Gypsy Serenade No. 2 is a refined gin cocktail that marries floral violet and cherry notes with bright citrus for a modern take on an Aviation-style drink. This cocktail recipe highlights Hayman’s London Dry gin, Luxardo maraschino and crème de violette and finishes in a chilled coupe glass for a polished serve. Whether you’re crafting a single serve at home or testing variations behind the bar, this drink balances aromatics and acidity with deliberate precision.
What ingredients are required for Gypsy Serenade No. 2?
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The recipe relies on a dominant London Dry gin base flavored by two distinctive liqueurs and a trio of fresh citrus juices. Freshly squeezed lemon, lime and orange juices add acidity and lift, while Luxardo maraschino brings almond-cherry depth. Crème de violette contributes delicate floral notes that define the drink’s character.
Below is a clear ingredients table for easy reference when you prepare the cocktail at home or scale the recipe for a small gathering. Quantities are shown in millilitres with approximate US ounce conversions for convenience.
| Ingredient | Amount (ml) | Approx oz |
|---|---|---|
| Hayman’s London Dry gin | 52.5 | 1.8 oz |
| Luxardo Maraschino liqueur | 15 | 0.5 oz |
| Crème de violette | 7.5 | 0.25 oz |
| Fresh lemon juice | 7.5 | 0.25 oz |
| Fresh lime juice | 7.5 | 0.25 oz |
| Fresh orange juice | 7.5 | 0.25 oz |
How do you prepare and mix this cocktail?
Begin by chilling a coupe glass and preparing a simple lemon twist for garnish. Measure the ingredients precisely and add them to a shaker filled with fresh ice. Shake vigorously until the exterior of the shaker feels well chilled and frosty.
After shaking, perform a fine strain into the pre-chilled coupe glass to ensure a silky texture free of ice shards. Express the lemon zest over the surface to release essential oils and then rest the twist on the rim as garnish. The following ordered steps keep the process simple and repeatable every time.
- Pre-chill a coupe glass and prepare a lemon zest twist.
- Add gin, maraschino, crème de violette and the three citrus juices to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for about 10–15 seconds and fine strain into the chilled coupe.
- Express lemon zest over the drink and use as the final garnish.
What does Gypsy Serenade No. 2 taste like and who will enjoy it?
This cocktail reads floral first thanks to the crème de violette, with a supporting cherry-almond echo from the maraschino. The trio of citrus juices brightens the profile and smooths the floral edges, creating a lively sour-sweet balance. The gin backbone keeps the drink grounded and adds botanically driven grip.
Fans of classic Aviations and modern floral sours will find this variation approachable. If vous enjoy cocktails where nuance matters more than sweetness, this serve rewards a focused palate and pairs well with light hors d’oeuvres. It’s a refined option for cocktail hour, intimate dinners or any occasion where presentation and balance matter.
How strong is the cocktail and what about calories?
Gypsy Serenade No. 2 is moderately strong for a stirred or shaken cocktail because it features a larger gin proportion than many sours. On average, a single serving works out to roughly 20.8% alc./vol. which equals about 1.6 standard drinks depending on your local definitions.
Nutritional considerations are straightforward for an indulgent cocktail. One serving contains approximately 175 calories, largely from the liqueurs and fresh juices. Adjusting the recipe by reducing maraschino or crème de violette will lower both alcohol and calories if you prefer a lighter option.
Can I make substitutions or tweak the recipe?
Substitutions work well but will change the drink’s signature profile. Replacing London Dry with a more floral gin will amplify botanicals, while a heavier Plymouth-style gin softens the juniper edge. Swap Luxardo for another maraschino if you need a different cherry note, but choose a quality brand to keep depth.
If the floral direction feels too forward, reduce the crème de violette slightly and increase orange juice by a few millilitres. For a drier finish, dial back the orange and lean into lemon and lime. For readers exploring variations, a splash of soda on top will create a lighter, longer serve.
Andrew Cole focuses on everyday drinks, from warm comfort beverages to refreshing options. His writing emphasizes balance, clarity, and ease of preparation.
