The Jockey Club Special is an elegant, dry gin cocktail from a time when bitters were still a natural part of mixing. This recipe combines London Dry Gin with Crème de Noyaux – a rare almond liqueur base that gives the drink a delicate marzipan note. Two dashes of orange bitters and Angostura round off the aroma, while a hint of lemon adds freshness. Stirred, not shaken, it remains clear and silky. Perfect for those who want to enjoy gin beyond tonic.
Here’s what you need for the Jockey Club Special
4 cl London Dry Gin
1 cl Crème de Noyaux
1 cl fresh lemon juice
2 dashes orange bitters
2 dashes Angostura
What matters
Crème de Noyaux is not a standard liqueur – it’s made from apricot kernels and has an intense almond aroma with a slight bitterness. If you can’t find it, you can substitute 0.5 cl almond syrup plus 0.5 cl amaro, but the typical kernel note will be missing. Important: The lemon juice must be fresh – pre-packaged juice will make the drink flat. And: Don’t stir too vigorously, or the ice will melt too much and dilute the drink. A good Jockey Club Special should taste sharp, not watery.
Variations
- Jockey Club Fizz — Strain the stirred drink (without ice) into a Highball glass, top with 6 cl chilled soda water, and gently stir. Garnish with a lemon twist. More refreshing, but less concentrated.
- Pink Jockey — Replace 1 cl Crème de Noyaux with 0.5 cl raspberry syrup and omit 1 dash of Angostura. Results in a fruitier, pink drink with less bitterness.
Frequently asked questions
Can I substitute Crème de Noyaux with Amaretto?
Amaretto is sweeter and less complex than Crème de Noyaux. If you use it, reduce the amount to 0.5 cl and add 0.5 cl lemon juice to balance the sweetness. However, the drink will lose the typical almond-kernel note.
Why is the drink stirred and not shaken?
Gin cocktails with clear ingredients like this one are traditionally stirred to achieve a silky texture. Shaking would cloud the drink and incorporate too much air – which doesn’t suit the dry, elegant character of the Jockey Club Special.
What’s the ideal glass?
A classic cocktail glass (Martini glass) is perfect. It emphasizes the drink’s clarity and maintains the temperature. A Nick & Nora glass also works, but not a tumbler – it’s too large and will let the drink warm up too quickly.
