Cocktail
Leap Year
How to make a Leap Year - the festive gin cocktail with Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth and lemon. Created in 1928 for the leap year at the Savoy Hotel.
4 minPrep time
easyDifficulty
CoupeGlass
1Serving(s)
The Leap Year was invented in 1928 by Harry Craddock at the Savoy Hotel in London especially for the leap year celebration. With gin, Grand Marnier and sweet vermouth it is an elegant, fruity and orangey cocktail that is still considered one of the best leap year drinks today.
Instructions
- Add gin, Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth and lemon juice to a mixing glass.
- Fill up with ice cubes.
- Stir cold for about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe.
- Express a lemon twist over the glass and drop it in.
Garnish: Lemon twist
Pro tip: The Grand Marnier makes this drink special - do not use a plain orange liqueur but the cognac-based Grand Marnier for the full depth.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the cocktail called Leap Year?
Harry Craddock created it in 1928 at the Savoy Hotel in London for the leap year celebration on 29 February.
Can I replace Grand Marnier?
A high-quality orange liqueur works, but the cognac-based Grand Marnier gives the drink its characteristic warm depth.
What does the Leap Year taste like?
It is spirit-forward and elegant with a fruity orange note and a slight sweetness from the sweet vermouth.
Ingredients
- Gin5 cl
- Grand Marnier1.5 cl
- Sweet vermouth (Vermouth Rosso)1.5 cl
- Lemon juice1 dash
- Lemon twist1 piece
- Ice cubesas needed
