Royalty have forever fascinated us, not just because of their power but for the personal quirks revealed in their choices like what they drank. From ancient pharaohs to modern-day duchesses, a monarch’s drink of choice tells us about their personality and era. These drinks were not just thirst quenchers; they were symbols of status, comfort beverages, or acts of rebellion. Enjoy 14 royal drinks as luxurious as the crowns they wore.
Having read and indulged in history, I am perpetually interested in these choices. A king’s raucous brandy or a queen’s delicate cocktail reveals a universe about their universe. Join me on this journey through the ages, where each taste tells a tale of flavor and tradition.
From peppered brandy to fizzy Champagne, these beverages transcend centuries and cultures. They’re more than beverages they’re liquid legacies that connect us to the past. Take a sip as we explore the history-rich sips of monarchs, starting with a sparkling favorite.
1. Champagne: The Glamour of Monarch Celebration
Champagne’s glint and pizzazz make it the royal darling, the ultimate symbol of luxury and bliss. Its bubbly loveliness enchanted monarchs who revelled in the high life. Sun King Louis XIV loved it so much that physicians warned against overindulgence.
His Champagne affection wasn’t just personal it fueled envy from other French wine regions. King Edward VII subsequently made it de rigueur at high parties, a precedent that was emulated by Queen Mother’s fondness for Bollinger. Queen Elizabeth II and Sarah Ferguson kept the bubbly flowing, solidifying its ageless royal appeal.
- Why it’s royal: Champagne’s sparkle screams celebration and excess.
- Modern heritage: Bollinger’s royal warrant in 1884 cements its royal heritage.
- Tips for tasting: Drink it cold to relish its celebratory, crisp flavors.
Champagne’s flexibility, from state banquets to quiet toasts, makes it a monarch’s best friend. Its bubbles contain centuries of celebration, binding earlier courts to the current festivities. For queens and kings, it is not just a drink it’s a statement of grandeur.
2. Peppered Brandy: Peter the Great’s Hot Drink
Peter the Great, Russia’s fearless czar, didn’t just imbibe he made it a social spectacle. His “Jolly Company” bashes were the toast of the town for their alcoholic camaraderie. At the focal point of this bacchanalia was his favorite: peppered brandy, a fiery, no-holds-barred drink.
This straightforward combination of brandy and peppers suited Peter’s over-the-top personality. Unlike refined European court wines, it suited Russia’s coarsely boisterous, communal nature. It was a drink that engendered laughter and frank discussion.
Peppered brandy’s heat was more than a quirk it symbolized Peter’s push for strength and unity. He encouraged everyone to join in, making drinking a shared adventure. For him, this fiery sip was a toast to resilience and revelry.
3. Mead: Elizabeth I’s Honeyed Elixir
Though beer was ubiquitous in Tudor England, Queen Elizabeth I had a sweeter taste: mead. Fermented from honey, the ancient drink was to her preference. Her own royal beekeeper gave her personal formula a reliable supply.
Elizabeth’s mead was not just a drink it was a symbol of pride in a beer-loving era. Its sweetness and gold were a kingly respite from daily brews. The carefully preserved recipe takes us into her world.
Mead’s appeal lies in its simplicity and historical depth, a favorite of a queen who liked tradition. It united her with old custom while showing her personal taste. To Elizabeth, it was a taste of refinement in a crowded court.
4. Chambertin Wine: Napoleon’s Strategic Sip
Napoleon Bonaparte, the brilliant tactician, was soothed by Burgundy Chambertin wine. He famously informed his friends that it imparted to the future a “rosy” glow, referring to its motivational properties. It was not mere hedonism; he was given it by his physician for medical purposes.
Chambertin’s earthy richness suited Napoleon’s bold yet introspective nature. It wasn’t an accident; it was reflective of the era’s trust in wine as a medicinal tool. Renaissance-man Napoleon therefore drank his wine both for pleasure and for tactical ritual.
- Why it works: Chambertin’s richness matches Napoleon’s complex mind.
- Health perspective: Prescribed to keep him strong, it served both pleasure and intention.
- Flavor note: Find full-bodied fruit and smooth finish.
Napoleon’s love for Chambertin shows the level to which even emperors were dependent on simple pleasures. It was a beverage that fueled his ambition and lightened his load. To him, it was a taste of triumph in each glass.
5. Dubonnet & Gin: A Royal Mother-Daughter Tradition
The Dubonnet and gin cocktail, a regal blend of sweet aperitif and dry gin, brought the Queen Mother together with Queen Elizabeth II. The mother preferred a ferocious 2:1 gin mix, while the daughter preferred a lighter, Dubonnet-laced version. It was a cocktail that came to be identified with their combined refinement.
