A Short History of the Crack Baby Cocktail

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The Crack Baby cocktail might not yet be considered a classic, but it has already secured its place in cocktail culture thanks to its association with the British royal family. The drink, favored by Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, during her younger years, comes with a surprisingly spicy backstory—one that involves exclusive nightclubs, royal revelry, and a fair share of controversy. While its history may be short, it is certainly not without intrigue!

TL;DR:

• A Royal Favorite: The Crack Baby cocktail, rumored to be a favorite of Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, originated at Boujis bar in Kensington and quickly became a cult favorite.
• Scandalous Beginnings: Boujis was known for its exclusivity and controversies, including bar brawls and reports of substituting high-end champagne with cheaper alternatives, leading to its closure in 2016.
• New Beginnings: The Crack Baby found a new home at the Eclipse bar in South Kensington and Chelsea, continuing its legacy among London’s elite.
• Other Royal Drinks: Prince William is said to enjoy the "Treasure Chest" cocktail at Mahiki, proving that the royal taste for unique drinks is alive and well!

Extravagant Beginnings at Boujis

The Crack Baby was born at the Boujis bar in Kensington, a hotspot for London’s elite and a favorite haunt of the young royals. This delightful concoction is a mix of vodka, passion fruit puree, syrup, Chambord, and champagne—a light, sweet, and dangerously drinkable combination that quickly earned its reputation for being "moreish." Rumored to have been Kate Middleton's favorite drink before her transition into motherhood, the Crack Baby’s charm lies in its playful presentation: served in a giant syringe, it offers a cheeky contrast to the sophisticated image usually associated with royalty.

Controversy and Closure: The Downfall of Boujis

However, the Crack Baby's origins at Boujis are not without controversy. The club, which maintained a notoriously strict door policy, often turned away hopeful patrons unless they were part of London’s high society. Despite its exclusivity, Boujis found itself in hot water on several occasions. One infamous incident involved a bar brawl that left a patron with a cracked cheekbone; another, just months earlier, erupted into a full-blown melee right outside the club’s entrance.

Reports also surfaced alleging that Boujis staff filled £360 bottles of Dom Perignon with a much cheaper £10 alternative, duping its well-heeled clientele. These controversies eventually led to Boujis’ closure in March 2016. Rather than shutting down permanently, the venue reinvented itself as a private members-only club, shifting focus from late-night revelry to a more refined dining experience. It's likely that Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, still enjoys her favorite cocktail there, away from prying eyes.

The Cocktail that Stays in Vogue

Despite Boujis’ fall from grace, the Crack Baby cocktail has survived and thrived, finding a new home at the Eclipse bar in South Kensington and Chelsea. Here, the drink has continued to enjoy popularity among London's stylish set, allowing you the chance to sip like a royal—just remember not to indulge too much!

Royal Cocktail Preferences: Not Just Crack Babies

While the Crack Baby might be Kate’s go-to, Prince William is said to have a fondness for another extravagant concoction, the "Treasure Chest," served at Mahiki, a popular London tiki bar. This cocktail, more of a punch than a shot, is designed for sharing and features many of the same luxurious ingredients. Served in an actual treasure chest, it combines Mahiki Grog, brandy, peach liqueur, lime, sugar, and is topped with champagne—a royal treat for those willing to splurge.

Where to Find the Crack Baby Now

If you're keen to try the Crack Baby yourself, head over to the Eclipse bar in South Kensington or Chelsea. While Boujis may have shut its doors to the public, the spirit of the drink lives on, offering the chance to experience a taste of royal nightlife. Just be careful; this delightful concoction is as potent as it is palatable!