King’s Cup Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A royal thirst demands a King’s Cup cocktail, a sweet, fizzy and tropically-tinged treat.

I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans in person. But I have seen it on television and sometimes in movies, although that still doesn’t make me an authority or expert in any way on the subject of Fat Tuesday. Growing up Catholic, it was traditionally the day before Ash Wednesday, which meant that our family got rowdy by throwing down on fat stacks of pancakes.

Never mind the flapjacks, here’s tonight’s cocktail. We’ve got a tasty and somewhat island-esque libation to try out, courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, celebrity chef extraordinaire. Served at Emeril’s Delmonico in the Big Easy, the King’s Cup has become a popular and traditional Mardi Gras tipple. Sweet, tart and tangy, this slightly bubbly and colorful cocktail is both elegant and ready to party. You might even exclaim “bam!”, before being asked not to.

With flavors ranging from vanilla, pineapple, coconut and lime, this cocktail is like a fireworks display of flavor. With each sip, your mouth explodes with delight, so make sure you keep your trap closed. I’ve heard rumors of this recipe being so tasty and delicious to some drinkers that they often start giggling from euphoric happiness and many of the people around them wind up getting drenched. One eyewitness described the sight as like being near a human champagne bottle, shook up and uncorked.

This is all speculation and hearsay and definitely not true. But just be careful with all the fun you’ll end up having with the King’s Cup.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In The King’s Cup?

This cocktail was created to be well-balanced, full of flavor and palatable to even the lightest of drinkers. That doesn’t mean it isn’t strong, though. Our recipe calls for vanilla vodka (any mid-range bottle will do), which will add a little sweetness to the tart and tropical mix of pineapple, coconut and lime notes. For the champagne topper, any dry sparkling wine, cava or Prosecco will play nicely.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH IS USED?

You can use large champagne goblets, or tall and slender collins glasses to serve your King’s Cups in. Coat the rim with the sanding sugar, fill with ice, pour and enjoy. Don’t forget the lime wheel garnish.

CAN YOU USE AN UNFLAVORED VODKA?

If you find this drink to be a tad too sweet for your tastes, try it with an unflavored vodka as the base. It just might do the trick, cutting through enough to lighten the taste.

Similar Cocktails To The King’s Cup

You need kingly and delicious libations to serve to all of your compatriots as you celebrate whatever it is you want to celebrate. A graduation? Cheers! A new promotion or raise at work? Hip-hip-hooray! A perfect score at the bowling alley? Why not! The King’s Cup can be enjoyed whenever you’re in the mood to feel happy and share in some good cheer. And below are a few other recipes you might want to keep handy if you need to get a party going at a moment’s notice.

• French 75 – This classic cocktail will hit you like a cannon if you’re not careful.
• Sazerac – This New Orleans classic is great for toasting and sipping.
• Kir Royale – Crisp, fruity and bubbly, this elegant-tasting elixir is sure to be a hit at your next soirée.
• Disneyland Mint Julep – Throwing a booze-free gathering, but still want to serve something fun and fresh for everyone to enjoy? Look no further than the happiest place on earth and this recipe.