Wednesday, August 30, 2017

The Gin Daisy Cocktail

Gin Daisy Cocktail

This classic tastes, well, fresh as a daisy

Summer is winding down here, but the heat still lingers. So we need to sip something cool and refreshing. Like The Gin Daisy.

Its crisp taste is ideal for an afternoon by the pool, or as a predinner drink.

And here in the US, the long Labor Day weekend is approaching. Daisy would love to be invited to your annual cookout.

Gin Daisy Cocktail


Recipe: The Gin Daisy Cocktail

A “daisy” is a type of mixed drink (in the same way that the julep, fizz, and Collins are specific drink types). It dates back to the 19th century, when it was quite popular. Today we call all mixed drinks “cocktails.” But the flowery moniker lives on in this drink.

You can make a daisy using any base spirit, plus citrus (usually lemon juice), sweetener, and fizzy water. In the past, we’ve made the Rum Daisy, which uses grenadine as the sweetener (along with a minimum of fizzy water) and is served “up” in a cocktail glass. That recipe reflects the modern method of making a daisy.

Originally, however, the daisy contained orange curaçao (plus a bit of sugar) as the sweetener. It was served over ice in a rocks or Collins glass, and contained more fizzy water — making it a more voluminous drink than the modern version. Because we have a thirst to quench this time of year, we’re making our Gin Daisy the old-fashioned way.

For more history about daisies (and all types of mixed drinks), we recommend Imbibe! by cocktail historian extraordinaire David Wondrich. Our recipe is adapted from his.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and serves 1.

Ingredients
  • 2 ounces dry gin
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ ounce Grand Marnier (may substitute another orange curaçao – see Notes)
  • ¼ ounce simple syrup 
  • 1 to 2 ounces fizzy water (such as seltzer or club soda) 
  • lemon or orange twist/wedge for garnish (optional)
Procedure
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add all ingredients except fizzy water and garnish. Shake until well chilled (about 20 seconds).
  2. Strain into a rocks or tall (Collins) glass filled with ice cubes or crushed ice (use a glass that holds 8 to 10 ounces). Top with fizzy water. Stir briefly, add garnish if desired, and serve.
Gin Daisy Cocktail

Notes
  • Prefer to serve this drink “up”?  Just strain the contents of the shaker into a cocktail glass, then add only ½ ounce of fizzy water.
  • If you find this recipe a bit too sweet, reduce the amount of Grand Marnier to 3 teaspoons, and the simple syrup to a teaspoon or two.
  • You can find generic orange curaçao at any liquor store. We generally use Grand Marnier, which is a premium curaçao. It has excellent flavor (and we always have it on hand).
  • As noted above, you can make a daisy using almost any base liquor. Brandy daisies, for example, were once very popular. When making a brandy daisy, some bartenders like to substitute yellow Chartreuse liqueur for the orange curaçao and sugar.
  • BTW, if you make a daisy with tequila – and skip the fizzy water – you basically have a Margarita.
Gin Daisy Cocktail

Gin Blossoms

“Yum,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “I like this is even better than the Rum Daisy.”

“Love them both,” I said. “But this one is a bit more refreshing. And it certainly goes down smooth.”

“I’ll say,” said Mrs K R, eyeing my glass. “You’ve inhaled that.”

“Whoops a daisy,” I said. “But you’re about finished, too. Shall I mix us another round?”

“Just one more,” said Mrs K R. “Don’t want to be daisied and confused.”

You may also enjoy reading about:
Simple Syrup
Rum Daisy
Margarita
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
Gin Rickey Cocktail
Gin and Tonic
Tom Collins Cocktail
Or check out the index for more

72 comments:

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I have never heard of the term daisy for a drink before but glad of the discovery. I assume not he blue orange curaçao was in favor lol. I second the bigger glass the old fashioned way. Thanks for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, back in the day a "cocktail" was a specific sort of mixed drink; as were daisies, juleps, etc etc. Easier just to call all mixed drinks cocktails! Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

There's my favorite Grand Marnier! Sitting around the pool sounds like a great way to spend the long weekend. Our evenings are cool now in Virginia and the highs this week have been unseasonably low. Not complaining! Maybe I just need a daisy cocktail :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, have a daisy, do, so you don't go half crazy. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen said...

