Space Jockey
The Space Jockey is a modern tiki creation that brilliantly showcases the versatility of gin in a tropical context. It achieves a perfect balance between the tartness of fresh grapefruit and lime juices, the lush sweetness of passion fruit syrup, and the unique almond-spice character of falernum. The result is a vibrant, aromatic, and deceptively potent drink that is both sophisticated and immensely drinkable, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Space Jockey is classified as a modern classic cocktail, firmly rooted in the contemporary tiki drink category. It combines the structure of a classic sour with tropical flavors, representing a modern evolution of the tiki style.
Serving
This is a cold, spirit-forward but refreshing drink served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe glass. Its alcohol content is moderate for a cocktail of this style.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml or 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This cocktail was created by renowned bartender Ran Duan at The Baldwin Bar in Woburn, Massachusetts. It's considered a gin-based response to the classic tiki drink, the Saturn, but charts its own course by adding grapefruit juice and swapping orgeat for passion fruit syrup. The name evokes a futuristic, space-age theme, fitting for a modern take on the tiki genre.
Origin
The Space Jockey was created in the 2010s by bartender Ran Duan at The Baldwin Bar in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA. It has since become a staple in modern tiki bars and a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Space Jockey
The drink is consistently known by its original name, Space Jockey, without common aliases.
Original name
Space Jockey
Characteristics overview
The Space Jockey presents a bright, tropical aroma and a flavor profile dominated by tangy citrus and passion fruit, with an undercurrent of gin's juniper and falernum's spice. It has a smooth, crisp texture and a clean finish, making it exceptionally refreshing.
Flavor
Tropical, citrus-forward, spicy, herbal, tangy, sweet, sour
Aroma
Grapefruit, juniper, lime, passion fruit, clove, almond, ginger
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, spicy, lingering citrus, warming
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, pale yellow, cloudy, light pink
Texture
Smooth, crisp, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is intensely fruity and sour, balanced by moderate sweetness and a noticeable alcohol presence. Subtle spice notes from the falernum add complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This drink requires a base of London Dry Gin, balanced with fresh citrus from grapefruit and lime. Tropical sweetness and flavor come from passion fruit syrup and the spicy, almond notes of Falernum liqueur.
- London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 ozA classic juniper-forward gin works best to cut through the tropical flavors.
- White Grapefruit Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozFreshly squeezed juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozMust be freshly squeezed.
- Passion Fruit Syrup15 ml / 0.5 ozA quality commercial syrup or homemade version works well.
- Falernum7.5 ml / 0.25 ozA key ingredient providing spice notes of almond, ginger, and clove. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum is a common choice.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and two types of strainers for a smooth, professional result.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
- Jigger for accurate measurement.
- Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
- Fine mesh strainer for double-straining to remove small ice chips.
Instructions
The method is a straightforward shake and double strain. Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe and garnish.
1. Prepare your serving glass by placing it in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the gin, grapefruit juice, lime juice, passion fruit syrup, and falernum in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
6. Take a fresh grapefruit peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express the citrus oils, and then use it as a garnish.
Garnishing
A simple grapefruit twist is the ideal garnish, as its aromatic oils complement the drink's flavors perfectly.
- Grapefruit twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils and then dropped in or placed on the rim.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is generally dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, but it is not nut-free due to falernum, which often contains almond extract. Most ingredients are gluten-free, but always check individual labels if you have a severe allergy.
✓ 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 amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and syrups. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes from the fruit juices and sweeteners.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-18 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for sunny days and warm evenings, making it perfect for summer parties, poolside lounging, or any tropical-themed gathering. Its refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for a pre-dinner happy hour drink.
- Summer Party
- Poolside Sipping
- Happy Hour
- Tropical Themed Event
- Cocktail Hour
Pairing suggestions
The Space Jockey pairs well with light and fresh appetizers. Its citrus notes complement seafood like ceviche or grilled shrimp, while its tropical sweetness can stand up to lightly spiced dishes. It also serves as a great companion to a simple platter of fresh tropical fruits.
- Ceviche
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Lightly Spiced Chicken Wings
- Fresh Fruit Platters
The Space Jockey: A Modern Tiki Voyage
The Space Jockey is a stellar example of modern tiki, showcasing how gin can be the star of a complex and refreshing tropical drink. It balances sour, sweet, and spice with precision, offering a vibrant alternative to rum-based tiki classics. Its creation by Ran Duan cemented its place as a modern classic, beloved for its bright flavors and aromatic complexity. Easy to construct with the right ingredients, it's a sophisticated yet fun cocktail perfect for any warm-weather occasion.
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