The Royal Smile is a wartime-era cocktail that balances apple brandy and gin with fresh lemon juice and grenadine, creating a tart, fruity drink with subtle sweetness and citrus brightness.
Recipe Source
Visit Mr. Boston DrinksFrom Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide
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Stir with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Cocktails are served immediately after preparation; do not store mixed drinks. Pre-batch spirits and grenadine separately, refrigerated up to 1 week.
cocktail shaker · jigger · coupe or cocktail glass
Fresh lemon juice is essential for the drink's tartness and balance. Bottled lemon juice will flatten the flavor; use fresh-squeezed whenever possible.
Calvados is the traditional choice, but any apple brandy with 40% ABV or higher will work. Avoid apple liqueurs, which are too sweet.
Shake vigorously with ice for 10-15 seconds to chill, dilute slightly, and integrate the grenadine evenly throughout the drink.
Mix the spirits and grenadine in advance, but add fresh lemon juice and ice immediately before serving to preserve citrus brightness.
