If you’re looking for a beautiful, sophisticated cocktail recipe to toast with this festive period, then look no further than this Smoky Royale. This delicious sparkling cocktail is inspired by French flavours, and we were seriously impressed after testing this recipe at Craft Gin Club HQ.

All of the ingredients in the cocktail combine beautifully to create a top tipple. The notes of juniper in the gin work well with the fruity and oaky tones in the brandy (we used Cognac - but others will work too). And if you’re up for trying something new, involve some mustard liqueur for the addition of sweet, spicy and gentle aromas. A dash of simple syrup adds some extra body and then sparkling wine really makes the taste pop. It’s sure to impress your gin pals!

What is mustard liqueur?

It’s a sweet, yet fiery liqueur - first brown mustard seeds are macerated for two weeks in fine alcohol. Then a touch of pepper is added, with the balancing sweetness coming from both sugar and honey.

What does mustard liqueur taste like?

This impressive liqueur strikes the perfect balance: the slight heat of Dijon mustard marries with the classic sweetness of a liqueur - you’ve got to try it!

Our master mixologist Maria recommends that if you include the mustard liqueur, bring the simple syrup up to 10ml. Champagne flutes at the ready…

Smoky Royale

15ml gin
15ml brandy or cognac
10ml mustard liqueur (optional)
15ml lemon juice
5ml simple syrup
Sparkling wine, to top up (like this Prosecco or Cava)
Lemon peel, to garnish

Add the first five ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a champagne flute and top with a chilled sparkling wine (or Champagne - if you feel festive!). Finish by garnishing with a lemon peel.