![15-09-26-RalfR-WLC-0295](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/15-09-26-RalfR-WLC-0295.jpg)
The Prince of Wales is a cocktail created by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King
Edward VII
Edward VII (Albert Edward; 9 November 1841 – 6 May 1910) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India, from 22 January 1901 until his death in 1910.
The second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria an ...
. There are several variations of the cocktail, but what they usually have in common is
champagne
Champagne (, ) is a sparkling wine originated and produced in the Champagne wine region of France under the rules of the appellation, that demand specific vineyard practices, sourcing of grapes exclusively from designated places within it, spe ...
,
angostura bitter
Angostura bitters () is a concentrated bitters (herbal alcoholic preparation) based on gentian, herbs, and spices, by House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago. It is typically used for flavouring beverages or, less often, food. The bitters wer ...
s, sugar (or simple syrup), either
rye whiskey
Rye whiskey can refer to two different, but related, types of whiskey:
* American rye whiskey, which is similar to bourbon whiskey, but must be distilled from at least 51 percent rye grain
* Canadian whisky, which is often referred to as (and o ...
or
cognac
Cognac ( , also , ) is a variety of brandy named after the Communes of France, commune of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the Departments of France, departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime.
Cog ...
, and a
liqueur
A liqueur (; ; ) is an alcoholic drink composed of spirits (often rectified spirit) and additional flavorings such as sugar, fruits, herbs, and spices. Often served with or after dessert, they are typically heavily sweetened and un-aged beyond ...
.
An anonymous biography of King Edward, ''The Private Life of King Edward VII'', credits the drink to the Prince himself. The cocktail consisted of "a little rye whisky, crushed ice, a small square of pineapple, a dash of Angostura bitters, a piece of lemon peel, a few drops of Maraschino, a little champagne, and powdered sugar to taste."
The ingredients for a Prince of Wales are:
*1 1/2 oz. (4.5 cl) rye
*1 oz. (3 cl) Champagne
*1 small piece pineapple
*1 dash Angostura bitters
*1/4 tsp (0.125 cl)
Maraschino
Maraschino ( , ) is a liqueur obtained from the distillation of Marasca cherries. The small, slightly sour fruit of the Tapiwa cherry tree ( ''Prunus cerasus'' var. ''marasca''), which grows wild along parts of the Dalmatian coast in Croatia, le ...
liqueur
*1 tsp (0.5 cl) sugar (or simple syrup)
The drink is prepared by stirring sugar and bitters, adding whiskey and liqueur, then pineapple. These are shaken with crushed ice, the mix is strained into a cocktail glass, and then one adds the champagne.
Some recipes use cognac or brandy instead of rye whiskey,
Bénédictine
Bénédictine () is a herbal liqueur produced in France. It was developed by wine merchant Alexandre Le Grand in the 19th century, and is reputedly flavored with twenty-seven flowers, berries, herbs, roots, and spices.
A drier version, B&B, ...
or other liqueur in lieu of Maraschino, and orange in the place of pineapple. The methods of preparation also vary.
Meyer says that the cocktail is "a marvelous drink with the spicy rye ... and the sweet Maraschino and pineapple playing off each other and the bubbly tying it all together."
According to André Dominé, Prince of Wales has bitter, sweet, and sour in perfect harmony.
References
{{Wine cocktails
Cocktails with Angostura bitters
Cocktails with brandy
Cocktails with Champagne
Cocktails with whisky