Star Daisy

Pro tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness; bottled juice dulls the citrus snap.
• Dissolve powdered sugar fully by adding it to lemon juice first, then add spirits to avoid grit.
• Shake hard for 10–12 seconds to properly chill and aerate; a silky texture signals correct dilution.
• Strain into a chilled glass to prevent melting ice from watering down the drink immediately after serving.

Substitutions

• Apple Brandy → Calvados or applejack (maintains apple character)
• Grenadine → Crème de cassis (shifts to berry but maintains color and sweetness)
• Powdered Sugar → Simple syrup, 1/2 tsp (easier to dissolve, same sweetness)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · strainer · coupe or cocktail glass

Can I make a Star Daisy without apple brandy?

Yes—use another brandy, calvados, or even applejack as a 1:1 substitute, though the apple note will shift.

Should I shake or stir this cocktail?

Shake vigorously with ice to chill and integrate the lemon juice and grenadine evenly.

How do I balance the sweetness?

Start with 1/2 tsp powdered sugar and adjust up or down based on your gin and lemon juice sourcing. The grenadine adds more sweetness, so go light.

What glassware works best?

Serve in a coupe or cocktail glass over ice, or up (no ice) for a silkier texture.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Batch the gin, apple brandy, and grenadine separately; add fresh lemon juice and powdered sugar just before shaking and serving.