Claret Cup

Name: Claret Cup Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 tsp Powdered Sugar; 6 oz Carbonated Water; 1 oz Triple Sec; 2 oz Brandy; 16 oz Claret

Claret Cup is a light, fruity wine cocktail that combines claret wine with brandy, triple sec, and carbonated water sweetened with powdered sugar. It's an elegant aperitif drink with refreshing citrus and brandy notes.

🏷️Equipment: red-wine glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

4 tsp Powdered Sugar
6 oz Carbonated Water
1 oz Triple Sec

2 oz Brandy

16 oz Claret

5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Fill large glass pitcher with ice.
2
Stir in the ingredients and decorate with as many fruits as available and a rind of cucumber inserted on each side of pitcher.
3
Top with a small bunch of mint.
4
Serve in red-wine glass.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Dissolve powdered sugar completely in a small amount of claret or water before mixing to avoid grittiness.
Add carbonated water last and stir gently to preserve carbonation.
Chill glasses and all ingredients separately before combining for optimal temperature.
Use fresh, quality claret and brandy—this simple drink lets the spirits shine.

Substitutions

Claret → Bordeaux blend or Cabernet Sauvignon (similar dry red wine profile)
Triple Sec → Cointreau or Grand Marnier (higher quality orange liqueurs)
Carbonated Water → Champagne or Prosecco (for a more elegant version)
Powdered Sugar → Simple syrup, 1 tsp per drink (easier to mix, less grittiness)

Storage & make-ahead

Claret Cup is best served fresh. Pre-mix wine and spirits up to 4 hours ahead, refrigerated; add carbonated water and sugar only when serving.

Common Questions

What is claret wine?

Claret is a dry red wine from Bordeaux, France. Any quality dry red wine can substitute if claret is unavailable.

Can I make Claret Cup ahead of time?

Mix the wine, brandy, and triple sec ahead, but add the powdered sugar and carbonated water just before serving to maintain carbonation.

Should Claret Cup be served cold?

Yes, chill all ingredients beforehand or serve over ice to keep the drink cold and refreshing.

What glassware should I use?

Serve in a wine glass or large goblet, optionally filled with ice for a chilled presentation.

Can I scale this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, multiply all ingredients proportionally. For a pitcher, use 16 oz claret, 2 oz brandy, 1 oz triple sec, 4 tsp powdered sugar, and 6 oz sparkling water per serving.