I absolutely loved the sound of this cocktail, John. I am sure I would enjoy this gin daisy. Wonderful recipe.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anu, this has a refreshing flavor -- very good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

The daisy is one of my favorite flowers. Perhaps it should become one of my favorite drinks. I don't think that would be a problem!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

The daisy sounds like my kind of cocktail. And perfect for the holiday weekend! Hope you and Mrs. KR have a wonderful long weekend.

Sippity Sup said...

I'm curious about your thoughts on crushed ice. I see you offer it as an option and it's my understanding that crushed ice is traditional. However, I'm always disappointed with drinks that have crushed ice in them. Even the classic mint julep gets too watery too fast for my taste. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, the daisy is an outstanding drink (flower, too) -- this could become your new favorite. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, crushed ice IS traditional for this drink. Doesn't really work for gin, IMO. I do like crushed ice in rum drinks like a Mai Tai -- but as often as not I'm putting a float of Lemon Hart 151 on top to give the drink some extra oomph when I get down to the watery part of the drink. That's not traditional at all, but it works. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, it's a great weekend drink! Thanks for the comment.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

This sounds like a very refreshing cocktail John. It is still hot here in Florida and this sounds like a nice drink to have over the holiday. Thanks!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, this would be a refreshing drink almost every month of the year in Florida! :-) Thanks for the comment.

mae said...

The daisy appeals to me, though 2 oz of gin plus Grand Marnier seems pretty alcoholic!
I used to drink liqueurs like that more than I do now; I should regress!

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, regression can be good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Chef Mimi said...

Well this is a drink I think I'd like! Trust me, I love to drink, but I just don't like super strong drinks like martinis. Labor Day sounds perfect. Crazy good photos as always!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, make this in a tall glass, add a bit more fizzy water, and you have a nice, slow sipper of a drink. Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

This gin daisy cocktail sounds like something that I would enjoy sipping on. Nice and refreshing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, it's very refreshing! Good flavor, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats said...

Lingers. HA - THE HEAT IS LIKE "HEY, I HAVE MOVED IN FOR GOOD, HAVE FUN WITH ME!"... And I am like "UGHHHHHH I NEED TO MOVEEEEE!!!" - haahahah! Or perhaps I need to this drink to forget how sweltering it is outside.

Unknown said...

Oh this is a YYyesss for me, I know Daisy would love to come to my next party.

Angie's Recipes said...

Before I gave up the alcohol, gin was definitely a favourite. Beautiful shots and I love that glass, John.

Liz (Good Things) said...

Love the name of this one, John. Would you believe I tasted gin for the first time in my life just last week!?

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

I wonder if they know what a gin Daisy cocktail is here in Europe. I have to find a fancy bar.

Sue/the view from great island said...

Love the name, love the drink, love the glass! We almost named our 2nd daughter Daisy and she will never let us live it down...

Kitchen Riffs said...

HiGiGi, hot enough for you? :D LA does get rather warm, doesn't it? But this drink will cool you off! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anna, Daisy is looking forward to your next party! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, that glass is an antique -- at least 100 years old. Worthy of Daisy, don't you think? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, wow, you have a lot of catching up to do! There are a LOT of really good gin cocktails out there. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, a good bar probably would, particularly in England and France (a lot of famous bars in London and Paris). Not so sure about Germany. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sue, next time she gives you a hard time, just serve her this drink. And she'll start giving you a hard time for NOT naming her Daisy! :-) Thanks for the comment.

laura dembowski said...

