Bright, crisp, and just the right amount of bold—Dutch Courage is one of those cocktails that never goes out of style. With its refreshing kick of citrus and the herbal backbone of good gin, it’s the kind of drink that feels both timeless and modern. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting this recipe: fresh lemon juice makes all the difference. Let’s walk through how to make this spirited classic at home.
Dutch Courage
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball glass (or a Collins glass)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin (choose a gin you enjoy—London dry works great)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (see tips for substitutions)
– 2 dashes orange bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist, for garnish (optional)
– Optional: fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters.
- Shake well—about 15 seconds—until the shaker feels cold and the drink is nicely chilled.
- Fill your highball glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon. If you’re using rosemary, give it a gentle slap between your palms to release its oils, then add it to the glass.
Tips & Techniques
– Use fresh lemon juice—bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– If you don’t have orange bitters, you can skip them, but they do add a lovely depth.
– To make your own simple syrup: combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until dissolved, then cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Want to prep ahead? Mix everything but the ice and garnish in a pitcher, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving.
Storage
Dutch Courage is best enjoyed freshly shaken. But if you batch it for a party, keep it chilled and add ice just before serving. Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for a day, but the citrus will start to lose its zing after that.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with a range of foods. Here are some of my favorites:
Smoked Salmon
The citrusy brightness cuts through the richness of the salmon—delicious for brunch or happy hour.
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Simple, savory, and perfect for outdoor gatherings. The herbal notes of the gin complement the charred meat beautifully.
Spicy Tapas
The cool, crisp sip of Dutch Courage balances out spicy dishes like patatas bravas or chili-garlic shrimp.
Variations
Rosemary Dutch Courage
– Muddle a sprig of rosemary with the simple syrup before shaking.
– Adds an earthy, aromatic twist that’s perfect for cooler months.
Elderflower Dutch Courage
– Replace half the simple syrup with elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain).
– Brings a floral sweetness that softens the citrus bite.
Spicy Dutch Courage
– Add a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño to the shaker and muddle with the syrup.
– Shake and strain as usual. You’ll get a nice, gentle heat that lingers pleasantly.
Virgin Dutch Courage (Non-Alcoholic)
– Combine 0.5 oz (15 ml) lemon juice, 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup, and 2 dashes of orange bitters.
– Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and top with sparkling water.
– It’s just as refreshing, minus the booze.
Common Questions
What does Dutch Courage taste like?
It’s bright and botanical, with the juniper of the gin leading the way, followed by tart citrus and a hint of sweetness.
Can I use a different spirit?
Yes! Try vodka for a milder flavor, or even tequila for something bolder.
What if I don’t have simple syrup?
You can use agave nectar or honey—just keep in mind that they’re sweeter, so start with a little less and adjust to taste.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix everything (except ice and garnish) in a pitcher. Keep chilled and shake individual servings with ice before pouring.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the simple syrup to 0.25 oz (7 ml), or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia syrup.
Final Thoughts
Dutch Courage is one of those cocktails that feels like a little celebration in a glass. It’s sharp, refreshing, and just fancy enough to feel special without being fussy. This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio, but it’s just as lovely in colder months with a rosemary garnish and good company. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s a classic worth keeping in your rotation.
