Star daisy

Star Daisy

(1 ratings)

A modern classic cocktail that elegantly balances gin, apple brandy, and citrus in perfect harmony, revived by legendary bartender Sasha Petraske.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Coupe Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (130ml)
  • London Dry Gin 
    22.5 ml
  • Apple Brandy 
    22.5 ml
  • Dry Curaçao 
    22.5 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    22.5 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1) 
    10 ml
  • Lemon Peel 
    1 twist
  • Nutmeg 
    1 pinch
Recipe credit: Sasha Petraske

Instructions

Step

Chill your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.

Step

Add gin, apple brandy, dry curaçao, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker.

Step

Fill the shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.

Step

Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into your chilled coupe glass to ensure a silky, refined texture.

Step

Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink’s surface, then discard the twist. Optionally, grate a small amount of fresh nutmeg on top for added aroma and festive appeal.

Equipment

Shaker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger

Description

The Star Daisy is a sophisticated member of the classic Daisy cocktail family, expertly revived by Sasha Petraske of Milk & Honey. This equal-parts cocktail creates a harmonious balance between botanical gin, rich apple brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh citrus, resulting in a bright yet complex drink that showcases the beauty of simple, quality ingredients working in perfect synchronization.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (130ml)
Calories
185
ABV
27.5 %
Alcohol
28 g
Carbs
8 g
Carbs from Sugar
6 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use a robust, high-proof gin and bonded apple brandy for the best flavor backbone. Lower-proof spirits will result in a lighter, less complex drink.

  • The Star Daisy follows an equal-parts principle for the main ingredients (except simple syrup), making it easy to scale up for multiple servings or remember for future preparation.

  • Always double strain to remove ice shards and citrus pulp. This creates the signature silky texture that elevates the cocktail from good to exceptional.

  • Choose a dry curaçao over sweet triple sec for better balance. The orange liqueur should complement, not overwhelm, the other flavors in this delicate cocktail.

While you can substitute with Calvados or regular brandy, bonded apple brandy like Laird’s is preferred for its distinctive apple character and higher proof. Regular applejack will work but may produce a lighter flavor profile.

Double straining removes ice shards, citrus pulp, and any small particles that can create an unpleasant texture. The Star Daisy should have a perfectly smooth, silky mouthfeel that showcases its refined balance of flavors.

The Star Daisy uses equal parts of gin, apple brandy, curaçao, and lemon juice, creating a more complex spirit base than traditional single-spirit daisies. Its balance and the specific combination of gin and apple brandy make it unique within the Daisy family.

You can batch the liquid ingredients without ice up to 4 hours ahead and store refrigerated. When serving, add ice, shake individual portions, and strain into chilled glasses. The lemon twist should always be expressed fresh for each drink.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • London Dry Gin
    22.5 ml
  • Apple Brandy
    22.5 ml
  • Dry Curaçao
    22.5 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    22.5 ml
  • Simple syrup (1:1)
    10 ml
  • Lemon Peel
    1 twist
  • Nutmeg
    1 pinch

Method

  1. Chill your coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
  2. Add gin, apple brandy, dry curaçao, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
  4. Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into your chilled coupe glass to ensure a silky, refined texture.
  5. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink's surface, then discard the twist. Optionally, grate a small amount of fresh nutmeg on top for added aroma and festive appeal.