Lion’s Tail Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Raise a glass to civil disobedience with the historic and sassy Lion’s Tail.

Tonight’s cocktail has a bit of a cheeky mystery behind it. Its name, the Lion’s Tail, has origins in the expression “twisting the lion’s tail.” Dissatisfaction with King George III’s rule supposedly led to the popular phrase, a reference to the lion on the British royal coat of arms. The Collins Dictionary definition of the slogan states the meaning as “to tax the patience of or provoke a person, group, nation or government, esp. that of Great Britain.”

In 1937, tonight’s cocktail made its print debut in The Café Royal Cocktail Book, a British publication. While nobody is specifically attributed to the drink’s invention, many have speculated an American is the one behind it. The cocktail had been floating around a few years before the book came out, and some believe that a bartender from the United States came over during Prohibition and came up with the recipe, naming it after the old expression. Why? Well, as an American I can tell you that many of us are professional smart-asses.

One of the crucial ingredients in this recipe is the allspice dram, a liqueur made from rum, spice and berries. This was especially popular during the Tiki craze of the 1950s-60s, but by the time the 1980s rolled around, allspice dram had ceased being produced, and disappeared entirely. As a result, the cocktails that used it fell into obscurity. It wasn’t until the 21st century that the Lion’s Tail would start wagging again.

Timing is everything. In 2008, an Austrian-made allspice dram began to hit the shelves. The next year, Ted Haigh’s Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails was released, becoming an indispensable reference to drink recipes that had long been lost to history, oftentimes because of the lack of availability for specific ingredients. The Lion’s Tail was one of these, now revived and available once again for a new generation of cocktail enthusiasts.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Lion’s Tail Cocktail?

If you have a favorite brand of spirit when it comes to bourbon, you’re already ahead of the game. If you’re unsure and new to the liquor or mixing with it, anything from Jim Beam to High West will not disappoint. As far as the allspice dram goes, the Austrian brand that brought the liqueur back to the party is St. Elizabeth and it’s all you’ll ever need.

What type of glass and garnish is used?

Chill a cocktail glass or a coupe in your freezer for around fifteen to thirty minutes before serving.

Should I double-strain my cocktails?

I always double-strain my drinks. This ensures the smoothest possible tipple, catching any small and minuscule ice shards that are made through the shaking process. This way your drink is free of any frozen debris, with a clear and clean texture.

Similar Drinks to the Lion’s Tail Cocktail

Feel like a little time travel? A tasty and historic drink is a good way to arrive somewhere without actually going there. Some of these destinations are out of reach, others simply aren’t there anymore. But the cocktails that were born there carry a spiritual connection to these spots and times around the globe. Let Twist & Toast guide you to some of these legendary recipes, and start your next adventure this evening.

• Scofflaw – Named for those who illegally drank their libations during Prohibition.
• Southside – This gin-based beverage was said to be gangster Al Capone’s favorite drink.
• Papa Doble – This Daiquiri recipe was so loved by Ernest Hemingway that he would always drink two at a time, hence its name.
• Rob Roy – Named for the Scottish folk hero, this scotch and vermouth mixture will rescue you from boredom this evening.