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Millionaire No.1

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (39)
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
3/4 fl oz Overproof aged pot still rum (high-ester 4-6 years old)
3/4 fl oz Hayman's Sloe Gin liqueur
3/4 fl oz Luxardo Apricot Albicocca Liqueur
2/3 fl oz Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1/6 fl oz Monin Grenadine Syrup

How to make

Glass

Photographed in an UB Retro Coupe 1920 7.75oz

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of lime or apricot slice/wedge.

Method

  1. SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
  2. FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. Garnish with lime or apricot slice/wedge on rim.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Strength 8/10
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Sweet to sour 6/10

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Millionaire No.1 contains 186 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.5 standard drinks
  • 20.75% alc./vol. (41.5° proof)
  • 20.6 grams of pure alcohol
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History

Recipe adapted from Harry Craddock's 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book. Craddock also lists a "Millionaire Cocktail (No.2)" as follows:
"1 Dash Anisette
The white of 1 Egg
1/3 Absinthe
2/3 Dry gin
Shake well and strain into cocktail glass."

In his 1948 The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, David Embury's says "At some bars a drink served under the name of "Millionaire" which consists of lime juice, slow gin, and apricot brandy, with a few dashes of Jamaica rum. Since the sloe gin, which is a liqueur, predominates in this drink, I do not regard it as a true cocktail." Embury is more complimentary of what he calls a "Millionaire Royal", proclaiming it to be "a very satisfactory drink."

Review

High proof pot still rum funk, along with a decent quality apricot brandy and sloe gin is key to the success of this full-flavoured red cocktail.

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Gallery

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Comments & Discussion

Caspian Berggren Premium Member
The sloe, apricot and crucially a high ester Jamaican rum really create magic in this cocktail. Not sure if you can distinguish the grenadine though, but at least it adds a pretty colour and some sweetness.
score: 2
G. M. Genovese Premium Member
Arguably one of the better showcase cocktails for Smith & Cross. Missing some saline or bitters, perhaps, but still a winner.
score: 3
Dan Casselman
I also used Smith & Cross and was impressed.It really is the star of the show. Much better than what I previously used. (but yes, you have to like Smith & Cross) I also split the Apricot with Apricot Liqueur and Apricot Brandy, which I usually do.
score: 2
John Hinojos Premium Member
Was expecting this to be very sweet, but it is actually very well balanced. The combinations work perfectly together. Great summer alternative to a martini-type aperitif.
score: 2