Lady KillerCocktail recipe
Rating
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.
Microbadges
Tags
Highball glass
Ingredients
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Cocktail Colin says:
The Lady Killer cocktail is a captivating dance of flavors, where the herbal notes of gin playfully mingle with the exotic sweetness of passion fruit and pineapple juices. The addition of Cointreau and apricot liqueur adds a sophisticated, citrusy twist that elevates this cocktail to a tropical paradise in a glass. The expertly balanced ingredients ensure that each sip is a refreshing escape, making it an ideal choice for aficionados of fruity and smoothly layered drinks.
Method
How to make a Lady Killer
-
- 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
Elevate the Lady Killer with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Pre-chill your highball glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice water before straining the cocktail into it. This keeps your drink colder for longer and enhances the refreshing quality of the cocktail.
- Use a high-quality, fresh passion fruit juice. If possible, press fresh passion fruit for juice, as this will bring a bright, tart flavor that can significantly enhance the cocktail's complexity and freshness.
- Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.
Your private tasting notes
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Featured in
FAQ's

What is the history behind the Lady Killer cocktail?
The Lady Killer cocktail has an interesting background as it was created by Peter Roth for the 1984 IBA International Cocktail Challenge. This vibrant cocktail was crafted to balance the bold botanicals of gin with the sweet and tropical flavors of passion fruit and pineapple juices. The combination of Cointreau and apricot liqueur add a smooth, layered flavor that makes the Lady Killer not just a drink but an experience. Winning awards and capturing the essence of a tropical paradise, this cocktail has remained a favorite for those looking to enjoy a fruity and refreshing taste sensation.

Are there any suitable ingredient substitutions for the Lady Killer cocktail?
If you're looking to make some adjustments to the Lady Killer cocktail, there are several substitutions you might consider. For gin, you could try using a vodka as it will maintain the alcoholic base while softening the botanical notes. In place of Cointreau, any other orange-flavored liqueur such as Triple Sec could work, although it may alter the drink's depth slightly. If apricot liqueur is not available, a peach schnapps might be a delightful alternative. Passion fruit and pineapple juices are key to the cocktail’s tropical appeal, but if needed, mango or guava juices could complement this drink with a different fruity profile.

What are some unique garnishing ideas for the Lady Killer cocktail?
Garnishing the Lady Killer cocktail is a great opportunity to enhance its tropical allure and present it with a touch of visual flair. A classic choice would be a slice of fresh pineapple or a twist of orange peel to play up the citrus notes. Incorporating a piece of starfruit can add an exotic aesthetic. Edible flowers, such as orchids or hibiscus, can also add vibrant colors and a touch of elegance to the presentation. If you wish to highlight the passion fruit aspect, consider adding a small spoonful of passion fruit seeds on top, as they can float attractively on the surface of the cocktail.

What occasions are best suited for enjoying a Lady Killer cocktail?
The Lady Killer cocktail's fruity profile and refreshing nature make it a perfect choice for a variety of occasions, especially those that have a relaxed and festive atmosphere. It's particularly well-suited for summer gatherings, outdoor barbecues, or tropical-themed parties, where its bright flavors can shine. The enticing visual appeal and sophisticated blend of flavors also make it suitable for more formal events such as weddings or cocktail receptions. The Lady Killer can also be enjoyed simply as a delightful way to wind down after a long day, sipping it slowly while relaxing at home.

How does the alcohol content of the Lady Killer compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 16%, the Lady Killer cocktail sits in a moderate range when compared to other cocktails. It is neither overly strong nor particularly weak. For reference, classic cocktails like the Martini or a Manhattan might surpass the Lady Killer in alcohol strength, as they typically contain high-proof spirits undiluted by juices. On the other hand, drinks like a Mimosa or a Pina Colada might have similar or even lower alcohol content due to their ingredient compositions. The balance of the Lady Killer allows for the enjoyment of its alcoholic blend without it being overwhelmingly potent, making it accessible to a wide range of cocktail enthusiasts.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Ice Tea is a classic cocktail characterized by its deceptive potency and refreshing taste, despite a hefty...
Aviation
The Aviation cocktail is a classic and refreshing drink that dates back to the early 1900s. It was created by...
Lavender French 75
The Lavender French 75 is a fragrant twist on the classic French 75 cocktail, renowned for its sophisticated blend of...
Monkey Gland
The Monkey Gland is a classic cocktail that harks back to the Roaring Twenties. It's a vibrant mix, notably combining...

Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Comments
No comments yet…
You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register