Royals' Beer: Historical Drinking Habits Of Monarchs

Beer has been a popular drink among royalty throughout history, with some royals even influencing the drinking habits of their people. For example, Queen Victoria, who enjoyed beer, was known to favour a combination of single malt Scotch whisky and claret. Catherine the Great, a beer-guzzling Russian empress, prided herself on being able to drink as much beer as any Englishman. Even the late Queen Elizabeth II was known to enjoy the occasional beer, although her drink of choice was a cocktail of gin and Dubonnet.

Queen Elizabeth's gin and Dubonnet

Queen Elizabeth II's favourite cocktail was a mix of gin and Dubonnet. The cocktail, which was popular in Britain in the 1920s, was initially a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, whose preference for the cocktail influenced her daughter's palate. The Queen Mother's cocktail had equal parts Dubonnet and gin, while Queen Elizabeth II preferred a 2:1 ratio of Dubonnet to gin, or seven parts gin to three parts Dubonnet, along with lemon and ice. The cocktail was typically served in a small wine glass.

The Queen's former chef, Darren McGrady, clarified in 2017 that the Queen did not drink every day and did not have a large gin and tonic in the morning. However, she did enjoy a gin and Dubonnet before lunch and sometimes before bed. The cocktail is an aperitif, combining fortified wine with herbs and spices. It is made by adding Dubonnet and gin to a mixing glass with ice, stirring, and then straining the ingredients into a glass with ice and a slice of lemon.

The drink is significant enough to the Royal Family that it was awarded a Royal Warrant in 2021. Dubonnet is produced by Pernod Ricard, a French company. The Queen's preference for the cocktail has influenced modern twists on the drink, such as the Coronation Cup, created by Tiago Mira, Lounge Bar & Veranda general manager at The Goring Hotel.

Prince Philip's Boddingtons beer

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was known to enjoy a beer, and his favourite was reportedly Boddingtons Pale Ale, brewed by Boddingtons Brewery in Manchester, Northern England.

The prince was such an avid beer lover that he was rumoured to have a small bottle as a nightcap. He was also said to have trained servers to refill his beer when the Queen's back was turned. Prince Philip's preference for beer over wine was also well-known. In 2000, when offered wine by Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato during a formal dinner in Rome, he replied: "Get me a beer. I don't care what kind it is, just get me a beer!". On another occasion, he turned down wine, saying: "Not that rubbish, can that barmaid get me a pint of Brakspear?".

Boddingtons Brewery rose to fame in the 1980s, earning the nickname "Cream of Manchester" after a popular marketing advert. However, the business moved production out of Manchester, and the brewery eventually closed its doors in 2005. Despite this setback, Boddingtons Pale Ale is still available in some pubs across the U.K. and is produced by Anheuser-Busch InBev.

Prince Philip's love for Boddingtons Pale Ale is a testament to his simple tastes and his appreciation for a good beer. He was known for his barbecue skills and his preference for down-to-earth flavours, making Boddingtons Brewery's medium-bodied, smooth, and slightly sweet ale a perfect choice for the royal.

Prince Charles' Scotch

Prince Charles Scotch

The Duke of Rothesay, known as HRH Prince Charles to non-Scots, has a discerning palate for single malt Scotch whisky. He has been known to enjoy a single malt from time to time, with his favourite reputedly being the Laphroaig 15 Year Old. In 1994, Prince Charles issued the Islay distillery with a Royal Warrant, the first and only distillery to be so recognised by the Prince of Wales.

Prince Charles has such a refined taste for Scotch whisky that he even sells his own organic version at Highgrove, his country home. All profits from the sales go to the Prince's Charitable Fund. The whisky is described on the estate's website as perfect for "enjoying a digestif after a fine meal or a quiet moment of relaxation". It is recommended to be "best served with a little spring water to bring out the depth of its flavours".

The Laphroaig distillery celebrated the Royal Warrant by releasing a 10-year-old single malt named 'Royal Warrant'. Prince Charles returned to the distillery in 2008 as part of his 60th birthday celebrations and again in 2015 to commemorate the 200th anniversaries of Laphroaig and Ardbeg distilleries.

In addition to his appreciation for Scotch whisky, the Prince of Wales also enjoys a gin martini on occasion, with equal parts gin and vermouth.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's wine

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is a wine enthusiast. She is the president of the U.K.'s Vineyard Association and has been described as a "connoisseur". Her father, Major Bruce Shand, was in the wine business, and she was "brought up...drinking wine and water rather like the French".

Camilla's interest in wine is evident in her participation in various wine-related events and initiatives. For example, she launched a mini-book, "A Skeleton Guide to a Healthy You, Vitamins and Minerals", to help women protect themselves from osteoporosis, a condition that took her mother's life. She has also opened bone scanning units and osteoporosis centres to support those suffering from the disease.

In addition to her personal interest in wine, Camilla has a broader interest in food and drink. She has campaigned to raise awareness of issues such as illiteracy and poverty and is the patron of numerous charities and organisations. She carries out public engagements and has represented the monarch on various occasions.

Princess Diana's Peach Bellini

Princess Diana was not known to be a big drinker, but when she did, she enjoyed white wine or a peach Bellini. The Bellini is said to have been her drink of choice on an infamous night out when she disguised herself as a man to spend the evening in London with Freddie Mercury.

The Bellini is a classic cocktail originating in Venice, Italy, and was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry's Bar in Venice, in the 1930s or 1940s. The drink is typically made with Prosecco and peach purée, creating a refreshing and elegant cocktail.

To create your own version of Princess Diana's Peach Bellini, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Prosecco or sparkling wine: Look for a dry or brut variety to balance the sweetness of the peach purée.
• Peach purée: You can make your own by blending fresh or canned peaches with a little lemon juice and sugar syrup, or you can use store-bought purée.
• Fresh peach slice or peach wedge, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Prepare your peach purée: If making your own, peel and pit fresh peaches, then blend them with a little lemon juice and sugar syrup to taste. You can also use canned peaches for a simpler option.
• Pour one part peach purée into a chilled champagne flute or cocktail glass.
• Top the glass with three parts Prosecco or sparkling wine.
• Gently stir the ingredients to combine them.
• Garnish your cocktail with a fresh peach slice or peach wedge, if desired.

Variations:

• For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the Prosecco with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.
• You can also experiment with different types of fruit purées or juices to create your own unique twist on the classic Bellini.

So, raise a glass and toast to the memory of Princess Diana while enjoying her favourite peach Bellini.

Frequently asked questions