Golden Daze

The Golden Daze is a sophisticated gin sour with a distinctive bitter edge. It masterfully combines the juniper notes of gin with the earthy, gentian bitterness of Suze. This is brightened by fresh lemon juice and softened by the floral sweetness of honey syrup, creating a complex yet refreshing and beautifully balanced cocktail.
Golden Daze

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Golden Daze is a modern classic cocktail, typically categorized as a gin-based sour. Its inclusion of a prominent bitter liqueur also places it in the family of bittersweet aperitifs.

Serving

This is a moderately strong cocktail served 'up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to maintain its cold temperature.
Serving size
Approx. 4-5 oz / 120-150 ml
Alcohol content
Estimated 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by bartender Evan Zimmerman in 2013 at The Woodsman Tavern in Portland, Oregon. It quickly became a favorite in the craft cocktail scene, praised for its clever use of the French bitter aperitif Suze to create a unique and memorable flavor profile.
Origin
Portland, Oregon, USA, created in 2013.

Golden Daze

The drink is consistently known by its original name, Golden Daze, without any common aliases or alternative names in circulation.
Original name
Golden Daze

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex, bittersweet flavor with strong herbal and citrus notes against a smooth texture and a long bitter finish. It has a beautiful, hazy pale golden appearance.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Herbal, Citrusy, Floral, Complex
Aroma
Lemon zest, Botanical gin, Herbal, Honey
Taste balance
Bitter, Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Long, Herbal, Pleasantly bitter
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Hazy, Pale yellow, Golden hue
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Spring, Summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely balanced, led by a pronounced bitterness and sourness, with moderate sweetness and alcohol strength creating a complex and memorable taste.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires gin, the French bitter aperitif Suze, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey syrup, finished with a dash of orange bitters.
  • Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A London Dry style gin works well.
  • Suze22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A French bitter aperitif made from gentian root.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Honey Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Typically a 2:1 ratio of honey to hot water, stirred until dissolved and then cooled.
  • Orange Bitters1 dash
    Adds subtle aromatic complexity.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker set, including shakers, a jigger for measurement, and both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers for serving.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh strainer for a clean pour.

Instructions

The method involves shaking all ingredients with ice, double-straining the chilled liquid into a coupe glass, and finishing with a lemon twist garnish.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. If you haven't already, prepare honey syrup by combining two parts honey and one part hot water. Stir until fully dissolved, then allow to cool completely.
3. Combine the gin, Suze, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and orange bitters in a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and cold.
6. Double-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
7. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink's surface, and twist it to express the citrus oils.
8. Use the lemon twist as a garnish, either dropping it into the drink or placing it on the rim of the glass.

Garnishing

The Golden Daze is garnished with a lemon twist, whose expressed oils add a bright citrus aroma that complements the drink's flavor.
  • Lemon twist, expressed over the drink to release aromatic oils.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically caffeine, dairy, egg, soy, nut, and gluten-free. It is not vegan due to honey, but a vegan version can be made by substituting agave nectar.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate level of calories, carbohydrates, and sugars, which primarily come from the alcohol and the honey syrup.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-14 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-12 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate or for a sophisticated cocktail hour. Its refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for a warm summer evening gathering.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Summer Evening
  • Sophisticated Sipping

Pairing suggestions

Its bittersweet and acidic profile cuts through fat and salt beautifully, making it an excellent pairing for salty nuts, briny oysters, and creamy cheeses. It serves as a fantastic aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
  • Salty snacks like Marcona almonds or olives.
  • Fresh oysters with a lemon wedge.
  • Creamy goat cheese on crackers.
  • Light charcuterie boards.

Golden Daze: A Modern Classic's Bittersweet Symphony

The Golden Daze is a modern classic cocktail that offers a delightful journey of flavors, from botanical and citrusy to deeply herbal and bitter. Created in Portland, it showcases the French aperitif Suze in a balanced dance with gin, lemon, and honey. It's a sophisticated, refreshing sour perfect for those who appreciate a well-crafted, bittersweet drink. Its pale golden color and elegant presentation make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Variations

Golden Fizz

Add an egg white to the shaker for a creamy, frothy texture, and serve in a Collins glass topped with soda water.

Similar Cocktails

White Negroni

Shares Suze and gin, but uses Lillet Blanc instead of citrus and sweetener for a spirit-forward, stirred, and boozier profile.

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