The only thing I have ever heard from anyone I know is how much they hate gin, but I am dying to try it. This sounds like the perfect way to ease in with the fruity, sweet flavors.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, this drink really would be a perfect intro to gin. Or maybe a Tom Collins. A lot of people don't like gin because they had an unfortunate experience with it when they were young, and still haven't gotten over it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

It's so cold here this week - feels like October! I could still go for one of these delicious looking cocktails!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, wow, a bit early to be quite that cold where you are! Must feel nice, though -- looking forward to cooler weather. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

The ideal cocktail to celebrate this long holiday weekend! Cheers!

Pam said...

That would taste mighty good right now. It looks and sounds terrific John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, cheers! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it IS terrific! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

Heading into a heat wave this holiday weekend. Sipping on a gin daisy would ease my mind and make the heat seem inconsequential. The fresh lemon juice really adds brightness to this cocktail.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, this definitely helps chase the heat away! Thanks for the comment.

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi John, this gin daisy sounds refreshing and the perfect drink for this time of year. Wishing you and Mrs. KR a wonderful week-end.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, this really is a lovely end-of-summer drink. Or for anytime, really. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

Gin was our usual choice of drink back during my university days, I hope I had known this cocktail before, looks nice

Paula | Vintage Kitchen said...

Daisied and confused, jaja, it happens when drinks 'go down smooth'. Never heard of the daisy, but it has all ingredients I like. The grenadine reminded me of my childhood, there were hardly soft drinks at home, and they gave us grenadine syrup with water! Good week John!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, this really has nice flavor -- you'll like. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Paula, grenadine and water makes a nice mocktail! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

I'm grabbing a lemon on the way home this afternoon, and mixing up a few of these!

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

This cocktail sounds like something I would like!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, I'd grab several lemons -- you might want these again tomorrow. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, it has a nice refreshing taste -- I think you would enjoy this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

I'm embarrassed to say that I literally just had my first Gin & Tonic recently at a party and loved it. Kind of reminded me of limeade. So refreshing! That's been my new drink, when I drink which is hardly ever. Now I'll have to try this, it sounds yummy! Any particular brand of Gin you recommend since I'm not an expert on liquor?

Food Gal said...

This looks like my new go-to summer cocktail. I am so into gin lately. And I love how simple this is to make.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, the flavor of gin does vary a bit from brand to brand (they use different botanicals), but our favorite gin for mixed drinks is Beefeater. Plymouth is another good brand that has a lighter flavor, which you may prefer. If you like a G&T, you should also try a Tom Collins and a Gin Rickey. And this drink, of course. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, you'll like this! Wonderful flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

This drink sounds so refreshing with all the citrus flavors! Perfect for a hot day.

Frank said...

This does look refreshing! I think I'd make mine on the dry side as suggested... but I guess I'll just have to try it to know for sure. ;-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, love citrus flavors! Particularly lemon, so this drink is a favorite. :-) Thanks for the ocmment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, always important to experiment. :D Thanks for the comment.

Anne@ASaladForAllSeasons said...

I love gin cocktails, but this is the first time I've heard of a Daisy. It looks and sounds wonderful. With those citrusy flavors it's got to be pretty refreshing! Thanks for sharing it, John. (and I love your pretty cocktail glasses!) :)

amira said...

This looks like a nice refreshing cup of lemonade :). Looks so tasty and thirst quenching drink.

Katerina said...

The best way to say goodbye to summer! I will try to make this as I have all the ingredients handy at home!

Unknown said...

Perfectly refreshing! Gin and tonics with extra lime is our favorite so certain that the gin daisy cocktail will be right up our alley but might skip the simple syrup. Hope you are doing well! Take care

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anne, this really is a refreshing drink. And it tastes SO good! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, this basically is lemonade. With a kick, of course. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Katerina, you'll enjoy this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, G&T's are wonderful, aren't they? As is this! Thanks for the comment.

Emma - Bake Then Eat said...

I love gin, it's my go to drink and this sounds like a great way to drink it.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, this is really refreshing. And good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Rosa said...

What a delightful cocktail! I'll have to try it once (first I need to buy Grand Marnier).

Cheers,

Rosa

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosa, this is SO refreshing with wonderful flavor -- you'll enjoy it. :-) Thanks for the comment.