The King's Ginger Liqueur

The Edwardian era may have lasted a mere decade and was more than a century ago, but it marked a time of tranquility and prosperity in England before the two World Wars. It was a gilded age when ladies wore feathered hats, men dressed for dinner, and the sovereign took to driving about in a horseless carriage. Doctors worried about King Edward VII's health and elicited help from Berry & Bros for an elixir to ward off the death of cold. The result is the King's Ginger liqueur. Slightly sweet, nowadays it makes for an excellent addition to cocktails, lending spicy ginger, vanilla and orange peel notes. I recently used it with aquavit, genepy and fresh lemon juice. It was deliciously refreshing, and a reminder of more genteel days.