A cocktail that works just as well in the afternoon salon as it does as an aperitif before dinner. The Maiden’s Prayer combines the herbally-spicy depth of a London Dry Gin with the sweet citrus note of Triple Sec and a splash of fresh acidity. No frills, just balance – but it has to be right. If you use cheap gin or stale juice here, you’ll be punished: the drink will then taste either like cough syrup or sugar water. The original recipe calls for a gin with a pronounced juniper note that stands up to the orange juice without overpowering it.
And this is what you need for the Maiden’s Prayer
4 cl London Dry Gin
2 cl Triple Sec
1.5 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
1.5 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
What matters
The trick lies in the ratio of gin to Triple Sec. Many recipes call for 1:1, but that makes the drink too sweet. With 2:1 (gin:Triple Sec), the spiciness of the gin is preserved while the Triple Sec only acts as a supporting citrus note. Important: the orange juice must be freshly squeezed – carton juice tastes like cardboard and destroys the freshness. If you don’t have fresh juice, it’s better to skip the drink altogether. Another tip: juice the citrus only just before mixing to prevent oxidation. And shake until the shaker is frosted on the outside – that’s the sign that the temperature is right.
Variations
- Maiden’s Prayer with egg white — For a creamier texture, use 1 cl egg white (fresh or pasteurised) and shake the ingredients *dry* in the shaker (without ice), then add ice and shake again. Results in a softer, almost velvety drink with a light foam on the surface.
- Herbaceous Maiden — Replace 1 cl of gin with 1 cl green Chartreuse. This gives the drink a herbal depth that works especially well in winter. Make sure the Chartreuse doesn’t become too dominant – it should support the gin, not replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the drink with a different gin?
Yes, but the character will change. A floral gin (e.g. with lavender or elderflower) makes the drink more floral, a spicy gin (with pepper or cardamom) emphasises the herbal side. London Dry Gin is the classic choice because it has a clear juniper note that combines with the citrus notes. Experimentation is allowed, but the drink loses balance if the gin is too dominant or too weak.
Why isn’t there any sugar or syrup in the recipe?
The Triple Sec brings enough sweetness. Additional sugar would make the drink unbalanced. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add 0.5 cl of sugar syrup, but then the lemon juice should be increased to 2 cl to balance the acidity.
Can I mix the drink in advance and serve it later?
Not recommended. The juices oxidise quickly and lose freshness. If you have no choice, store the drink in the fridge for a maximum of 2 hours and shake briefly before serving. It’s better to prepare the ingredients and mix them only just before serving.
