Jasmine Cocktail Recipe

Pin It
Jasmine Cocktail Recipe - The Jasmine cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The citrus notes from the lemon juice and Cointreau provide a refreshing tang, while the Campari adds a touch of bitterness. The gin serves as a strong, yet smooth backbone for the drink.
Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Jasmine Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

Contents

History

The Jasmine cocktail is a classic gin-based drink that was created by bartender Paul Harrington in the 1990s. It is said to be inspired by the classic Negroni and the Pegu Club cocktail. The Jasmine has gained popularity among gin lovers and is known for its beautiful balance of flavors.

  • The Jasmine was created as a response to the growing popularity of bitter cocktails in the 90s
  • It was first served at the Townhouse Bar in Emeryville, California
  • The cocktail is named after its creator's girlfriend at the time, Jasmine

How Jasmine Tastes?

The Jasmine cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The citrus notes from the lemon juice and Cointreau provide a refreshing tang, while the Campari adds a touch of bitterness. The gin serves as a strong, yet smooth backbone for the drink.

Interesting facts about Jasmine

  • The Jasmine is sometimes referred to as a 'gateway' cocktail for those who are new to bitter drinks, as it introduces the bitter flavor without being overpowering
  • The cocktail's beautiful pink hue is derived from the combination of Campari and lemon juice
  • The Jasmine is often served in a coupe glass, which is said to enhance the aroma and presentation of the drink

Ingredients

A few good options for Jasmine are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

  • Why this amount? 1.5 oz is the perfect base for our cocktail. It's strong enough to give it character without overpowering the other flavors.
  • The role in flavor: Gin brings herbal and floral notes, forming the backbone of our Jasmine.
  • Without it? No gin, no party! The drink would lack depth and complexity.
  • Alternative: Vodka for a more neutral taste or genever for a maltier profile.

Mary Mitkina

Cointreau

  • Why this amount? 0.75 oz is half the gin, striking a balance between sweetness and potency.
  • Role in flavor: Cointreau adds a sweet, zesty orange kick to the mix.
  • Without it? You'd miss out on a bright layer, and the cocktail would be less rounded.
  • Alternative: Triple sec or orange curaçao for similar orange notes.

Emma Rose

Campari

  • Why this amount? Just 0.25 oz because a little goes a long way in adding bitterness to temper the sweet.
  • Role in flavor: Campari introduces a distinct bitter and herbal undertone.
  • Without it? The drink would be unbalanced, leaning towards too sweet.
  • Alternative: Aperol for a gentler bitterness or another amaro for different herbaceous notes.

Alex Green

Fresh lemon juice

  • Why this amount? 0.75 oz to match the Cointreau for a harmonious sweet-and-sour play.
  • Role in flavor: Brings a tart freshness that cuts through the sweetness and complements the gin.
  • Without it? The cocktail would be flat and cloying.
  • Alternative: Lime juice for a sharper tang or yuzu juice for an exotic twist.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon twist

  • Why garnish? To add a burst of essential oils and fragrance.
  • Role in flavor: The lemon twist adds aroma and a hint of zest upon sipping.
  • Without it? The cocktail would still be tasty but less aromatic and inviting.
  • Alternative: Orange twist for a sweeter nose or grapefruit for a more bitter scent.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Jasmine Drink

  1. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, Cointreau, Campari, and fresh lemon juice
  2. Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice, ensuring all ingredients are well chilled
  3. Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds
  4. Strain: Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Garnish: Express the lemon twist over the drink and place it on the rim of the glass

Pro Tips

  • Use Fresh Lemon Juice: The freshness of the lemon juice can greatly affect the taste of the Jasmine cocktail. Always use fresh lemon juice for the best results.
  • Chill Your Glass: A chilled glass can help keep your cocktail cool for a longer period of time. Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you start making your cocktail.
  • Shake Well: Make sure to shake the cocktail shaker vigorously. This will help to properly mix all the ingredients and give your cocktail a nice frothy top.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie boards: The saltiness of cured meats balances well with the Jasmine's citrus and bitter notes.
  • Sushi: Especially with fish like salmon that complement the Jasmine's brightness.
  • Cheese plates: Opt for creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast the cocktail's crispness.

Main Courses

  • Grilled seafood: The lemon in the Jasmine will echo the freshness of the seafood.
  • Roasted duck: The gamey flavor pairs well with the herbal notes of gin.
  • Lemon chicken: The cocktail's lemon notes can amplify the citrus flavor in the dish.

Desserts

  • Fruit tarts: The sweetness will contrast delightfully with the cocktail's slight bitterness.
  • Sorbet: A lemon or berry sorbet can act as a palate cleanser that complements the drink.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Jasmine

  • Gin: If you don't have gin, you can use vodka as a substitute. It will give a different taste, but still delicious.
  • Cointreau: You can use any other orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec.
  • Campari: If you find Campari too bitter, you can use Aperol instead. It's sweeter and less alcoholic.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the taste won't be as fresh.

Explore all drinks starting with J here

And of course - twists🍹

Jasmine Royale

  • Ingredients: Replace Cointreau with Chambord.
  • Recipe: The same process, but top with a splash of champagne after straining into the glass.
  • Taste change: It's fruitier and less citrus-focused, with a luxurious bubbly finish.
  • How to make: Follow the original steps, just tweak the ingredients and add champagne. It's for when you feel like celebrating with a royal touch.

Midnight Jasmine

  • Ingredients: Add activated charcoal for a dark hue.
  • Recipe: Mix in a pinch of activated charcoal with the other ingredients before shaking.
  • Taste change: The same refreshing flavor but with an enigmatic, inky appearance.
  • How to make: Everything stays the same, just add the charcoal. Perfect for the night owls looking for something mysterious.

Spicy Jasmine

  • Ingredients: Add a small slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño with the lemon juice then shake with the rest.
  • Taste change: It provides a spicy kick that complements the bitterness and citrus notes.
  • How to make: Introduce a new sensation with a controlled burst of heat. For those who like to dance with a bit of fire on their lips.

In case you forgot basics how to make Jasmine

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Find Cocktail

Frequently Asked Questions on Jasmine

What is the origin of gin, the main ingredient of the Jasmine cocktail?

Gin originated in the mid-17th century in Holland. It's made from juniper berries and was originally used for medicinal purposes.

What other drinks can you make with Cointreau?

Cointreau is also used in Cosmopolitan, Margarita and Sidecar cocktails.

What's the best way to store my Campari?

It's recommended to store Campari in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a year.

Are there vegetarian or vegan alternatives to gin for the Jasmine cocktail?

Yes, there are many brands of gin that are vegan and vegetarian-friendly as they don't use any animal-derived ingredients during the distillation process.

Why is it called a 'coupe' glass?

The word 'coupe' is French for 'cut', and it originally was designed to serve champagne in the late 19th century.

More similar recipes to Jasmine!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe