Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least two minutes before you start mixing. A chilled glass keeps your finished cocktail colder longer and makes the first sip more refreshing.
- Cut a lemon in half and juice it using a citrus juicer or reamer, aiming for about 0.75 ounces. Fresh juice is absolutely essential here because it provides the bright acidity that defines this drink.
- Using a jigger, measure out 1.5 ounces of your chosen gin into a mixing bowl or the base of your cocktail shaker.
- Pour 0.5 ounces of Luxardo Maraschino liqueur into your shaker with the gin. This small amount provides aromatic complexity and a touch of sweetness without making the drink cloying.
- Pour your freshly squeezed lemon juice into the shaker with the other ingredients. The citrus balances the botanicals and liqueur, creating that signature Bulldog harmony.
- Add a generous handful of ice to your shaker, filling it about three-quarters of the way full. More ice ensures proper dilution and keeps everything cold as you shake.
- Close your shaker and shake hard for about 10 to 12 seconds until the outside gets frosty and cold. This proper shaking chills the drink, dilutes it slightly with water from melting ice, and aerates the ingredients for a silky texture.
- Using a Hawthorne strainer, pour the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass, leaving the ice and pulp behind. Straining cleanly gives you that smooth, elegant presentation you're after.
- Cut a thin lemon twist from fresh lemon peel and express the oils over the drink by twisting it over the surface. Place the twist on the rim or float it on top, adding both aroma and visual appeal to your finished cocktail.
Notes
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and never skip the freezing step for your glass, as these two details alone make the difference between a forgettable and a memorable Bulldog cocktail. Serve immediately after straining for best results.