The Star Wars is a cocktail distinguished by its unusual combination of Gin, lemon juice and Galliano. The sweet note of the Galliano harmonises with the tart freshness of the Gin and gives the drink an almost mystical depth. Perfect for anyone looking for a drink with character – not too sweet, not too sour, but with a clear presence. A classic that has endured for decades because it simply works.
And here’s what you need for the Star Wars
4 cl London Dry Gin
4 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cl Galliano (vanilla-herbal liqueur)
2 cl Crème de Noyaux (almond liqueur)
Ice cubes
What matters
The trick lies in the Galliano: not too much, otherwise the sweetness dominates, but also not too little, otherwise the characteristic vanilla-herbal note is missing. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice – the difference to bottled juice is like night and day. If the Crème de Noyaux seems too intense, you can replace it with 1 cl almond syrup, but then you lose the subtle bitterness that balances the drink. Serve it ice-cold, but without ice in the glass – otherwise it will dilute too quickly.
Variations
- Star Wars Light — Reduce the Galliano to 1 cl and replace the missing sweetness with 0.5 cl simple syrup. The drink becomes fresher and less dominant, while retaining its basic structure.
- Star Wars Tropical — Replace the lemon juice with 3 cl pineapple juice and 1 cl lime juice. The Galliano harmonises surprisingly well with the tropical note – a drink for sunny evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave out the Galliano?
No. The Galliano is essential to the character of the drink. Without it, the Star Wars becomes a simple Gin Sour with an almond note. If you don’t have Galliano, try 1 cl vanilla syrup and 1 cl herbal liqueur (e.g. Chartreuse) instead, but the taste will be different.
Why does my Star Wars taste too sour?
Probably the lemon juice is too dominant. Make sure you use fresh juice – bottled juice is often more aggressive. If necessary, reduce the lemon juice to 3 cl and add 0.5 cl simple syrup to restore the balance.
Can I serve the drink on the rocks?
Yes, but then it will dilute faster. If you want to serve it on the rocks, use large ice cubes or a sphere that melts more slowly. Alternatively, you can extend it as a long drink with 6 cl soda water – then reduce the Gin to 3 cl.
