Can I make the A1 without grenadine?

Yes, you can omit grenadine for a less sweet drink, but it will alter the flavor profile.

What type of gin works best in an A1?

A London Dry gin is typically preferred for its strong botanical flavor, but you can experiment with other styles.

Is the A1 cocktail suitable for a party?

Absolutely! Its refreshing taste and vibrant color make it a great choice for social gatherings.

A1

Name: A1
Yield: 1 cocktail
Ingredients: 2⅔ oz (78.8 ml) Gin; 1½ oz (45 ml) Grand Marnier; ⅓ oz (11.2 ml) Lemon Juice; ¼ oz (5.6 ml) Grenadine

Illustration generated by AI from the recipe’s glass, ice and garnish — not a photograph of a real pour.

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Method: build
Glass: Cocktail glass
Ice: Serve over ice.
Garnish: No garnish required.
ABV: 24%

Ingredients

Gin — 2⅔ oz (78.8 ml)
Grand Marnier — 1½ oz (45 ml)
Lemon Juice — ⅓ oz (11.2 ml)
Grenadine — ¼ oz (5.6 ml)

How to make it

Step 1: Pour gin into the shaker.
Step 2: Add Grand Marnier.
Step 3: Pour in lemon juice.
Step 4: Add grenadine.
Step 5: Shake all ingredients well.
Step 6: Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over ice.

The A1 cocktail is a refreshing and sweet drink based on gin and Grand Marnier.

The story

The A1 cocktail is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, though its exact origins are unclear. It combines gin with Grand Marnier, a French orange liqueur, and citrus elements, which was popular during the cocktail renaissance. Its unique flavor profile and refreshing quality have helped it remain a staple in cocktail bars.

How it tastes

The A1 offers a balance of herbal gin, sweet orange from the Grand Marnier, and a hint of tartness from the lemon juice, complemented by a subtle sweetness from grenadine. It is best served as a refreshing aperitif or during social gatherings.

Getting it right

The key to a well-made A1 is in the shaking; ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors. Straining into a chilled glass is essential to maintain the drink's crispness and presentation.

Variations

A1 Spritz — Add soda water for a lighter, effervescent version of the A1.
A1 Sour — Incorporate egg white for a frothy texture and a richer mouthfeel.

Substitutions

Grand Marnier — Use Cointreau or another orange liqueur if Grand Marnier is unavailable.
Grenadine — Pomegranate syrup can be used as a substitute for grenadine.

Questions

Can I make the A1 without grenadine?: Yes, you can omit grenadine for a less sweet drink, but it will alter the flavor profile.
What type of gin works best in an A1?: A London Dry gin is typically preferred for its strong botanical flavor, but you can experiment with other styles.
Is the A1 cocktail suitable for a party?: Absolutely! Its refreshing taste and vibrant color make it a great choice for social gatherings.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026

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