Looking for fun ways to celebrate leap day? You need to try this delicious Leap Year Cocktail! Created in 1928, this easy drink recipe has been a classic ever since, and you only need four ingredients and five minutes to make it!
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I've fall down a bit of a leap year rabbit hole this year! I don't know why but I never thought too much about February 29th before, but now I'm bubbling over with fun ideas for spending this once-every-four-years (or so) day.
One of the coolest things I've discovered during my search is that there's actually a special Leap Year Cocktail. The recipe for this drink was invented in 1928 (more info on that below). Of course, I had to try it, and it was delish!
You are going to love this Leap Year Drink too, especially if you're a gin or vermouth fan! This classic cocktail is potent drink (it definitely has a boozy kick) with well-balanced sweet and bitter flavors, along with notes of bright citrus from the fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur.
Best of all? You only need four ingredients to make it, and no special skills are required. In fact, this recipe so easy and fun to make that you'll want to enjoy it more often than once every for years. Don't save it just for your leap year party!
Ready to start sipping? Then keep reading for all the delicious details!
History of the Drink
The Leap Year Cocktail was invented by Harry Craddock at the Savoy Hotel in London for a leap day celebration on February 29, 1928.
Harry Craddock was one of the most famous bartenders of the 1920s and 1930s. He created a number of well-known cocktails, including the White Lady and the famous Corpse Reviver #2. You can still buy a copy of his book, The Savoy Cocktail Book, which is a favorite of bartenders and home mixologists alike.
The Leap Year Drink has a fun description in the book: "It is said to have been responsible for more proposals than any other cocktail that has ever been mixed." Perhaps that's a nod to the tradition of women proposing on leap day!
Ingredients
You only need four ingredients to make this potent drink:
- Gin - This is a gin-based cocktail, and I'd suggest using a London Dry Gin. I used Beefeater, but Ford's or Tanqueray would also work well.
- Sweet Vermouth - You'll also need a sweet vermouth. I used Punt e Mes, which has a good combo of sweet and bitter flavors, but Carpano Antica Formula is another option that's less bitter.
- Orange Liqueur - The classic choice for this recipe is Grand Marnier, a brandy-based orange liqueur. I was trying to use bottles that were already in my liquor cabinet, so I went with Cointreau instead, and I liked it. Use Grand Marnier if you'd like to stick to the classic recipe. It's also a little sweeter and will balance out the drink's bitter flavors a little more.
- Lemon Juice - You'll also need a little lemon juice. Make sure to squeeze it fresh for the best results!
You'll Also Need
You will also need a jigger to measure everything (I have and love this Oxo jigger), as well as a cocktail shaker to combine the ingredients. I have been meaning to upgrade my shaker (which is functional, but messy) for a while now, and this Oxo cocktail shaker is at the top of my list! You'll also need a coupe glass to serve the drink, although a martini, or Nick & Nora glass would also work well.
How to Make a Leap Year Cocktail
This fun Leap Year recipe couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Fill shaker with ice. Start by filling your cocktail shaker about ¾-full with ice.
- Add ingredients to shaker. Next, measure and add your ingredients to the shaker.
- Shake the drink. Close your shaker, then shake vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain + garnish. Strain the drink into a coupe glass, then garnish with a lemon twist. Tip: To make a lemon twist, use a channel knife to remove a thin strip of rind from a lemon (before juicing). Twist the rind into a tight spiral, holding it for several seconds or until it maintains a twist.
Wasn't that easy? I love a delicious drink, like this Leap Year Cocktail, which you can throw together in under five minutes!
Tip: If you're making two cocktails, feel free to save time by making them both in the the same shaker.
Related Recipes
Looking for more festive and fun cocktail recipes? Try one of these refreshing ideas next:
- Classic Daiquiri
- French Martini
- Rum Old Fashioned
- Raspberry French 75
- Dirty Mojito
- Chambord and Champagne
- Irish Iced Coffee
P.S. If you're searching for more leap year ideas, here are 29 Things to Do on Leap Day that you won't want to miss!
Leap Year Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin (use a London Dry Gin, such as Beefeater, Ford's, or Tanqueray)
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth (such as Punt e Mes or Carpano Antica Formula)
- ½ ounce Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur)
- ¼ ounce fresh lemon juice
- lemon twist, for garnish (see note)
Equipment
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker about ¾-full with ice.
- Add gin, vermouth, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice to shaker.
- Closer shaker, then shake for about 10 to 15 seconds.
- Strain cocktail into coupe glass. Garnish with lemon twist.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
