Leap Year Cocktail
TIME/SERVINGS
Total: Under 5 mins
Active: Under 5 mins
Makes: 1 drink
Field Guide to Cocktails
by Rob Chirico
Field Guide to Cocktails
by Rob Chirico
This drink becomes a special at many bars on February 29 but is then forgotten for the next four years. The mixture of gin and vermouth gives the Leap Year Cocktail a certain affinity to a Martini, but the addition of Grand Marnier makes this cocktail unique. Gary Regan in his book The Joy of Mixology states that Harry Craddock of the Savoy Bar in London created the Leap Year Cocktail to celebrate February 29, 1928. The Savoy Cocktail Book insists that this drink has been “responsible for more proposals than any other cocktail that has ever been mixed.” Begging pardon, but February 29 is also Sadie Hawkins Day, which may have something to do with this mass plunge into wedlock.
- Shake the gin, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice with ice; then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
COMMENTS | ADD YOUR OWN
You forgot the vermouth. Regan's recipe has 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
jie: there are various instances of this cocktail shown both with and without vermouth. while Regan's does use it, the author of this recipe, Rob Chirico, decided to go without it. Either way, it should be quite tasty!
Then why would he say, "The mixture of gin and vermouth gives the Leap Year Cocktail a certain affinity to a Martini, but the addition of Grand Marnier makes this cocktail unique." He also follows Regan's recipe exactly, minus the sweet vermouth.
Tried it as written, really disliked it. Gin doesn't work well with GM and lemon, tasted very bitter. The vermouth would be a welcome addition.
As the author, may I only say: "OOPS!" Lokking back over my notes, I do indeed have equal parts vermouth and GM -- so much for some editors... Rob
Sorry, Looking -- one too many cocktails, perhaps.