Abbey Cocktail Recipe

A Brief History of the Abbey Cocktail

The Abbey Cocktail isn't as widely known as some of its cocktail cousins, but it holds a special place in the history of classic bartending. This delightful concoction first appeared in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, one of the most influential bartenders of the early 20th century. The Abbey Cocktail draws from the era’s love for gin-based drinks, combining its juniper-forward notes with the brightness of orange juice and the complexity of bitters.

Modern cocktail enthusiasts appreciate the Abbey for its simplicity and balance, making it a delightful aperitif or a sophisticated companion to brunch.

What You’ll Need to Make the Recipe

Gin: The cornerstone of this cocktail, providing its robust and aromatic base. Opt for a quality London Dry gin for a crisp, clean taste, though a more floral gin can add an interesting twist.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is essential for the best flavor. It adds a fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the gin.
Orange Bitters: This ingredient adds a layer of complexity and depth. It’s the secret weapon that transforms the drink from simple to sophisticated.
Cherry: A maraschino cherry serves as a delightful garnish. It not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of sweetness to each sip.

Love for the Abbey Cocktail

The Abbey Cocktail is a favorite because of its elegance and simplicity. It’s a perfect illustration of how a few, well-selected ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Serve it at dinner parties; its vintage allure always sparks conversation. Plus, its refreshing citrus punch makes it an ideal palate cleanser.

If you ever find yourself in need of a drink that’s both impressive and easy to prepare, the Abbey Cocktail is a fantastic choice.

Substitutions

If you don’t have orange bitters on hand, Angostura bitters can be a suitable substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
For a non-alcoholic version, you can replace gin with a botanical non-alcoholic spirit and skip the bitters.

Similar Cocktails

If you enjoy the Abbey Cocktail, you might also like these other gin-based classics:

Gin Fizz: A light and frothy cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water.
Martini: The quintessential classic cocktail, a mix of gin and dry vermouth.
Negroni: A bold and bitter cocktail featuring gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Tom Collins: A refreshing mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water.

Each of these drinks shares the gin base but offers a unique twist that’s worth exploring.