The Tabard Cocktail is an elegant and spirit-forward drink with a balance of herbal depth, citrus brightness, and smooth warmth. It’s one of those cocktails that feels sophisticated without being complicated, making it a fine choice for after-dinner sipping or a stylish party offering. With gin as its base, layered with a touch of orange liqueur, sweet vermouth, and fresh lemon juice, the Tabard Cocktail delivers a crisp yet rounded flavor profile that lingers pleasantly.
This drink is often overlooked compared to classics like the Martini or Negroni, but it carries its own charm. The sweetness from the vermouth and orange liqueur balances the gin’s botanicals, while lemon adds just enough tang to keep it lively. Served in a chilled coupe glass with a lemon twist, it looks as refined as it tastes.
Mixing Time: 5 minutes
Serving: 1 cocktail
Ingredients
-
1 1/2 oz gin
-
3/4 oz sweet vermouth
-
1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
-
1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
-
Ice cubes
-
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
-
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
-
Add gin, sweet vermouth, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
-
Shake well for 15–20 seconds until chilled.
-
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
-
Garnish with a lemon twist before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
-
Calories: 180
-
Carbohydrates: 7 g
-
Sugar: 6 g
-
Alcohol: 17 g
-
Fat: 0 g
-
Protein: 0 g
Tips
-
Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for a crisp finish.
-
If you like your cocktail less sweet, reduce the orange liqueur slightly.
-
Use a London Dry gin for a cleaner taste, or a floral gin for a softer profile.
-
A dash of bitters can add complexity if you want to experiment.
