Paul Kushner
The Million Dollar Cocktail is a timeless gin-based drink that brings together classic style with a touch of tropical flavor. Made with gin and sweet vermouth, it has a smooth foundation that carries hints of herbal richness. Pineapple juice adds a fruity layer that brightens the drink, while grenadine gives a touch of sweetness and a beautiful color. An egg white is shaken in to create a foamy, silky texture that makes each sip feel smooth and well-rounded. This cocktail is both refined and approachable, making it a great choice for dinner parties, celebrations, or relaxed evenings at home.
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Tasting Notes
The Million Dollar Cocktail delivers a refined blend of botanicals, fruit, and subtle sweetness. The gin’s herbal character leads the way, followed by the rich depth of sweet vermouth. Pineapple juice adds a mellow tropical note, while a touch of grenadine rounds it out with a hint of berry-like sweetness and a blush of color. The egg white adds a creamy texture and a frothy top that gives the drink a smooth body. It’s balanced and soft on the palate, with a gentle complexity that lingers without overpowering.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a fine mesh strainer (optional), a jigger, and a coupe or Nick & Nora glass. A dry shake (without ice) is recommended first to emulsify the egg white, followed by a second shake with ice to chill and dilute. The coupe glass not only presents the foam layer well but also keeps the drink compact and visually appealing. Use a bar spoon if needed to adjust ingredients before shaking again. A citrus juicer is optional but helpful if using fresh pineapple juice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz pineapple juice
- 0.25 oz grenadine
- 1 egg white
- Pineapple wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Add gin, sweet vermouth, pineapple juice, grenadine, and egg white to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain out the ice and return the liquid to the shaker.
- Shake again without ice to build foam (dry shake).
- Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a wedge of pineapple.
Pro Tips
- Always dry shake first to fully incorporate the egg white.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter, more natural flavor.
- Chill your glass in advance to help maintain texture and temperature.
- Use a fine mesh strainer for a smooth, clean finish.
- Consider reverse dry shaking for an even creamier foam.
- Avoid overusing grenadine just enough is key.
- Crack eggs into a separate dish first to prevent shell in the shaker.
- Gently rest the pineapple wedge on the rim or foam for visual appeal.
- If concerned about raw egg, use pasteurized egg whites.
- Garnish right before serving to preserve foam.
When to Serve
The Million Dollar Cocktail is a refined cocktail that works well at cocktail hour, formal dinners, or any event that calls for a more classic-style drink. It’s ideal for evening occasions where a smooth, balanced drink is welcome. The foam-topped presentation also makes it suitable for celebratory toasts, date nights, or sipping at a lounge. Avoid serving it outdoors on hot days, as the egg white and foam can break down quickly in heat.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Gin:
- Tanqueray
- Bombay Sapphire
- Beefeater
- Plymouth Gin
- Sweet Vermouth:
- Carpano Antica Formula
- Dolin Rouge
- Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
- Martini & Rossi Rosso
Similar Cocktails
- Matcha Gin Sour
- Bitter Lemon Cooler
- Aperol Fizz
- Tropical Sunrise Pineapple Mimosa
- Pineapple Mango Rum Punch
Equipment
- Fine strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.5 oz pineapple juice
- 0.25 oz grenadine
- 1 egg white
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Add gin, sweet vermouth, pineapple juice, grenadine, and egg white to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain out the ice and return the liquid to the shaker.
- Shake again without ice to build foam (dry shake).
- Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a small wedge of pineapple.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Shake the second time vigorously to ensure a thick, even foam.
- Use fresh pineapple juice for brighter flavor.
- Chill the glass before serving to preserve texture and temperature.
