Gin Daisy

Next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing gin drink, consider a citrusy gin daisy, made with lemon juice, orange liqueur, grenadine, soda water and gin, of course! The cocktail is so bright and refreshing that you’ll definitely want a second and even a third round—so remind your guests to leave their cars at home and take a rideshare.

What is a gin daisy?

The term “daisy” really refers to a family of cocktails that contain citrus, flavored syrup or liqueur, and a spirit. Some are topped with soda water. The most popular daisy cocktail is a tequila daisy (but you’d probably call it a margarita). The sidecar and the cosmopolitan are also great examples. Old-school versions of the gin daisy were simpler and typically did not include grenadine, relying instead on lemon juice and sugar syrup for balance. Our recipe is a more modern gin daisy that adds grenadine for its subtle berry sweetness and a signature rosy color that makes the drink feel like spring. Both versions are refreshing, but this new-school take is a little softer, prettier and more crowd-friendly.

Gin Daisy Ingredients

• Gin: As the backbone of the cocktail, gin brings herbal and botanical notes that keep the drink crisp and refreshing. A London dry gin works beautifully here, but softer modern gins are also a great choice.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the bright acidity that defines a gin daisy cocktail. Fresh-squeezed juice is key to keeping it sweet, as bottled juice can taste flat and overly sharp. To avoid a mess, juice a lemon by poking it with a skewer and squeezing the juice out through the hole. No knife required!
• Orange liqueur: Orange liqueur adds depth and a gentle sweetness to round out the lemon’s acidity. Triple sec, Grand Marnier and Cointreau are all good options for balancing the drink.
• Grenadine: Grenadine gives the cocktail its blush color and a touch of fruity sweetness. Look for a quality grenadine made with real pomegranate for the best flavor.
• Soda water: Soda water lightens the drink and adds an effervescent finish. Use well-chilled soda so the cocktail stays crisp and lively.
• Lemon peel: The oils from the lemon peel add aroma and enhance the drink’s citrus notes.

Directions

Step 1: Shake the base of the cocktail

Start by adding the lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.

Add the grenadine.

Add the orange liqueur and the gin. Cover the shaker tin and shake it hard for 15 to 20 seconds or until it’s frosty and cold on the outside.

Editor’s Tip: Shake a little longer than you think you need to. Proper dilution helps soften the acidity and lets the gin’s botanicals shine.

Step 2: Strain and top with soda

Strain the mixture into a Collins glass over fresh ice, then top it with soda. Serve the cocktail with a twist of lemon peel as a garnish.

Editor’s Tip: Do not garnish a daisy cocktail with daisy flowers! Unfortunately, daisies are not edible. But with a little hunting, you can find edible flowers (like pansies and nasturtiums) that make great garnishes.

Gin Daisy Variations

• Switch up the juices: Citrus juices from limes, grapefruits and oranges (or any creative combination) can make this recipe stand out. If you’re desperate, even lemonade could work, with a little less liqueur and grenadine to balance the sweetness.
• Swap the spirit: I know the recipe says gin, but vodka, rum and tequila would all be tasty alternatives in this cocktail. For a real twist, try using bourbon for a Kentucky take on a daisy.
• Serve it up: Not a fan of the rocks? No problem! Serve this drink “up” in a coupe cocktail glass.
• Better with bubbles: Try topping your gin daisy with Prosecco or a citrus-flavored seltzer for added flavor fizz.
• Keep it old-school: Skip the grenadine, add a touch more lemon juice, then sweeten the cocktail with simple syrup. This version is brighter, drier, and closer to the original 19th-century style of gin daisy.

How to Store Gin Daisy Cocktails

Gin daisy cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be partially prepped ahead of time. You can batch the gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur and grenadine up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate the mixture. When ready to serve cocktails, shake your batched mixture well, pour it over ice, and top it with soda water just before serving to keep the drink bright and bubbly.

Gin Daisy Tips

What type of glass is best for a gin daisy cocktail?

A highball or Collins glass is ideal for a gin daisy cocktail because it leaves plenty of room for ice and soda water. These taller glasses are perfect for warm-weather cocktails; they highlight the drink’s color and keep it refreshingly cold. Look for vintage glassware sets at your local estate sales to give your cocktails some real flair.