Served with a lemon slice and round ice to avoid clinking, it reflected royal refinement. Elizabeth II’s love for it made it a palace staple, sipped quietly in private moments. Its simplicity belied its deep-rooted tradition.
- Family tie: Passed from mother to daughter, it’s a royal heirloom.
- Preparation tip: Adjust ratios to taste bold or subtle, it’s versatile.
- Etiquette notes: Silent ice cubes show royal attention to detail.
The Dubonnet Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Glass or a shaker tin
- 1 Jigger for precise measurement
- 1 Bar Spoon for stirring
- 1 Cocktail Strainer
- 2 Chilled Cocktail Glasses
Ingredients
Main
- 1 1/2 ounces Dubonnet Rouge
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Ensure your cocktail glasses are chilled by placing them in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or by filling them with ice and water.
- Measure 1 1/2 ounces of Dubonnet Rouge using a jigger and pour it into a mixing glass filled with fresh ice.
- Measure 1 1/2 ounces of gin and add it to the mixing glass with the Dubonnet Rouge and ice.
- Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to thoroughly chill and combine the ingredients.
- Discard the ice and water from your chilled cocktail glasses.
- Place a cocktail strainer over the mixing glass and strain the chilled cocktail into the prepared glasses.
- Take a fresh lemon and carefully cut a twist of its peel, avoiding too much pith.
- Express the oils from the lemon twist over the surface of the drink by gently twisting it, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
Notes
This cocktail’s enduring appeal lies in its balance of tradition and personal flair. It’s a drink that feels both timeless and intimate, connecting two queens across decades. For them, it was a quiet toast to continuity.
6. The King’s Ginger: Edward VII’s Warming Tonic
Developed in 1903 for King Edward VII, The King’s Ginger was not only a drink but a royal remedy. Meant to keep him warm on hunting trips, this brandy-based combination of ginger, honey, and lemon became a family favorite. Its creation was a bespoke answer to royal respite.
Edward’s enthusiasm for this hot liquor caught on at the royal court, its warmth a pleasant companion on cold outings. Began only for the elite, it eventually reached the masses, a portion of royal lineage. Pungent to the palate, it was the favorite of upper circles.
The King’s Ginger balances necessity with extravagance, a picture of the utilitarian but hedonistic personality of Edward. Remember that kings were people too. Today, it’s a sip of history for everyone.
7. Imperial Stout: Catherine the Great’s Bold Brew
Catherine the Great, Russian empress and German-born, taken aback by her love of English stouts. Showing disregard for beers in her adopted and native land, she embraced this dark, full-bodied drink. Her palate as robust as she was herself.
Discontent with ordinary stouts, Catherine imported an extra-strength version from London’s Anchor Brewery. This special beer, known as Imperial Stout, was a legend, brewed to her court’s discerning tastes. It was a beer as powerful as she was.
- Why it’s special: Its strength reflects Catherine’s assertive personality.
- Brewing heritage: Her demand led to a new style of beer consumed today.
- Flavour note: Rich, malty depths with a strong finish.
Imperial Stout’s creation illustrates how a king’s taste would shift the course of gastronomic history. Marie Antoinette’s love for it was a statement of independence and power. It remains a testament to her pioneering nature.
8. Hot Chocolate: Marie Antoinette’s Morning Luxury
Marie Antoinette started every day at Versailles with a rich cup of hot chocolate. To her contemporaries, it was not a common luxury anything but. It was a rich indulgence that reflected the fact she was wealthy. Her personal chocolateier made each sip just right.
This breakfast ritual was not just excess; it was a display of regal extravagance. The velvety, rich beverage was as luxurious as the existence she had within the court. It was a small excess that established her mornings.
Hot chocolate’s role in Marie Antoinette’s existence shows how even simple pleasures like hot chocolate became a work of art in the hands of kings and queens. Its heat provided comfort amidst the grandeur of Versailles. It was to her a sip of excess in every cup.
9. The Bellini: Diana’s Sparkling Elegance
Princess Diana, the ultimate in elegance, was linked with the Bellini, a peach purée and Prosecco cocktail. Its fizzy, fruity lightness captured her lively but cultivated sense of style. Rumors of her drinking it with Freddie Mercury give it a playfully irresponsible twist.
The Bellini’s Venetian charm suited Diana’s knack for blending tradition with modernity. It was a drink for celebrations, reflecting her love for life’s joyful moments. Its effervescence mirrored her captivating presence.
- Why it fits: The Bellini’s elegance echoes Diana’s timeless charm.
- Tasting tip: Use fresh peach purée for authentic sweetness.
