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Gin Daisy Cocktail Recipe (Old and New)

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The Gin Daisy is an old gin-based cocktail that’s actually the inspiration behind the Margarita ! There is also a modern twist on the Gin Daisy that we’re going to explore today as well, so you’re in for a treat. 

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Gin daisy

What is Gin Daisy ?

Gin Daisy is a type of sour that was actually the base for the Margarita. The ‘daisy’ part likely comes from the daisy flower, alluding to the sour’s light yellow color. 

It’s a classic cocktail and it’s been around long enough that it’s spawned a modern version as well, this one featuring a dash of grenadine syrup. 

Both the old and new gin daisies are delicious in their own way, but the grenadine is easily an improvement.

When is this drink best ?

I find the classic Gin Daisy an elegant gin sour that’s meant more for sipping, so I could see this served at lounges and fancy bars, and not in a casual setting. The modern Gin daisy however is a little more casual, with its dash of grenadine that both colors and adds extra flavor. 

Both the classic and the modern Gin Daisy I think work well as summer gin sippers, with the modern one going for a mild party vibe.

My thoughts on Gin Daisy

The classic Gin Daisy was an excellent blend of gin and lemon juice, and I have to admit the orange liqueur was a bit lost in the background in terms of flavor. But the small amount of sweetness it brought helped things along greatly. This really isn’t a sweet drink, but it’s definitely not as sour as Margarita. 

The modern Gin Daisy’s dash of grenadine adds more sweetness, and also flavor. I think grenadine works great with lemon juice, but it can easily overpower the gin. Gin’s juniper notes are a bit fragile when pitted against something as exotic and flavorful as pomegranate. I could still identify the gin, but the grenadine does tone it down. gin daisy making

Both cocktails were good, but I preferred the modern one. I have a soft spot for grenadine and the added color adds a lot to the presentation of the drink.

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Recipe Card

gin daisy 3

Gin Daisy Cocktail (Old&New)

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

The classic Gin Daisy, and its modern sister.

Instructions

  1. In a shaker combine gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and ice, shake well.
  2. Strain into small rocks glass with ice.
  3. Top with club soda, stir lightly.

Notes

  • If you want to make the new Gin Daisy, add 0.25 oz grenadine syrup into the shaker. That's the only difference.

Equipment

The finest bartender kit at a budget-friendly price!

Cocktail Shaker!

Stainless Steel Jigger 2 OZ 1 OZ

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If you like Gin Daisy, you might also like…

Tom Collins – a gin daisy with simple syrup instead of triple sec

Bee’s Knees – a gin sour with honey syrup

Gin fizz – a gin daisy without triple sec, and with egg foam

Gimlet – a simple gin sour

Raspberry Lime Rickey – a gin rickey with raspberry

Notes, substitutes, and tips

Don’t overdo the grenadine syrup, unless you’re aiming for a sweeter cocktail and also want to drown out the gin. I used 0.25 oz in this and I think using 0.5 oz would’ve turned out sweeter, stronger in color, and far stronger in flavor. 

I recommend upping the orange liqueur if you want to make this more sweet, but preserve the color and flavor (for the modern version). 


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