Gem Cocktail Drink

Gem Cocktail

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you want a unique drink, try the Gem Cocktail recipe! It’s easy to make and tastes fantastic, thanks to its unique blend of ingredients.

Gem Cocktail Recipe

Beat the heat with this refreshing Gem Cocktail recipe! Blend Cognac, Jamaica Rum, Lime Juice, Pineapple Syrup, and Angostura Bitters for a delightful summer treat.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

177 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Cognac
  • 1 oz Jamaica Rum
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz pineapple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime zest or pineapple slice, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Cocktail glass with ice, stir and set aside.
  • Add Bitters: Drop 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into the shaker.
  • Pour Lime: Add ½ oz lime juice to the shaker.
  • Add Syrup: Measure and pour ½ oz pineapple syrup into the shaker.
  • Pour Spirits: Add 1 oz Cognac and 1 oz Jamaica Rum to the shaker.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Strain into Glass: Fine strain the mixture into the chillies cocktail glass.
  • Garnish: Place a lime zest or pineapple slice on the rim of the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Cognac: If you don't have Cognac, you can use brandy as a substitute. I've also tried bourbon for a different but equally delightful flavor.
  • Jamaica Rum: Dark rum works well, for a lighter taste, try using white rum.
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lemon juice can replace lime juice in a pinch, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
  • Pineapple Syrup: If you don't have pineapple syrup, use simple syrup and add a splash of pineapple juice for that tropical touch.
  • Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters can be used instead for a citrusy twist instead of Angostura Bitters.

Making a Pitcher of Gem Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Cognac, 8 oz of Jamaica Rum, 4 oz of lime juice, 4 oz of pineapple syrup, and 16 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Cognac, Jamaica Rum, lime juice, pineapple syrup, and Angostura Bitters with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a lime wedge or pineapple slice, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Spirit Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic substitute; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The Gem Cocktail is naturally vegan-friendly if you ensure that your pineapple syrup contains no animal-derived ingredients. Always check labels to confirm.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
177
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Potassium
 
37
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.2
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
7
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
2
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.03
mg
0
%

 

Gem Cocktail Drink

Gem Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Beat the heat with this refreshing Gem Cocktail recipe! Blend Cognac, Jamaica Rum, Lime Juice, Pineapple Syrup, and Angostura Bitters for a delightful summer treat.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 177

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Cognac
  • 1 oz Jamaica Rum
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz pineapple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime zest or pineapple slice - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Cocktail glass with ice, stir and set aside.
  • Add Bitters: Drop 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters into the shaker.
  • Pour Lime: Add ½ oz lime juice to the shaker.
  • Add Syrup: Measure and pour ½ oz pineapple syrup into the shaker.
  • Pour Spirits: Add 1 oz Cognac and 1 oz Jamaica Rum to the shaker.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Strain into Glass: Fine strain the mixture into the chillies cocktail glass.
  • Garnish: Place a lime zest or pineapple slice on the rim of the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Cognac: If you don't have Cognac, you can use brandy as a substitute. I've also tried bourbon for a different but equally delightful flavor.
  • Jamaica Rum: Dark rum works well, for a lighter taste, try using white rum.
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lemon juice can replace lime juice in a pinch, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
  • Pineapple Syrup: If you don't have pineapple syrup, use simple syrup and add a splash of pineapple juice for that tropical touch.
  • Angostura Bitters: Orange bitters can be used instead for a citrusy twist instead of Angostura Bitters.

Making a Pitcher of Gem Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Cognac, 8 oz of Jamaica Rum, 4 oz of lime juice, 4 oz of pineapple syrup, and 16 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Cognac, Jamaica Rum, lime juice, pineapple syrup, and Angostura Bitters with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled cocktail glasses, garnish with a lime wedge or pineapple slice, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Spirit Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic substitute; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The Gem Cocktail is naturally vegan-friendly if you ensure that your pineapple syrup contains no animal-derived ingredients. Always check labels to confirm.

What is a Gem Cocktail?

A Gem Cocktail is a Cognac and rum-based drink made of Cognac, Jamaica Rum, Lime Juice, Pineapple Syrup, and Angostura Bitters. It’s easy to make because the ingredients are straightforward, and the preparation involves simple steps like shaking and straining. This cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors, making it stand out among other mixed drinks.

A side shot of a Gem cocktail in a cocktail glass on a white coaster placed on a turquoise tray with a bar spoon and a jigger on the side

What is a Gem Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a Gem Cocktail:

  • Cognac: Adds a rich, smooth base with complex flavors.
  • Jamaica Rum: Brings depth and a hint of sweetness to the drink.
  • Lime Juice: Provides a refreshing, tangy acidity.
  • Pineapple Syrup: Adds tropical sweetness and balances the acidity.
  • Angostura Bitters: Enhances the overall flavor with aromatic spices.

Cognac, jamaica Rum, lime juice, pineapple syrup, Angostura aromatic bitters and lime laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Gem Cocktail?

Follow our easy guide to mix a perfect Gem Cocktail:

1
<p>Fill your cocktail glass with ice cubes to chill it.</p>

Fill your cocktail glass with ice cubes to chill it.

2
<p>Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters to the shaker.</p>

Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters to the shaker.

3
<p>Pour ½ oz of lime juice into a shaker.</p>

Pour ½ oz of lime juice into a shaker.

4
<p>Add ½ oz of pineapple syrup to the shaker.</p>

Add ½ oz of pineapple syrup to the shaker.

5
<p>Pour 1 oz of Cognac into the shaker.</p>

Pour 1 oz of Cognac into the shaker.

6
<p>Add 1 oz of Jamaica Rum to the shaker.</p>

Add 1 oz of Jamaica Rum to the shaker.

7
<p>Ice up the shaker.</p>

Ice up the shaker.

8
<p>Shake the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.</p>

Shake the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.

9
<p>Fine strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.</p>

Fine strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.

10
<p>Garnish with a lime zest or pineapple slice.</p>

Garnish with a lime zest or pineapple slice.

History and Origin of the Gem Cocktail

The Gem Cocktail began in the early 20th century. Bartenders took inspiration from an old recipe found in William Schmidt’s 1892 ‘The Following Bowl: What and When to Drink’.  It as a unique mix of Cognac and rum to offer a sophisticated yet easy-to-enjoy drink. The blend of tropical pineapple syrup and refreshing lime juice made it famous in warmer climates. Over time, people recognized the Gem Cocktail’s balanced flavors and simple preparation, making it a favorite among cocktail lovers.

A Gem cocktail, shot from above, in a cocktail glass on a beige surface surrounded by Cognac, jamaica Rum, lime juice, pineapple syrup, Angostura aromatic bitters and lime

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Gem Cocktail?
A typical Gem Cocktail contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is a Gem Cocktail?
Its alcohol by volume (ABV) is approximately 20%, which translates to 40 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Gem Cocktail?
The primary alcohols used in a Gem Cocktail are Cognac and Jamaica Rum.
In which glass is a Gem Cocktail served?
Serve a Gem Cocktail in a cocktail glass.
What does a Gem Cocktail taste like?
It offers a balanced flavor profile with rich, smooth notes from the Cognac, depth and sweetness from the rum, tangy acidity from the lime juice, tropical sweetness from the pineapple syrup and aromatic spices from the Angostura Bitters.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Gem Cocktail?
The typical ratio is 1 part Cognac, 1 part Jamaica Rum, 0.5 parts lime juice, and 0.5 parts pineapple syrup, with 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
How is a Gem Cocktail served?
Serve a Gem Cocktail straight up.

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