The Vanity is a real eye-catcher: the blue hue of the Blue Curaçao meets the golden pineapple juice to create a drink that not only tastes great but also looks stunning in the glass. London Dry Gin provides a spicy base, while lemon juice and grenadine bring a balanced acidity and sweetness. A cocktail that surprises with its combination of fruitiness and herbs – perfect for anyone who wants more than just a sweet drink.
Here’s what you need for the Vanity
3 cl London Dry Gin
1.5 cl Blue Curaçao
2 cl lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 cl grenadine
4 cl pineapple juice (unsweetened)
Garnish: 1 physalis
Key to success
The trick lies in the timing of the grenadine: add it to the shaker only after the other ingredients have been briefly shaken. This way, it distributes evenly, not only coloring the drink but also perfectly balancing the acidity of the lemon juice. Make sure the pineapple juice is really unsweetened – otherwise the Vanity will be too sweet and lose its refreshing note. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can briefly stir the gin with ice in the glass before shaking to lightly dilute it and open up the aromas.
Variations
- Vanity Fizz — Replace 2 cl pineapple juice with 6 cl chilled soda water and build the drink in a Highball glass over ice. Carefully pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon into the glass last to create layers. Garnish: physalis and a lime slice.
- Vanity Smash — Add 4 fresh mint leaves and 1 cl simple syrup. Lightly press the mint in the glass before shaking to release the aromas. Serve the drink over crushed ice in a Rocks glass and garnish with a mint sprig and the physalis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different liqueur instead of Blue Curaçao?
Yes, but the color and flavor will change. Triple Sec or Cointreau will make the drink clearer and less sweet, while green Chartreuse will give it a herbal note. However, Blue Curaçao is the classic choice here because it brings the blue color and a subtle orange note.
Why does my Vanity taste too sour?
This is usually due to the ratio of lemon juice to grenadine. Try increasing the grenadine to 1.5 cl or reducing the lemon juice to 1.5 cl. Alternatively, you can add 0.5 cl simple syrup to balance the acidity.
Can I make the Vanity without alcohol?
Yes, replace the gin with 3 cl alcohol-free gin alternatives (e.g., based on juniper) and the Blue Curaçao with an alcohol-free orange liqueur. The flavor will be milder, but the fruitiness will remain.
