Prince of WalesCocktail recipe
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Prince of Wales is a rye-forward Champagne cocktail that sits in the same celebratory, spirit-laced family as other sparkling aperitif-style drinks. Beyond the regal name, you’ll find it reads as a dressed-up whiskey cocktail topped with bubbles: strong at the core, brightened and lifted by a short pour of Champagne or prosecco. Its character feels old-school and formal, the kind of drink that suits a toast as much as a slow sip.
On the palate, rye whiskey brings a dry, spicy backbone that’s softened by a teaspoon of sugar or simple syrup. A quarter teaspoon of maraschino cherry liqueur adds a concentrated, perfumed sweetness that plays nicely with the rye’s edge, while a dash of aromatic bitters tightens everything up with a gently bitter, spiced snap. The Champagne/prosecco adds crisp effervescence and a light, fruity lift, and the pineapple wedge gives you a fresh, juicy accent alongside the drink.
You’ll enjoy this most when you want something elegant but not delicate—sparkling, yet unmistakably whiskey-led. It suits pre-dinner drinks, celebrations, and cocktail-hour moments where a coupe feels right. If you like Champagne cocktails but prefer a drier, spicier profile than gin or brandy versions, this is an easy fit.
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Rye whiskey leads with spicy grain and dry warmth, lifted by Champagne/prosecco fizz, while a teaspoon of sugar/simple syrup and a quarter teaspoon of maraschino cherry liqueur add a glossy sweetness; aromatic bitters deepen the edges and a pineapple wedge brings bright, juicy fruit. It works because the bubbles and bitters keep the sweeteners in check and let rye stay assertive, ideal for whiskey drinkers who want a festive, lightly fruity sparkle.
Method
How to make a Prince of Wales
- Rye whiskey 45ml, Maraschino cherry liqueur Quarter teaspoon, Champagne / prosecco 30ml, Sugar / simple syrup Teaspoon, Aromatic bitters Dash, Pineapple Wedge
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- The drink is prepared by stirring sugar and bitters in a cocktail shaker, adding whisky and the liqueur, then adding the pineapple
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- These are shaken with crushed ice, the mix is strained into a cocktail glass, and then topped up with champagne to serve
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Find out more- For a balanced sweetness, use a rich (2:1) simple syrup instead of the standard one to amplify the flavors.
- A small splash of club soda before topping with champagne can help lighten the cocktail and add an extra effervescence.
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FAQ's
Can I use bourbon instead of rye whiskey in the Prince of Wales cocktail?
Yes, bourbon can be substituted for rye whiskey in the Prince of Wales cocktail. Bourbon will give the cocktail a slightly sweeter and fuller flavor compared to the spicy and bold profile of rye.
What are some garnish variations for the Prince of Wales?
Aside from the classic pineapple wedge, consider adding a twist of orange peel or a lemon zest to complement the drink's citrus notes. An additional maraschino cherry can also enhance the cocktail's presentation and sweetness.
What is the best temperature to serve the Prince of Wales cocktail?
The Prince of Wales cocktail is best served cold. Chill the cocktail glass before serving and consider shaking the ingredients with ice before straining into the glass to ensure the drink is thoroughly chilled.
How does the alcohol content of the Prince of Wales compare to a standard glass of wine?
With an alcohol content of 26.85%, the Prince of Wales is significantly stronger than a standard glass of wine, which typically has an alcohol content of 11-14%. Therefore, it is advisable to consume the cocktail sparingly.
Should the Angostura bitters be added before or after shaking the other ingredients in the Prince of Wales?
The Angostura bitters should be added to the mix before shaking. This allows the bitters to fully integrate with the other ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced flavor throughout the cocktail.
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