood appetizers and salty snacks. Its fruity profile also complements mild cheeses and can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif.
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail
  • Salty snacks like olives or nuts
  • Mild cheeses

The Royal Refreshment: A Guide to the Queen Anne Cocktail

The Queen Anne Cocktail is a charming and underappreciated classic gin drink that harmoniously blends botanical, herbal, and tropical fruit notes. Its straightforward three-ingredient recipe makes it an accessible choice for home bartenders, while its balanced and refreshing character ensures it is a sophisticated option for any cocktail gathering. It serves as a delightful alternative to more common gin sours, offering a unique taste of cocktail history with an elegant, royal touch.