Average
5 minutes
Rocks Glass
Ingredients
How to Make a Ambassador
Bar tools you’ll need
Fine Strainer
Jigger
Boston Shaker
Knife
How to Mix
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Add Gin, Dry Vermouth, Banana Liqueur, and Lemon Juice to a Cocktail Shaker.
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Fill the Cocktail Shaker with Ice and shake well.
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Fill a chilled Rocks glass with fresh Ice.
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Strain the mixture into your glass.
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Garnish with a Pineapple wedge.
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Sip and enjoy!
All about the Ambassador Cocktail
The Ambassador is an elegant gin-based drink showcasing Dry Vermouth, Banana Liqueur, and fresh Lemon Juice. It’s spirit-forward and nuanced, with herbal and fruity layers that work in harmony. Typically, you shake it up in a Cocktail Shaker with ice, then strain it into a chilled Rocks Glass for a touch of mid-century class. This cocktail stands out for its subtle complexity and unique banana-citrus twist, making it an easy-yet-intriguing choice to try at home.
The Ambassador balances crisp gin botanicals, gentle vermouth herbs, and a hit of bright lemon with a subtle thread of ripe banana. Every sip gets uplifted by zesty citrus and rounded out by exotic fruit, making it layered and surprising.
Legend has it that the Ambassador appeared in the stylish 1950s, capturing the era’s obsession with performance and polish. It became known as a signature blend of sophisticated spirits-made live, often table-side-to evoke a feeling of cultural elegance. With no major competing stories, it lives firmly as a relic of mid-century charm.
- Balance is Everything
The Dry Vermouth and Gin ratio is crucial. Lean into a little more Dry Vermouth than usual to give those herbal notes space to support the Banana Liqueur. - Fresh Lemon Juice (Non-Negotiable)
Always squeeze Lemon Juice right before mixing-the zing brightens the drink and balances out sweetness. - Chill Everything Aggressively
Pop your Rocks glass in the freezer and keep the ingredients as cold as possible; it keeps the flavors sharp. - The Shake Technique
Shake with energy-10 to 12 seconds. It blends, chills, and lifts those subtle flavors perfectly. - Consider a Twist
Express a Lemon or Orange Twist over the drink so the oil adds a beautiful aroma.
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Lemon or Orange Twist
Express a Lemon or Orange Twist over the top for extra aromatics and a visual flair. -
Banana Chip Garnish
Float a single Banana Chip on the surface for playful nod to the liqueur. -
Herb Sprig
Add a small sprig of Basil or Thyme to emphasize herbal aromas without overpowering the drink.
Ambassador FAQ
For an Ambassador cocktail, a classic London Dry Gin works well because its herbal and juniper-forward character pairs nicely with Dry Vermouth and Banana Liqueur.
For the classic Ambassador, Lemon Juice is key for balance, but Orange Juice would create a softer and slightly sweeter variation that alters the original crisp profile.
Banana Liqueur adds a subtle fruity layer that makes the Ambassador stand out from classic gin and vermouth cocktails, adding complexity and a hint of intrigue.
Pop the Rocks glass in the freezer about ten minutes before making your Ambassador to get it nicely chilled, which keeps the drink crisp.
