On warm summer evenings when I’m winding down with friends, the Bearded Lady is one of my favorite cocktails to serve. It’s fruity, bright, and just the right mix of sweet and tangy. Think of it as a berry-kissed twist on a classic sour—refreshing, colorful, and fun to make.
Bearded Lady
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) berry liqueur (like Chambord or crème de cassis)
– ½ oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ½ oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice
– Garnish: lemon twist or a few fresh berries
Substitutions:
– No berry liqueur? Use raspberry syrup or muddle fresh berries with a bit of sugar.
– Out of grenadine? Try a splash of pomegranate juice or a homemade pomegranate syrup.
– Prefer lime? Lime juice works just fine in place of lemon for a zesty twist.
Method
- Chill your glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you make the drink.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, vodka, berry liqueur, lemon juice, and grenadine.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake it well—about 15 seconds—until the outside feels frosty.
- Dump the ice from your glass (if using), then strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a few fresh berries right on top.
Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice—it really makes a difference in brightness and flavor.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I picked up along the way: if you’re making these for a crowd, mix everything (except the ice) in a pitcher ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When guests arrive, shake each serving with ice and pour. Easy, fast, and super fresh.
Storage
If you’re batching it ahead of time, mix all the ingredients (without ice) and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving to keep the flavor crisp and cold.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail really shines when paired with light, flavorful foods. Here are a few of my go-to bites to serve with it:
Grilled Chicken Skewers
The smoky, savory flavor of grilled chicken balances the sweetness in the cocktail beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of melon, pineapple, and berries complements the fruity notes in the drink without overpowering it.
Spicy Appetizers
Jalapeño poppers or spicy shrimp bring out the citrusy zing of the Bearded Lady. It’s a contrast that works surprisingly well.
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh juice matters: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same punch. Go fresh.
- Chill your glass: It keeps your cocktail crisp and slows down dilution.
- Play with your liqueur: Try blackberry, raspberry, or even elderflower liqueur for a twist.
- Balance is key: If it’s too sweet, add a touch more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, a bit more grenadine or a splash of simple syrup can help.
Fun Variations
Bearded Berry Burst
– Swap in raspberry liqueur
– Top with a splash of soda water for a light, fizzy finish
Tropical Bearded Lady
– Add ½ oz (15 ml) coconut rum
– Replace lemon juice with pineapple juice
– Garnish with a pineapple wedge or toasted coconut
Spiced Bearded Lady
– Use spiced rum instead of vodka
– Add a dash of cinnamon syrup for a warm, cozy twist
Mocktail Version
– Mix 2 oz (60 ml) berry juice, ½ oz (15 ml) lemon juice, and ½ oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with berries
– Great for kids or anyone skipping alcohol
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Combine all the ingredients without ice and refrigerate. Shake each drink with ice right before serving.
What glass should I use?
A martini glass looks great and keeps the drink cold. A coupe glass is a lovely option too.
Can I use flavored vodka or gin?
Definitely. Citrus or berry-infused spirits add even more depth.
Is there a low-sugar version?
Use sugar-free grenadine or swap in a touch of honey or agave syrup. You can also cut back on the berry liqueur.
What if I don’t have a shaker?
Use a mason jar with a tight lid. Fill it with ice, shake, and strain using the lid or a small sieve.
Final Sip
The Bearded Lady is bold, bright, and a little bit whimsical—just like its name. Whether you’re sipping it on a summer patio or mixing up a batch for friends, it’s a cocktail that always brings a smile. Try out one of the variations or stick with the classic—you can’t go wrong either way.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because it’s as fun to make as it is to drink. Cheers to trying something new and mixing up a little color in your glass!