- Fun anecdote: Picture Diana, disguised, enjoying it in a lively bar.
Diana’s alleged Bellini love makes her out to be a princess who loved fun and intimacy. It’s a drink that is both refined and inviting, much like her. It’s a fizzy tribute to her lasting magnetism.
10. Tignanello Wine: Meghan’s Tuscan Epiphany
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, found a discovery in Tignanello, a rich Italian red wine from Tuscany. This “super Tuscan” Cabernet and Sangiovese mix of wines sparked her interest in the craft of wine. She christened her blog, The Tig, after it.
Tignanello’s richer texture and subtle scents captivated Meghan, making her aware of wine’s “body and legs.” It was not merely a drink it was a revelation. Her love for it suggests a thoughtful, curious palate.
Meghan also prefers Californian Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, but Tignanello is her favorite. It’s a wine as modern and elegant as she is. To her, it’s a flavor of innovation from Italy’s vineyards.
11. The Crack Baby: Kate’s Frivolous Past
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is famous for her elegance, but her college days reveal a bubbly side to her personality. She used to serve the “Crack Baby,” a flamboyant mix of vodka, raspberry liqueur, passion fruit, and Champagne. It’s a drink that screams party.
This spicy cocktail, which is said to have been served at her wedding reception, is a deviation from her normal classy gin and tonic. The pungent flavor implies a younger Kate who loved partying. It’s a cheeky glimpse of her pre-royal history.
- Reason why it will work: The Crack Baby’s sassiness is like Kate’s wild youth.
- Serving suggestion: Chill the ingredients for a chilled celebratory drink.
- Royal twist: It gives a saucy depth to her classy persona.
The Crack Baby shows off Kate’s ability to balance tradition with bursts of enthusiasm. It’s a reminder that even future queens are not above having a sense of humor. This cocktail is a tribute to her high-energy heritage.
12. Vodka Redbull: Harry’s High-Energy Choice
Prince Harry’s reported drink of choice, Vodka Redbull, is fitting for his hectic, rule-breaking lifestyle. With Cîroc vodka, it’s a highly charged mix for a drunken night. It indicates the prince had embraced the current trends when he was younger.
This drink’s zest was reminiscent of Harry’s vibrant social existence before his settling into less rowdy roles. Its exuberant, unfussy character was fitting for a prince who lived on his own terms. It’s a drink that screams fun and freedom.
Harry’s Vodka Redbull choice indicates a prince not one to shy away from convention. Though he’s grown up since, this beverage evokes memories of his wild, irresponsible days. It’s a high-energy portrait of his youth.
13. Laphroaig Scotch: Charles III’s Peaty Passion
King Charles III’s love for Laphroaig 15-year-old Scotch reveals a taste for bold, smoky flavors. This peaty single malt from Scotland’s Isles suits his appreciation for tradition and depth. It’s a drink that demands savoring.
Laphroaig’s sea notes and strong character resonate with Charles’s affection for heritage. He also prefers a well-balanced 50/50 Martini, demonstrating his adaptable palate. This Scotch, however, is still his go-to drink.
- Why it works: Laphroaig’s complexity mirrors the meticulousness of Charles.
- Tasting tip: Enjoy it neat to appreciate its smoky depth.
- Eco twist: His preference for organic wines harmonizes with this choice.
Charles’s selection of Laphroaig is a monarch who values history and excellence. It’s a robust choice that ties him to Scotland’s untamed terrains. To him, it’s a taste of heritage that has endured.
14. The Treasure Chest: William’s Lavish Youth
Prince William, now a role model for responsibility, used to indulge in the extravagance “Treasure Chest” cocktail. The £180 beverage of brandy, peach liqueur, and Champagne, garnished with sparklers, was the highlight of the party. This depicts a young, carefree prince.
Spread throughout Mahiki nightclub, this cocktail was a wild night thrill. It is different from William’s modern penchant for simple beers or ciders, which shows his maturation. It was a sophisticated choice for a future king.
Treasure Chest is a recollection when William treated himself to luxury and excess. It’s a reminder that princes too experience their wild youth. This cocktail shines with the extravagance of his youth.
Final Thoughts: Sipping Through History
From Louis XIV’s Champagne to William’s sparkling Treasure Chest, these drinks reveal the human character of royalty. Every one of them has a story to tell of celebration, rebellion, or reflective serenity. They are not just drinks; they are mirrors held to personalities and lives shaped by character and might.
Whatever daring Scotch or fruity Bellini you serve, you’re serving a piece of history. So, raise a glass to these royal customs and enjoy the tales they tell. Cheers to kings and queens and their iconic drinks!
