The Gin Daisy cocktail is a timeless favorite that has evolved beautifully over the years. Whether you’re savoring the classic version or its modern, grenadine-enhanced counterpart, this cocktail delivers a perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, & effervescence.
Easy to make & even easier to enjoy, the Gin Daisy is a must-have addition to any cocktail repertoire.
How to Make a Gin Daisy Cocktail
- Yield: 1 serving
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz orange liqueur
- Club soda, to top
- 0.25 oz grenadine syrup (optional, for the modern version)
- Mint sprig, to be used for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur, & ice. Give it a good shake.
- Strain & Serve: Strain the mixture into a small rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top & Garnish: Top with club soda & stir gently to combine. Add mint sprig.
- Modern Version: To make the modern version, add 0.25 oz grenadine syrup to the shaker before mixing. The grenadine adds a subtle sweetness & a beautiful blush color to the cocktail.
Tips for the Perfect Gin Daisy
- Gin Choice: Opt for a dry gin with floral or citrus notes to complement the cocktail’s tartness.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Custom Sweetness: Adjust the grenadine to suit your sweetness preference in the modern version.
- Glassware Matters: Serve in a small rocks glass to retain the cocktail’s elegance.
Variations & Pairings
- Sparkling Twist: Swap the club soda with sparkling wine for a festive touch.
- Berry Garnish: Add a fresh raspberry or a twist of lemon peel for a decorative flourish.
- Food Pairings: Serve alongside light appetizers like smoked salmon crostini or a crisp arugula salad.
The Gin Daisy cocktail is a versatile drink that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual brunches to elegant dinner parties. Its bright, refreshing flavors make it a go-to choice for gin lovers and cocktail novices alike.
Shake one up today & experience the timeless charm of this classic drink!
FAQ
What Is a Gin Daisy?
The gin daisy is part of the daisy cocktail family—a group of sour-style drinks like the whiskey sour and margarita. These cocktails balance sour, citrusy, and sweet flavors.
Daisies can be made with various spirits, including whiskey, vodka, tequila, and gin. Many see them as the inspiration behind classics like the sidecar and margarita.
Gin Daisy Variations
The gin daisy has two popular versions:
- Old-School: Features orange liqueur for a citrusy kick.
- New-School: Uses grenadine for a fruitier twist.
What sets the gin daisy apart is its fizzy soda water finish, often served over crushed ice—making it perfect for spring or summer.
Where Did the Gin Daisy Come From?
The gin daisy debuted in the late 1800s in Washington, D.C. The oldest daisy recipe appeared in The Bartenders Guide by Jerry Thomas in 1862. The term “daisy” likely comes from old slang for something extraordinary, like a “doozy.”
What Does It Taste Like?
The gin daisy is pale pink, refreshing, and light—like grown-up lemonade. Its bright, tart flavors combine citrus, berry, and herbal notes from the gin. Lemon juice adds tang, while soda water gives it a bubbly finish.
What Is the Difference Between a Margarita and a Daisy?
Fun fact: “Margarita” means daisy in Spanish! The margarita likely evolved from the daisy cocktail. While both share a similar formula, the margarita uses tequila or mezcal as its base and lime juice instead of lemon.
What Is the Best Gin to Use in a Gin Daisy?
Old Tom gin is a classic choice, offering richness and subtle sweetness. However, any dry gin works well. Using aged or botanical gin can add fruity or floral notes to elevate the drink.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.