X.Y.Z. Cocktail

Pro tips

• Use fresh lemon juice squeezed within 15 minutes of serving; oxidized lemon dulls the drink's brightness.
• Chill your glass beforehand by filling it with ice water while you build the cocktail.
• Shake hard for 10–12 seconds with fresh ice to achieve proper dilution and temperature.
• Measure precisely using a jigger; the equal-part ratio (1:1:1) is critical to balance.

Substitutions

• J. Wray and Nephew rum → Appleton Estate 12-year or Mount Gay XO (maintains Caribbean character and age complexity)
• Cointreau → Grand Marnier (richer, slightly more complex orange note; use same measure)
• Fresh lemon juice → lime juice (shifts profile; use only if lemon unavailable, reduce to taste)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · strainer · bar spoon

Can I substitute the J. Wray and Nephew rum?

Yes. Use another aged Caribbean or Jamaican rum with similar proof and character, such as Appleton Estate or Mount Gay, to maintain the cocktail's complexity.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Shake with ice. The lemon juice requires vigorous shaking to properly chill and integrate all ingredients.

What type of lemon juice works best?

Fresh-squeezed lemon juice only. Bottled juice will flatten the cocktail's brightness and balance.

Is this cocktail served up or on the rocks?

Tradition and recipe proportion suggest serve up (chilled, no ice), though serving over one large ice cube is also acceptable.

What glassware should I use?

A coupe or cocktail glass for an up serve, or an old fashioned glass if served over ice.