The Millionaire

The Millionaire Cocktail: Gilded Age Luxury

The Millionaire cocktail has multiple versions, but the most famous appeared in Harry Craddock's The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930.

The drink emerged during the Prohibition era when American bartenders working abroad created elaborate cocktails, according to Difford's Guide.

This version combines bourbon with sloe gin, a sweet liqueur made from sloe berries, plus absinthe and egg white. The egg white creates a silky texture and foam, while the sloe gin adds fruity sweetness and absinthe contributes herbal complexity, as noted in Liquor.com.

The name reflects the cocktail culture of the 1920s and 1930s, when drinks with opulent names appealed to wealthy clientele. The Millionaire requires quality ingredients and proper technique, justifying its prestigious title. The drink remained obscure after the 1940s but found renewed appreciation during the craft cocktail movement.

RECIPE:

2 oz bourbon

1 oz sloe gin

1/2 oz absinthe

1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

1 egg white

Lemon twist for garnish

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice.

2. Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds.

3. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.

4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

5. Garnish with lemon twist.