The Tennis Cup Cocktail recipe
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The Tennis Cup is a tall, easy-drinking gin-based highball that leans into the “cup” style of mixed drinks—lightly fortified, gently bitter, and built for long sipping. With Dubonnet at its core, it nods to aperitif culture where quinine-tinged wines meet bright citrus and a lift of fizz. It isn’t a widely codified classic with a single, well-known origin story, but it fits the modern revival of low-key, aromatic serves that feel at home at casual gatherings and sunny afternoons.
You’ll find gin’s crisp botanicals threaded through Dubonnet’s winey sweetness and quinine-like bitterness, while triple sec adds a clean orange sweetness that ties everything together. Aromatic bitters deepen the spice and herbal edges, keeping the profile from drifting too soft. Ginger ale brings a zesty sparkle, cola adds a darker, caramel-like sweetness, and the orange slices reinforce the citrus theme with a fresh, fragrant finish.
Serve it when you want something refreshing but more complex than a simple mixer—think garden parties, game-day lounging, or an aperitif that can stretch into the evening. It suits drinkers who like bittersweet flavors, gentle fizz, and a citrus-forward profile without sharp sourness.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin and Dubonnet lead with juniper and winey, gently bitter richness, brightened by triple sec and orange slices, while aromatic bitters deepen the spice and ginger ale and cola add fizzy sweetness with a soft ginger snap. It works because the ginger heat and bitters keep the cola and liqueur from turning cloying, making it ideal for highball drinkers who like a long, citrusy, lightly bitter sip.
Method
How to make a The Tennis Cup
- Gin 15ml, Triple sec 15ml, Dubonnet 45ml, Aromatic bitters 2 dashes, Ginger ale 50ml, Cola 50ml, Orange 2 slices
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- Add the orange slices into a tall glass
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- Add 45ml Dubonnet, 15ml Gin, 15ml Triple Sec, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters, 50ml Ginger Ale, and 50ml Cola
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- Stir, garnish and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a premium gin to enhance the botanical notes in the cocktail, which will complement the complexity of the Dubonnet.
- Chill the highball glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to ensure the drink stays colder for longer.
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FAQ's
Are there any suitable substitutes for Dubonnet in The Tennis Cup?
If you don't have Dubonnet, a similar substitution would be sweet vermouth or Lillet Rouge. These alternatives provide a comparable flavor profile, though the exact taste may vary slightly.
What occasions are best suited for serving The Tennis Cup cocktail?
The Tennis Cup is ideal for outdoor gatherings, especially during summer, such as garden parties, picnics, or while watching sports events like tennis matches. Its refreshing and light profile makes it perfect for warm weather.
What food pairs well with The Tennis Cup cocktail?
The Tennis Cup pairs well with light and fresh fare such as seafood, salads, and finger foods like cucumber sandwiches or cheese platters. These choices complement the cocktail's refreshing and slightly bitter notes.
Is there any specific technique for preparing The Tennis Cup?
The Tennis Cup should be shaken, not stirred, to ensure that all the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled. Use plenty of ice in the shaker and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange slices for added flavor and presentation.
Is there a specific time of year when The Tennis Cup is most enjoyable?
The Tennis Cup is most enjoyable during the spring and summer months. Its refreshing mixture of gin, Dubonnet, and ginger ale, along with the citrusy notes, makes it perfect for warmer weather and outdoor activities.
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