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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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. 
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 Cocktail (Old&New)
The classic Gin Daisy, and its modern sister.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 orange liqueur
- club soda to top
- 0.25 oz grenadine syrup (only for modern version)
Instructions
- In a shaker combine gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and ice, shake well.
- Strain into small rocks glass with ice.
- 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
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).
