A Budget-Friendly Whisky Cocktail That Tastes Expensive - How to Make High Street Royal

Let’s be real cocktails are getting seriously pricey. Whether you’re out at a bar or shopping for ingredients, that final price tag can hit harder than the drink itself. But here’s the good news: you don’t need premium spirits to make something great.

High Street Royal is proof that you can take unbranded or budget spirits like Lidl or Aldi’s own whisky and turn them into something delicious, classy, and worth sipping. With a few smart ingredients and a little technique, this cocktail tastes like it belongs in a fancy bar… but costs a fraction to make at home.

Cost Breakdown (Rough Estimate)

• Aldi Blended Whisky (700ml / £16) = £0.91 per 40ml

• Sugar Syrup (homemade) ≈ £0.05

• Lemon (½ of 79p for 3) ≈ £0.13

• Vanilla Essence (used 10ml from a £3 bottle) ≈ £0.21

• Sparkling Apple Juice (250ml from a £2.50 bottle) ≈ £0.45

• Apple (optional garnish) ≈ £0.10

→ Total per glass: ~£1.85

That’s a whole cocktail for under £2 — fancy vibes, high street price. High Street Royal is about making luxury accessible, because great cocktails shouldn’t break the bank.

Ingredients

• 40ml Aldi Blended Whisky

• 15ml Sugar Syrup

• 10ml Lemon Juice

• 10ml Vanilla Essence

• Top with Sparkling Apple Juice

• Garnish: Crisp Apple Fan (optional)

Step by Step towards Make High Street Royal

1. Make your garnish

• Slice an apple into thin pieces and thread them together with a cocktail stick to form a neat fan. Optional, but it makes your drink look boujee.

2. Add ingredients to shaker

• Pour the whisky, sugar syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla essence into a shaker with ice.

• Give it a solid shake for 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.

3. Strain over fresh ice

• Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

4. Top up with sparkling apple juice

• This adds the fizz and a crisp, fruity layer that ties everything together.

5. Garnish and serve

• Place your apple fan on top for that polished finish.

Moe’s Tip

Want to go deeper? Skip the sugar syrup and make your own vanilla syrup instead. Combine sugar, water, and vanilla essence or pods at a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio. It adds depth and ties the whole cocktail together.

🎥 Want to see it made step-by-step?

Catch the full video on Instagram @moestavern_12

Explore more original cocktails at moestavernbar.com