Jupiter Cocktail

The Jupiter Cocktail is an elegant, pre-Prohibition drink that balances the botanical notes of gin with the herbaceous quality of dry vermouth. Its signature flavor and color come from Parfait d'Amour, a floral liqueur, with a dash of orange juice and bitters adding a subtle citrus complexity. It is a visually captivating and beautifully layered drink for those who enjoy spirit-forward classics.
Jupiter Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a classic cocktail, originating from the early 20th century. It belongs to the 'sour' family of drinks, though it is more spirit-forward and drier than many modern sours.

Serving

The Jupiter Cocktail is served 'straight up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Martini glass. It is a moderately strong cocktail, meant to be sipped and savored.
Serving size
Approximately 80 ml / 2.75 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The recipe for the Jupiter Cocktail first appeared in Harry McElhone's 1927 book, "Barflies and Cocktails." While its exact inventor is unknown, it is a product of the creative cocktail era in Europe during American Prohibition. The name is believed to be a reference to its otherworldly, celestial color, reminiscent of the planet Jupiter.
Origin
The cocktail was first published in Paris, France, around 1927, though its style is reflective of earlier American cocktail traditions.

Jupiter Cocktail

The Jupiter Cocktail is consistently known by its original name and does not have any common alternative names or monikers.
Original name
Jupiter Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a stunning pale violet appearance with a complex aroma of juniper and flowers. The flavor is dry and botanical with a smooth texture, leading to a clean, floral finish.
Flavor
Floral, Citrusy, Herbal, Dry, Botanical
Aroma
Juniper, Violet, Rose, Orange Peel
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, Balanced, Slightly sweet, Slightly sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Dry, Lingering floral notes
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale Violet, Lavender, Hazy
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, Spring, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense and spirit-forward, with a delicate balance between gin's botanicals, the liqueur's sweetness, and citrus acidity. It is a non-carbonated drink with a noticeable alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is built on a base of London Dry Gin and Dry Vermouth. The unique character comes from Parfait d'Amour liqueur and a small amount of fresh orange juice.
  • London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A classic, juniper-forward gin works best to stand up to the other flavors.
  • Dry Vermouth15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use a fresh, good-quality dry vermouth.
  • Parfait d'Amour Liqueur5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    This is the key ingredient for the drink's color and floral flavor. It can be substituted with Crème de Violette for a different profile.
  • Fresh Orange Juice5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Orange Bitters2 dashes(optional)
    Adds depth and connects the gin and orange elements. Some original recipes omit it, but it improves the balance.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set to properly build this drink. Double straining is recommended to ensure a silky smooth final texture in the glass.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine mesh strainer to remove small ice chips for a smoother texture.

Instructions

This is a classic 'shaken' cocktail. All ingredients are added to a shaker with ice, shaken until well-chilled, and then double-strained into a pre-chilled coupe glass.
1. Place your coupe or Martini glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Combine the gin, dry vermouth, Parfait d'Amour, fresh orange juice, and orange bitters in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Take a fresh swath of orange peel, express its oils over the drink's surface, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple orange twist is the ideal garnish. The aromatic oils expressed over the drink's surface complement its citrus and botanical notes.
  • Orange Twist: Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the surface of the drink before dropping it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, egg, soy, and nuts. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, and can be gluten-free provided a gluten-free gin is used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Jupiter Cocktail is relatively low in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar for a cocktail. Most of its caloric content is derived from the alcohol.
Calories
Averagely 150-170 kcal / 628-711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 4-6 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 3-5 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif or for sophisticated cocktail parties. Its beautiful color makes it a great choice for spring events or any occasion that calls for a visually impressive and elegant serve.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Aperitif
  • Spring Gathering
  • Elegant Evening

Pairing suggestions

Its dry, floral, and citrus character makes it an excellent aperitif. It pairs wonderfully with light, slightly salty or acidic foods like fresh seafood, soft cheeses, and simple salads, which complement the drink without overpowering it.
  • Oysters or light seafood
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Light salads with vinaigrette
  • Marcona almonds

The Jupiter Cocktail: A Celestial Sip of History

The Jupiter Cocktail is a beautiful and sophisticated gin classic from the 1920s. It offers a more complex, drier alternative to other purple-hued cocktails like the Aviation, blending gin's botanicals with dry vermouth, the unique floral and citrus notes of Parfait d'Amour, and a whisper of orange. Being both visually stunning and delightfully flavorful, it's a fantastic choice for connoisseurs of classic cocktails and anyone looking to serve something truly special.

Similar Cocktails

Aviation

The Aviation uses lemon juice instead of orange, maraschino liqueur instead of vermouth, and typically Crème de Violette instead of Parfait d'Amour. It is generally more tart and cherry-forward.

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