Lady Killer
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Lady Killer
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.6 / 5
The Lady Killer is a tropical and citrusy cocktail that perfectly balances the botanicals of gin with the fruity sweetness of passion fruit and pineapple juice. Created by Peter Roth for the 1984 IBA International Cocktail Challenge, this award-winning drink combines Cointreau and apricot liqueur for a smooth, layered flavor. It remains a vibrant and refreshing choice for fruit-forward cocktail lovers.
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Microbadges

Award Winner
Inventor
Invented
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1984
Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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242 calories
Garnish
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Orange wedge and stemmed cherry
Alcohol content
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16% | 4.24 units *
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Lady Killer cocktail melds the gin's herbal undertones with the lush, tropical allure of passion fruit and pineapple, creating an exquisite juxtaposition of crisp and sweet. The addition of Cointreau and apricot liqueur lends a velvety depth, ensuring each sip is a captivating journey through layers of citrusy sophistication.

Method
How to make a Lady Killer

Serves 1 · Takes 5 minutes
Pour gin, Cointreau, apricot liqueur, passion fruit juice, and pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker
Fill with ice and shake vigorously until chilled
Strain into a highball glass
Garnish with an orange wedge and a stemmed cherry

Power tips
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To elevate the Lady Killer's tropical profile, use fresh passion fruit juice if available instead of store-bought juice. Fresh juice will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor and aroma, enhancing the cocktail's overall freshness.
Add a hint of depth by incorporating a small splash (about 5 ml) of an overproof rum to the mix. This will provide a subtle warmth and complexity that complements the fruity notes without overpowering them.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Highball  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Lady Killer cocktail?

The Lady Killer cocktail was created by Peter Roth specifically for the 1984 IBA International Cocktail Challenge. It has since become an award-winning drink recognized for its delightful balance of botanicals and fruit flavors. This cocktail is a vibrant and refreshing choice for those who enjoy a fruit-forward beverage, as it masterfully combines the rich complexity of gin with the sweet, fruity notes of passion fruit juice, pineapple juice, Cointreau, and apricot liqueur.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Lady Killer cocktail?

If you're looking to make some substitutions in the Lady Killer cocktail, you can start with the liqueurs. For example, if you don't have Cointreau, you can use another orange-flavored liqueur like Triple Sec. As for the apricot liqueur, it can be swapped with a peach liqueur for a similar sweet, fruity quality. While gin is the classic base spirit and provides the essential botanical element, you might also experiment with vodka for a more neutral base, though it would alter the drink's character significantly. When it comes to the juices, passion fruit and pineapple are integral to the drink's tropical theme, so it would be best to retain those if possible.

Garnishing tips icon

What are some garnishing tips for serving a Lady Killer cocktail?

To accentuate the vibrant and tropical allure of the Lady Killer cocktail, consider garnishing it with a slice or wedge of fresh pineapple, which echoes one of the drink's main ingredients. You might also use a twist of orange peel to highlight the citrus components from the Cointreau. Alternatively, a cherry or a sprig of mint could add color and a hint of fresh aroma. These garnishes not only enhance the visual presentation of the cocktail but also contribute subtle aromatic notes that elevate the overall drinking experience.

Occasion suitability icon

For what occasions is the Lady Killer cocktail best suited?

The Lady Killer cocktail is ideally suited for a variety of social occasions, especially those that emphasize a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a touch of tropical flair. It makes a wonderful choice for summer parties, tiki-themed gatherings, or outdoor barbecues given its refreshing and vibrant flavor profile. Additionally, the cocktail’s visually appealing presentation and balanced taste make it a sophisticated option for brunches or as a welcome drink at cocktail parties. Its relatively moderate alcohol content also makes it enjoyable for occasions where you want to indulge without overly potent effects.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of the Lady Killer compare to other cocktails?

The Lady Killer cocktail has an alcohol content of 16%, placing it at a moderate level compared to many other cocktails. Classic cocktails, such as the Martini or Manhattan, often have higher alcohol contents between 25-30%, primarily due to being composed nearly entirely of spirits. In contrast, the Lady Killer's combination of gin, Cointreau, and apricot liqueur with substantial amounts of non-alcoholic juices results in a more balanced and approachable drink. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a cocktail with a lighter and fruitier profile without the potency of more spirit-forward drinks.

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