Calories:~178
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~14g
Alcohol content:~18%
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 16, 2024
The Old Maid is a refreshing cocktail that has its roots in the classic Southside. It's a favorite among those who appreciate a good gin-based drink with a herbal twist. The addition of cucumber and mint gives it a fresh, garden-like quality that's perfect for a hot summer day or a relaxing evening.
The Old Maid offers a harmonious blend of botanical gin flavors with the crispness of fresh cucumber and the subtle sweetness of mint. It's a bright, zesty cocktail with a delicate balance between sweet and sour, and a clean finish that leaves you refreshed.
A few good options for Old Maid are:
Dry gin is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a sharp, botanical base that marries well with the fresh mint and crisp cucumber. 2 oz is the Goldilocks amount - not too strong, not too weak, just right to let all the flavors speak. Skipping gin would be like going to a party without music! For an alternative, try a light vodka for a more neutral base, changing the cocktail into more of a refreshing garden-party tipple.
1 oz of lime juice gives the Old Maid its zesty kick, balancing the sweetness of the syrup and the botanicals of the gin. Too little, and the drink loses its punch; too much, and it'll squinch your face more than a sour lemon. No lime, no crime, but also, no sublime sippage. A lemon juice substitute would swing the drink towards a more nuanced tartness, slightly adjusting the cocktail's pep.
At 0.75 oz, the simple syrup softens the lime's acidity and brings harmony to the gin's botanicals. It's the sweet smile in the symphony of flavors—an angelic choir in the background, not a solo performer. Forget it, and the drink might be too sharp, but drown it, and you’ll be sipping syrupy sadness. Agave nectar could replace it for a more earthy sweetness, though it'll make the drink slightly heavier.
3 slices of cucumber are the spa-day in your glass, giving a mellow coolness and a touch of elegance. Less and you might miss the memo, more and you're floating in cucumber water. No cucumber turns the Old Maid into just an old drink, lacking personality. Zucchini ribbons can be your understudy here, providing a similar texture but an earthier taste, which could intrigue the adventurous palate.
6 mint leaves bring a lively, aromatic breeze to the party, making the drink downright refreshing. Skimp on the mint, and the drink becomes a wallflower—barely noticed. Go overboard, and it's a minty slap in the taste buds. Without mint, you'll lose the cool factor—literally and figuratively. Basil could step in as a substitute, giving the cocktail an Italian twist, a bit more pepper in its step.
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The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd 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 shakePlace 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 strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing 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 garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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Yes, you can create a mocktail version by substituting the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or tonic water. Adjust the other ingredients as needed to taste.
An Old Maid is typically served in a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
Use a gentle touch when muddling mint. Press the leaves against the side of the shaker just enough to release their oils without tearing them.
While the Old Maid can be enjoyed at any time, it's particularly fitting for spring and summer garden parties due to its fresh and botanical flavors.
A classic dry gin with prominent botanical notes works best to complement the fresh cucumber and mint flavors in an Old Maid.
Beyond cucumber and mint, you could also garnish with a lime wheel or a sprig of fresh herbs such as basil for a different aromatic experience.
Absolutely, simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need and muddle the mint and cucumber directly in the pitcher before adding the remaining ingredients and serving over ice.
The Cucumber Gimlet has a light, crisp, and refreshing taste with a subtle sweetness. The combination of gin, lime juice, and cucumber creates a harmonious balance of flavors, while the simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tartness of the lime.
The Queen Bee cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly floral flavors. The honey adds a rich sweetness, while the lemon provides a zesty tang. The gin contributes a subtle herbal note, and the sparkling wine adds a touch of effervescence and dryness.
The Raspberry Sour is a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors. The raspberries provide a fruity and slightly floral note, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing sourness. The simple syrup balances the acidity, and the egg white (optional) gives it a smooth, frothy texture.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
