Let’s be brutally honest—most pre-prohibition cocktails are about as exciting as watching paint dry. But the Abbey Cocktail proves that sometimes the old-school drinks got it exactly right. 🍸
Look, I’ve made thousands of drinks in my cramped apartment kitchen, and this one still makes me smile every time. 🔥
Why I Like It
The way the Lillet Blanc mingles with the gin! I particularly love how the orange oils from the expressed peel create this amazing aromatic first impression.


The Best Ingredients For an Abbey Cocktail
You will want a gin that complements the rest of the ingredients well. You can use a standard dry gin but try experimenting with gins that offer an interesting smell and flavor profile. Pomp and Whimsy, Aviation American, and Hendricks gin offer exceptional natural fruit and botanical notes that add extra synergy to the Abbey cocktail.
You can use any orange bitters to add flavor to the Abbey cocktail, but I personally enjoy using the Hella orange bitters. It’s affordable and usually comes in a variety pack with other different Hella bitters that come in handy for other boozy occasions.
Remember to always have fresh fruit when making juices for your cocktails, as well as your garnish.

A Brief History of the Abbey Cocktail
The Abbey first appeared in Harry Craddock’s legendary 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, though its true origins remain shrouded in mystery. Unlike its alphabetical neighbor the Alaska Cocktail, the Abbey doesn’t have a dramatic origin story – it simply emerged during the golden age of cocktails.
Through the decades, the Abbey has remained remarkably consistent in its recipe, though some modern interpretations experiment with different vermouths or orange liqueurs. The drink’s staying power speaks to its perfect balance of flavors.
Today’s craft cocktail movement has brought renewed attention to this pre-prohibition gem. Contemporary bartenders appreciate its straightforward elegance and how it showcases quality ingredients without unnecessary complications.
Final Thoughts
The Abbey Cocktail is a testament to the power of simplicity in mixology. 🍸 It’s a pre-prohibition classic that proves you don’t need smoke, flames, or twelve obscure ingredients to create something spectacular.
When made with care and quality ingredients, it delivers roughly 185 calories of sophisticated refreshment. Base ingredients: Gin, Orange Juice, Lillet Blanc.
I love the way that you breakdown a cocktail history and it’s recipe! The website is a really great source for all things mixology!