Gordon Ramsay’s Top Cocktail Features a Funny Name.

Renowned British chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay is well-known for both his sharp critiques and his upscale culinary style. Therefore, it’s fitting that his go-to cocktail has a name reminiscent of his fiery temper in “Hell’s Kitchen.” During a 2016 appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Ramsay disclosed that his preferred tequila cocktail is humorously dubbed “Wake Up, You Donkey.”

The term “donkey” is one of Ramsay’s favorite jabs at chefs during his television shows. In a 2018 episode of “Hell’s Kitchen,” he claimed that two contestants were “cooking like donkeys” and pondered if the establishment should be retitled “Donkey’s Kitchen” (available on YouTube). Moreover, he’s famous for exclaiming “You donkey!” and frequently encourages frazzled chefs to “Wake up!”

Described as a vibrant green drink, the “Wake Up, You Donkey” cocktail boasted “the best tequila,” according to Ramsay (as seen on YouTube), accompanied by cider, fresh honey, and smoked elderflower — an unconventional ingredient indeed. The drink was topped with a slice of refreshing lime, and after taking a sip, the chef, in typical Ramsay fashion, exclaimed: “F*** me, that’s delicious.”

In 2016, Gordon Ramsay’s signature cocktail could be enjoyed at the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Atlantic City. While responding to a 2015 Reddit “Ask Me Anything” session, Ramsay characterized this spirited creation as “somewhat spicy and aromatic,” although he mentioned it was previously made with Tanqueray gin. This suggests that it may have evolved before settling on the tequila base.

Regrettably, the whimsically named cocktail has since been removed from the Gordon Ramsay Pub’s menu. However, a 2019 cocktail list featured a similar drink titled “Giddy Up You Donkey,” which included El Jimador — an affordable yet excellent tequila — together with smoked elderflower honey, lime, and Strongbow cider. As of 2024, though, the pub no longer offers any donkey-themed drinks.

Ramsay has crafted more than just donkeys on his drink menu. His establishment, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace, used to feature a fiery tiki-style cocktail called the Rum Donkey. However, after two diners were injured by the drink in 2018, it too was taken off the menu.

In recent years, the playful donkey monikers and flamboyant presentations have been replaced at Gordon Ramsay’s venues with more sophisticated options. At the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Atlantic City, patrons can now enjoy drinks such as a Royal Margarita, which combines cranberries and classic margarita ingredients, and a signature gin and tonic featuring aloe vera liqueur and yuzu, a fragrant citrus fruit from Japan.

Although there’s no longer a donkey on the menu, there is a mule — specifically, an apple mule made with Cîroc Apple Vodka, lime juice, cinnamon syrup, cardamom bitters, and ginger ale. With this stimulating mix, we’re certain it packs a punch. Additionally, ordering a Notes From Gordon cocktail at one of the chef’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurants ensures you’ll receive a note containing a humorous message from Ramsay himself. Who knows, it could even feature a well-known donkey remark just for you.