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.
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.
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.
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).
