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Cocktail History
The Coronation is a classic cocktail that was created by Harry Craddock and was first published in his 1930 recipe book The Savoy Cocktail Book. This Gilded Age recipe, which was named for Edward VII’s coronation, is traditionally made with a dry yet palatable mixture of fino sherry, dry vermouth, cherry liqueur, and citrus.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Fino Sherry: This is a type of fortified wine made in Spain with palomino grapes. We used Sheffield Cellars Very Dry Sherry because it has a dry and rich wine flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Non-Alcoholic Sherry Flavoring in place of the sherry.
Dry Vermouth: This is a fortified wine made with grapes, sugar, botanicals, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. We used Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry because it has a light and airy flavor profile with notes of Alpine herbs. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Dry in place of the dry vermouth.
Maraschino Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with cherries, honey, herbs, spices, sugar, and alcohol. We used Luxardo Maraschino Orginale Liqueur because it has a distinct earthy aroma and sweet cherry flavor. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Trader Vic’s Non-Alcoholic Maraschino Cherry Syrup in place of the cherry liqueur.
Orange Bitters: This is a spirit made with oranges, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. We used Scrappy’s Bitters Orange Bitters because they offer the classic taste of citrus-flavored bitters. For a mocktail version of this drink, try All The Bitter Non-Alcoholic Orange Bitters in place of the bitters.
Orange Peel: This the peel of an orange that has been cut into a strip.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. We used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. We used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Peeler: This is used to remove the garnish peel from the citrus. We used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.
Tasting Notes
The Coronation features aromas of sherry and orange and a fairly muted initial taste followed by the dominant flavors of vermouth and sherry after swallowing.
Our Opinion of This Cocktail Recipe: Overall, we thought it was a lovely, light cocktail that’s not sweet at all but still easy for both of us to drink. We could imagine aristocrats sipping it at a glamorous event where they don’t want to lose face after too many drinks.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Which of our palates is yours most like?
Find out if your palate is most similar to Alex’s or Kendall’s by answering five questions.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.
Add sherry, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, bitters, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with orange peel.
Ingredients
Directions
Add sherry, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, bitters, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with orange peel.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Non-Alcoholic Sherry Flavoring in place of the sherry, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Dry in place of the dry vermouth, Trader Vic’s Non-Alcoholic Maraschino Cherry Syrup in place of the cherry liqueur, and All The Bitter Non-Alcoholic Orange Bitters in place of the bitters in place of the bitters to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Sherry Cocktails
If you like this sherry-based cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Trident: An aquavit and sherry cocktail made with Cynar, peach bitters, and a lemon peel
Adonis: A fino sherry cocktail made with sweet vermouth, orange bitters, and an orange peel
King Neptune’s Tonic: An Oloroso sherry cocktail made with dark rum, coffee liqueur, tonic water, and a lemon twist
Cranberry Cobbler: A sherry cocktail made with cranberry syrup, orange slices, an orange wedge, mint, and cranberries
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