Gin Daisy

Pro tips

• Squeeze lemon juice fresh immediately before mixing—oxidized juice loses brightness and creates flat flavor.
• Shake with plenty of ice for at least 10 seconds to achieve proper dilution and chill; under-shaking results in a warm, unbalanced drink.
• Dissolve the powdered sugar fully by stirring it with the lemon juice before adding gin and grenadine to avoid grittiness.
• Pour the grenadine last and gently—it will sink to the bottom, creating a layered visual effect and releasing flavor gradually as you sip.

Substitutions

• Powdered sugar → simple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon (dissolves instantly, easier to mix)
• Grenadine → raspberry syrup (similar sweetness and fruit flavor, slightly less tart)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring spoon · bar spoon · strainer

What is a Gin Daisy?

A Gin Daisy is a classic cocktail combining gin, fresh lemon juice, powdered sugar, and grenadine for a tart, slightly sweet drink similar to a sour.

Can I use fresh lemon juice or must I use bottled?

Fresh lemon juice is strongly preferred—it delivers brighter flavor and better balance than bottled juice.

What type of gin works best?

A London Dry or other classic gin style works well; avoid heavily flavored gins that may overwhelm the citrus and grenadine balance.

How do I sweeten this if I don't have powdered sugar?

Dissolve regular granulated sugar in a small amount of hot water to create a simple syrup, then use 1/2 teaspoon in place of powdered sugar.

Should this be shaken or stirred?

Shake vigorously with ice to properly chill and dilute the drink, then strain into a glass over fresh ice.