Tart Cherry Gin Daisy

The Daisy is what cocktail historians might call an “old-timer”—a drink with serious staying power that’s been making the rounds since the late 19th century. Thought to have originated sometime in the 1870s or 1880s, the Daisy was part of the post–Civil War cocktail boom, when bartenders began experimenting more creatively with citrus, liqueurs, and soda. Essentially a close cousin of the sour, the Daisy took the basic formula—spirit + citrus + sweetener—and gave it a bubbly lift with a splash of soda water. That simple tweak earned it its own identity and a spot on bar menus from New York to New Orleans.

The Gin Daisy, in particular, found early popularity in American cocktail books and eventually crossed the Atlantic, showing up in British bars by the early 1900s. And like many great classics, it evolved over time.

Today, there are two main camps:

• The “old school” Daisy, which uses orange liqueur (like curaçao or triple sec) as the sweetener, and
• The “new school” Daisy, which swaps in grenadine, adding that signature reddish hue and a slightly fruitier edge.

A Standout

The real trick to making a standout Daisy, I’ve learned, is starting with a good-quality gin—nothing too aggressive, but bold enough to hold its own. To give this cocktail a modern twist, I like to use tart cherry grenadine, which adds complexity and a hint of tang. A splash of soda water lightens the whole thing up, making it ideal for warm-weather sipping.

Traditionally served in a julep cup (though decidedly less boozy than its mint-laden cousin), the Gin Daisy is both refreshing and forgiving—great for anyone still warming up to gin. The citrus and cherry mellow out the botanicals, making it an easy, elegant cocktail with roots and range.

So, whether you’re rediscovering a long-lost classic or just looking for something cool and effervescent to cool you off on a long summer day, the Gin Daisy is a refined refresher with a rich backstory—and still very much worth raising a glass to. Its bright citrus, subtle sweetness, and gentle fizz make it incredibly refreshing on a hot day. Light enough to enjoy in the afternoon but flavorful enough to feel like a proper cocktail, the Gin Daisy hits that sweet spot between sophisticated and easygoing, just like summer itself.