Rum Daisy

Pro tips

• Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice and measure precisely—the 3 dashes of grenadine and 2 dashes of maraschino are light touches that should enhance, not overpower.
• Chill your glass first; the rum daisy is best served cold and the ice-cold surface helps preserve the balance of spirit and citrus.
• Shake vigorously with ice for 10–12 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink; a weak shake leaves it too strong and unbalanced.

Substitutions

• J. Wray and Nephew Rum → Appleton Estate or Mount Gay (similar Jamaican funk and age profile)
• Maraschino → Kirsch or cherry liqueur (if you want a drier, less sweet modifier)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · bar spoon · jigger · dash bottle or dasher spoon · strainer

What is a daisy cocktail?

A daisy is a sour-style cocktail that combines spirit, fresh citrus juice, syrup, and a liqueur modifier—the maraschino and grenadine in this recipe add complexity beyond a basic sour.

Can I substitute the J. Wray and Nephew rum?

Yes, any aged Jamaican or dark rum works, though J. Wray and Nephew offers distinctive funky, fruity notes; avoid light rums as they lack the depth this recipe needs.

Do I need fresh lemon juice?

Yes—bottled juice will flatten the cocktail. Squeeze fresh lemons for the bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the liqueurs.

What's the best way to measure the dashes?

Use a dash bottle or bar spoon to add grenadine and maraschino carefully; these should be subtle accents, not dominant flavors.