Official Downton Abbey cocktail book launched

An official Downton Abbey cocktail book featuring a foreword from the show’s creator, Julian Fellows, has launched to coincide with the release of the Downton Abbey feature film.

Peppered with “appropriate libations for all occasions”, the book features 70 cocktail recipes inspired by the post-Edwardian era when the TV show is set and the locations in the abbey where the characters enjoyed a tipple.

Among the recipes are classic cocktails from the 1920s, including The Clover Club and Mint Julep, alongside libations inspired by characters in the show, such as the Downton Heir, Turkish Attaché, The Valet and The Chauffeur.

The Tuxedo No. 2 cocktail from the book

The book is organised by drinking occasions, and includes chapters on pre-dinner drinks, party drinks, after dinner drinks, everyday drinks and hangover cures. Jazzing up the tome at 50 colour photographs from the series.

Alongside each recipe is a photo of the cocktail in the same crystal glassware used on the set of the show, which first aired in the UK in 2010.

The book delves into the history of the classic cocktails that appear in it, and includes memorable quotes from the show’s characters, including Lady Mary, Cora Crawley and Mrs Patmore.

Screened in over 250 countries, Downton Abbey was written by Julian Fellowes and executive produced by Gareth Neame, Liz Trubridge and Nigel Marchant.

Set between 1912 and 1926 at a fictional Yorkshire country estate, the series follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic workers, and charts major historical events from the sinking of the Titanic to the start of the First World War.

With 15 wins and 69 nominations, Downton Abbey is the most nominated non-American show in the history of the Emmys and has also scooped a trio of Golden Globes.

Downton Abbey the movie is due to be released on Friday 13 September.