Yellow DaisyCocktail recipe
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Despite its name, the Yellow Daisy is not part of the daisy family of cocktails. Instead, it is best described as a sweetened and aromatized Martini.
This cocktail gained popularity in the early 20th century and was featured in Harry Craddock's 1930 'The Savoy Cocktail Book'. Craddock noted that the Yellow Daisy was the favorite drink of Richard William "Deadwood Dick" Clark, a larger-than-life Wild West figure who mingled with icons like Buffalo Bill and Calamity Jane.
The Yellow Daisy remains a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted cocktails, with its balance of dry, sweet, and herbal flavors.
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Ingredients
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Cocktail Colin says:
The Yellow Daisy is a masterful interplay of flavors where dry gin and white vermouth waltz in perfect harmony, just lightly tailed by the sweetness of Grand Marnier that smooths the edges with a citrusy caress. Those dashes of absinthe don’t roar but whisper, adding an intriguing herbal underscore that elevates this cocktail from a simple Martini variant to a sophisticated symphony. The absence of garnish is a smart choice, allowing the nuanced blend of botanicals and bittersweet notes to take center stage, reminiscent of a refined bygone era.
Method
How to make a Yellow Daisy
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- Stir all ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled coupe glass
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- Serve neat with no garnish, allowing the drink's elegant flavors to shine
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality, small-batch dry gin to enhance the botanical elements. A gin with a robust juniper profile will create a more balanced cocktail when combined with the absinthe's herbal notes.
- Chill all the glassware in advance and ensure your ingredients are cold before mixing. This will prevent excessive dilution during the stirring process and preserve the cocktail's intended flavor profile.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the history of the Yellow Daisy cocktail?
The Yellow Daisy cocktail has a fascinating history, dating back to the early 20th century. It was prominently featured in Harry Craddock's 1930 'The Savoy Cocktail Book', which is a pivotal publication in the world of cocktails. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the Yellow Daisy is not related to the daisy family of cocktails. Instead, it is considered a sweetened and aromatized version of the Martini. Its popularity surged during the early 1900s, thanks to its unique flavor profile that marries dry, sweet, and herbal notes. Furthermore, it is said to have been the favorite drink of Richard William
How should the Yellow Daisy cocktail be prepared?
The Yellow Daisy cocktail should be prepared with precision to ensure its balanced flavor profile is properly expressed. It is traditionally a cold, alcoholic cocktail that is shaken, not stirred. To prepare it, you would typically combine dry gin, white vermouth, Grand Marnier, and a few dashes of absinthe in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shaking the mixture well until it is chilled, you would then strain it into a cocktail glass. The shaking process is crucial in properly mixing the ingredients and chilling the cocktail swiftly. This technique results in a well-mixed, frothy cherry gold liquid that enhances the cocktail's aromatic and flavor notes.
Are there any common ingredient substitutions for the Yellow Daisy cocktail?
While the Yellow Daisy cocktail is traditionally made with dry gin, white vermouth, Grand Marnier, and absinthe, there are a few potential substitutions you can consider if you have dietary restrictions or ingredient preferences. For instance, if you prefer a different type of orange liqueur, you might substitute Grand Marnier with Cointreau, which is another high-quality orange liqueur that can offer a slightly different citrus profile. In place of absinthe, which might be too strong or hard to find, a pastis or other anise-flavored spirit can be used, though you should adjust the quantity to taste as these can differ in intensity. Always remember that substitutions can change the flavor profile, so experiment with caution and taste as you go!
How does the alcohol content of the Yellow Daisy compare to other cocktails?
The Yellow Daisy cocktail boasts an alcohol content of around 21%, which is quite standard for a cocktail but on the stronger side when compared to lower-proof drinks like the Screwdriver or a Mimosa, which usually have less alcohol. This higher alcohol content is due to its base of dry gin and fortified wine like vermouth, along with the inclusion of Grand Marnier and a hint of absinthe, all of which are higher in alcohol percentages. This makes the Yellow Daisy more comparable to classic Martinis or Manhattans, which generally range from 20% to 30% alcohol by volume after mixing. For those who prefer lighter drinks, it can be enjoyed responsibly by extending it with ice or seltzer water to dilute the overall strength without compromising too much on flavor.
What is the cultural significance of the Yellow Daisy cocktail?
The Yellow Daisy holds a special place in cocktail culture largely due to its feature in 'The Savoy Cocktail Book', which has historically been an influential collection that shaped the modern landscape of mixology. The cocktail's association with historic Wild West figure Richard William 'Deadwood Dick' Clark adds an intriguing layer of Americana and blends it with the refined cocktail culture of the 1930s. It embodies the spirit of innovation in cocktail creation, showing how classic ingredients can be combined in new ways to produce entirely unique flavor profiles, bringing a sense of adventure and exploration to the cocktail experience. This sense of history and craftsmanship continues to appeal to cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate both the drink's rich past and its sophisticated taste, making it a beloved choice for classic cocktail aficionados.
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