Reviving Vintage Spirits: Crafting a Modern Gin Punch à la Garrick for Your Relaxing Cocktail Hour
- The Cocktail Hour
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Today we’re exploring the delightful world of vintage cocktails by revisiting a classic from 1869: William Terrington's Cooling Cups and Dainty Drinks. This book is a goldmine of cocktail ideas that blends nostalgia with creativity, making it perfect for rethinking your cocktail hour.
We're here to rejuvenate one of its standout recipes—the Gin Punch à la Garrick—into a modern highball that complements your relaxation time perfectly. Gather your ingredients, and let’s revive this slice of history together!

A Peek into the Past: Terrington’s Gin Punch à la Garrick
Looking for a refreshing gin cocktail recipe? Today, we are modernizing a gin cocktail from Cooling Cups and Dainty Drinks, a vintage cocktail book that describes Gin Punch à la Garrick as a refreshing blend of gin, Maraschino liqueur, soda water, ice, and a touch of lemon essence. This drink evokes the glamour and sophistication of vintage cocktail culture, making it a timeless choice for your cocktail hour. Scroll to the bottom for a free cocktail recipe card PDF.
Crafting the Modern Gin Citrus Highball
Cocktail Ingredients:
2 oz London dry gin
½ oz Maraschino liqueur
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
Top with soda water
Ice
Garnish with a lemon wheel
Mixology Instructions:
Start by filling a Collins glass with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled.
Pour in the gin, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, mixing together the base of your cocktail.
Top off your concoction with soda water to your preference—typically around 3 to 4 ounces works well.
Finish by garnishing with a lemon wheel to add a pop of color and flavor!
The Modern Gin Citrus Highball is not only refreshingly light but also incredibly easy to make. Additionally, it’s versatile enough to please a variety of palates, making it the ideal centerpiece for your cocktail hour.
Snack Pairings: Elevating Your Cocktail Experience
No cocktail hour is complete without the perfect complements. Here are some delicious options to enhance your modern gin creation:
Fresh & Crisp
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches: The light cream cheese and herbs pair beautifully with the gin botanicals, creating a refreshing bite.
Radish Slices with Salted Butter: This simple, peppery snack delights the palate with its crisp texture.
Cold Shrimp Cocktail: The citrus and herbal notes of gin beautifully complement chilled shrimp dipped in tangy cocktail sauce.
Salty & Savory
Herbed Goat Cheese & Crackers: This soft, tangy cheese balances the cocktail’s citrus notes, elevating your snack game.
Smoked Salmon on Rye Crisps: A classic gin-friendly bite that always impresses guests.
Rosemary-Spiced Nuts: These crunchy morsels provide a savory contrast to the drink’s bright flavors.
By incorporating these snacks, you’ll create an inviting atmosphere that celebrates taste and relaxation, perfectly fitting the vibe of a vintage cocktail experience.
Toasting to Timeless Flavors
Reviving vintage spirits through modern recipes helps us celebrate cocktails' timelessness while infusing our contemporary flair. The Gin Punch à la Garrick serves as a delightful canvas for crafting a drink that is approachable and refreshing.
Whether enjoying a peaceful night at home or hosting friends for an evening full of laughter, this cocktail and its pairings are sure to elevate your gathering. So gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the art of mixology in a vintage-inspired way. Here’s to a perfect cocktail hour!
With the charm of the past guiding your mix, who knows what other delightful cocktails you might create? Happy sipping!
Recipe card and gin cocktail recipe PDF for you to print at home:
