The Bonnie Prince Charlie: A Toast to History in a Glass

A sparkling fusion of honeyed liqueur and bubbly elegance for memorable celebrations.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 20, 2025

A sparkling fusion of honeyed liqueur and bubbly elegance for memorable celebrations.

The Bonnie Prince Charlie Cocktail: A Sparkling Legacy

Long before modern mixology flourished, the Bonnie Prince Charlie cocktail sparkled as a tribute to Scottish tradition and a prince’s storied escape. This elegant drink, marrying Drambuie—a liqueur steeped in legend—with the celebratory fizz of Champagne or sparkling wine, captures both history and refined flavor in every glass. Today, the Bonnie Prince Charlie stands not only as a delicious libation but also as a toast to the resilience and romance of Scotland’s past.

The Origins: History Behind the Cocktail

The cocktail’s name harks back to Prince Charles Edward Stuart, or Bonnie Prince Charlie, a central figure of the 1745 Jacobite uprising in Scotland. Chased through the Highlands after the fateful defeat at Culloden, the prince relied on alliances with loyal Highland clans. Among these, the MacKinnon Clan emerged as key protectors, helping Charlie evade the pursuing King’s men. For their loyalty, the prince reputedly bestowed upon clan chief John MacKinnon the recipe for his prized personal liqueur, a closely guarded secret that would someday resound throughout the world as Drambuie .

Legend contends that this rich, honeyed Scotch-based liqueur became synonymous with hospitality and Scottish pride. The story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Drambuie’s origins adds intrigue and romance to every sip of this namesake cocktail—making it not just a drink, but a celebration of legacy.

What is Drambuie?

Drambuie is a golden-colored liqueur crafted in Scotland, combining aged Scotch whisky, heather honey, herbs, and spices. Its iconic sweetness and herbal complexity create a flavor that’s both distinctive and versatile. Traditionally sipped neat or enjoyed in classics like the Rusty Nail, Drambuie’s richness also lends itself to inventive cocktails—none more celebratory than the Bonnie Prince Charlie .

Primary flavor notes: Honey, spices, orange, and smoky Scotch whisky
Appearance: Clear, golden-amber
Alcohol content: ~40% ABV

The Bonnie Prince Charlie Cocktail: Recipe, Ingredients & Steps

The core expression of the Bonnie Prince Charlie cocktail features Drambuie and sparkling wine or Champagne. Its marriage of honeyed Scotch liqueur and effervescent wine creates a festive, aromatic beverage perfect for toasting momentous occasions or savoring quiet evenings.

Classic Recipe

Ingredient	Amount
Drambuie	1 oz (30 ml)
Champagne or dry sparkling wine	4 oz (120 ml)
Lemon twist	Garnish

Preparation Steps

Pour 1 oz Drambuie into a chilled Champagne flute.
Top gently with 4 oz chilled Champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with a fresh lemon twist over the rim.

Serve immediately and enjoy the heady aroma and vibrant flavors.

Flavor Profile

Rich, honey-sweet yet balanced by Champagne’s bright acidity
Floral and herbal on the nose, with suggestions of peat and orange
Lingering finish, elegantly effervescent

Historical Recipes & Variations

The Bonnie Prince Charlie has inspired creative interpretations throughout the decades. Many historical cocktail guides and modern bartenders have featured versions using cognac, Scotch, sherry, and varied citrus, each imparting its own nuance to the original formula.

1930s–1970s: The Cognac & Drambuie Sour

The How and When (1937): One of the first published Bonnie Prince Charlie recipes appeared as: ⅓ Drambuie, ⅔ Cognac, juice of ½ lime, shaken well and strained into a cocktail glass .
Trader Vic’s Bartender’s Guide (1972): Popularized a slight twist: 1 oz Cognac, ½ oz Drambuie, juice of ½ lime, shaken and strained into a chilled glass .
Modern Spec: 1.5 oz Cognac, 0.75 oz Drambuie, 0.5 oz lime juice, shaken with ice and strained, showcasing a balanced, spirit-forward take .

Scotch-Based Versions

Rusty Nail-Inspired: 2 oz Scotch, 0.5 oz Amontillado sherry, 0.5 oz Drambuie, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, built over ice and garnished with a lemon twist—offering smoky, honeyed depth with a touch of fortified wine .
Blood and Sand Riff: 1 oz Scotch whisky, 1 oz fresh orange juice, 0.75 oz Drambuie, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, shaken and garnished with a maraschino cherry .
Simple Sparkling Variation: 1 oz Drambuie in a flute, topped with sparkling wine—classic Bonnie Prince Charlie simplicity .

Alternative Spirits & Additions

Other iterations substitute sherry for the citrus, or use orange curaçao and bitters to add dimension. The essence is a balance of sweetness, brightness, and herbal depth, regardless of the base spirit.

How to Select the Best Ingredients

Drambuie: Use fresh, unopened Drambuie for full aromatic intensity. Older bottles may lose vibrancy.
Champagne/Sparkling Wine: Choose a dry or brut style to offset Drambuie’s sweetness. Crémant, Cava, or domestic sparkling wines are excellent alternatives.
Cognac/Scotch: If experimenting with historical versions, mid-range VSOP cognac or smooth blended Scotch works well.
Fresh Citrus: Use freshly squeezed lime or orange juice for all shaken variations.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Celebratory Toast: Raise a glass at weddings, graduations, or festive gatherings.
Scottish or Historical Events: Serve on Burns Night, Hogmanay, or to mark a moment of Scottish heritage.
Elegant Apéritif: Delight guests before dinner with this refined, conversation-starting cocktail.

Related Drambuie Cocktails

Cocktail	Main Ingredients	Style
Rusty Nail	Scotch, Drambuie	Spirit-forward, on the rocks
Royal Rob Roy	Scotch, Drambuie, Sweet & Dry Vermouth	Shaken, served up
Isle of Skye Coffee	Drambuie, Coffee, Brown Sugar, Cream	Hot, aromatic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who was Bonnie Prince Charlie?

Bonnie Prince Charlie, or Prince Charles Edward Stuart, was the leader of the 1745 Jacobite rising, hoping to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British throne. His dramatic escape, aided by Scottish Highland clans, cemented his legendary status in Scotland.

Q: What is Drambuie made from?

Drambuie is a Scottish liqueur made from Scotch whisky, heather honey, and a blend of secret spices and herbs. It is celebrated for its smooth, sweet, and mildly herbal flavor.

Q: Can I use other sparkling wines besides Champagne?

Yes. Dry, brut-style sparkling wines like Crémant or Cava make excellent, more affordable substitutes while retaining the intended balance with Drambuie.

Q: Is the Bonnie Prince Charlie cocktail sweet?

The cocktail is sweet due to Drambuie, but is balanced by Champagne’s dryness, best described as honeyed and aromatic but not cloying.

Q: What foods pair well with the Bonnie Prince Charlie?

Serve with smoked salmon, shortbread, or light canapés. Its sweetness and bubbles pair well with savory and mildly spiced bites.

Pro Tips for Perfect Preparation

Chill the glassware: A chilled flute preserves the cocktail’s fizz and aroma.
Pour gently: Add Champagne slowly over Drambuie to retain effervescence and avoid spillage.
Garnish with care: Express lemon oils over the drink for a burst of citrus aroma before dropping the twist in.

Conclusion: A Regal Toast to Tradition

Behind every sip of the Bonnie Prince Charlie lies a tapestry of Scottish history, folklore, and inventive bartending. Whether celebrating with Champagne or exploring historical riffs with cognac or Scotch, this cocktail offers both sophistication and a story worth sharing. Raise your glass to the prince, the liqueur, and the heritage that kindles the heart of this sparkling classic.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete