A Refined Sparkling Cocktail with Citrus and Pandan
The Pandan Spritz Royale, created by bartender Ioannis Routsis from Lidkoeb, is an elegant sparkling cocktail built around structure, clarity and gradual evolution in the glass.
Mediterranean citrus brightness meets the subtle aromatic depth of Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur, while Champagne adds lift and refinement. The result is a cocktail that begins vibrant and structured, slowly becoming softer and more integrated as the flavours develop.
With its delicate balance of citrus, aromatics and effervescence, the Pandan Spritz Royale is a beautiful example of how pandan can elevate modern cocktail creation.
Inspiration Behind the Pandan Spritz Royale
According to Ioannis, the cocktail was designed around structure, clarity and controlled evolution.
At the heart of the drink is his homemade limoncello, prepared to achieve a precise balance between sweetness and citrus oil intensity. It brings brightness and a distinctive Mediterranean character to the cocktail.
Vodka acts as the structural backbone. Its clean and neutral profile supports the aromatics without adding extra weight, allowing the flavours to remain clearly defined.
Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur introduces subtle depth. Its green, slightly vanilla-like aroma softens the citrus notes and adds dimension without dominating the drink.
The Champagne completes the composition by adding lift, texture and a dry finish that refines the overall structure of the cocktail.
The Pandan Spritz Royale cocktail recipe
A vibrant, structured highball with tropical depth and an elegant finish.
Ingredients
- 40 ml Homemade Limoncello
- 20 ml Vodka
- 7.5 ml Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur
- 10 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 50 ml Champagne
Preparation
The Pandan Spritz Royale is built directly in the glass over a single large ice cube.
Shaking the cocktail is intentionally avoided. According to Ioannis, shaking would introduce additional dilution and aeration, softening the structure of the drink too early.
Instead, the base ingredients are added directly to the glass and gently stirred to integrate them.
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Add the limoncello, vodka, pandan liqueur and fresh lemon juice to the glass over one large ice cube.
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Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
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Top with Champagne to preserve carbonation and maintain elegance.
The large ice cube controls dilution, allowing the cocktail to evolve slowly in the glass.
The drink opens bright and structured, then gradually becomes softer and more unified as the flavours develop.
About the Bartender – Ioannis Routsis
Ioannis Routsis has over 20 years of experience in hospitality, working extensively in restaurant and hotel environments where consistency, timing and guest awareness are essential. At the moment Ioannis works at Bar Lidkoeb, Copenhagen.
His approach to bartending is rooted in balance and intention. Ioannis focuses on clean structures, controlled sweetness and cocktails that evolve in the glass rather than overwhelm the palate.
For him, technique is not about complexity, it is about clarity. Every ingredient must justify its presence.
Follow Ioannis on Instagram: @giannis_rouccis and @lidkoeb
Interested in more Pandan drink recipes?
Whether enjoyed in a pandan coffee, a pandan dessert or a delicious cocktail, Bandoeng’22 Pandan Liqueur offers a versatile flavor that bridges Asian tradition and modern hospitality. For more Pandan cocktail recipes click here.
Why bartenders use pandan liqueur in cocktails
Bartenders around the world are increasingly experimenting with pandan liqueur because of its unique flavour and colour. The aromatic pandan leaf adds tropical notes similar to vanilla and coconut, while its natural green colour creates visually striking cocktails.
Bandoeng’22 pandan liqueur was developed specifically to bring these Southeast Asian flavours into modern cocktail culture.
