The Moneypenny

Pro tips

• Use fresh-squeezed juices only—bottled grapefruit and lemon juice will make the drink flat and muddy the delicate gin and Lillet Blanc balance.
• Chill your glass in the freezer before building to keep the drink cold longer and prevent the sugar rim from dissolving too quickly.
• Add the grapefruit bitters last, after ice, to preserve the aromatic bitterness and prevent it from being diluted by melting ice.
• A fresh grapefruit twist (expressed oil over the surface) adds both visual polish and a bright citrus aromatics that elevate the sip.

Substitutions

• Dry vermouth → Lillet Blanc (less floral, more herbal; shifts the profile toward a classic sour)
• Grapefruit bitters → Angostura bitters (spicier, less citrus-forward, but acceptable in a pinch)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately after preparation. Store leftover batched cocktail (without ice or garnish) in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; re-chill and serve over fresh ice.

Equipment

cocktail shaker or mixing glass · jigger · bar spoon

Can I make The Moneypenny without Lillet Blanc?

Lillet Blanc adds essential floral dryness that balances the tartness. Dry vermouth or dry white wine are approximate substitutes, though the flavor profile will shift away from the original character.

How do you make a Demerara sugar rim?

Rub the rim of a chilled glass with a lemon wedge or grapefruit wedge, then dip into Demerara sugar spread on a small plate. The moisture from the citrus helps the sugar adhere.

Should I use fresh grapefruit juice or bottled?

Fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lemon juice are strongly recommended. Bottled juice lacks the brightness and acidity that define this cocktail's tart character.

What type of gin works best for The Moneypenny?

A London Dry style gin with botanicals like juniper and citrus complements the grapefruit and lemon. Avoid heavily flavored or barrel-aged gins that would compete with the drink's bright profile.

Can this cocktail be batched for a party?

Yes. Multiply the gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, and bitters by the number of servings. Batch in a pitcher and chill; add ice and garnish individually when serving.