The Eclipse cocktail is a beautiful, berry-kissed drink with a citrusy edge and a deep, dramatic color that’s just as fun to look at as it is to sip. It’s fruity, a little tart, and has just the right touch of sweetness. This one’s been my go-to cocktail for summer evenings on the patio-it’s simple to make, but feels a little fancy in all the right ways.
Eclipse
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Coupe or martini glass
Make-ahead friendly: Yes (see tips below)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) Crème de Cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur)
– Ice
– Optional garnish: flamed orange peel, lemon twist, or edible flowers
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker
– Strainer
– Jigger or measuring spoon
– Chilled coupe or martini glass
Method
- Start by chilling your glass. Pop it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz Crème de Cassis.
- Shake it well-about 15 seconds-until the shaker feels frosty on the outside.
- Dump the ice water from your glass (if you used that method), then strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish if you’d like. A flamed orange peel adds drama and a bit of smoky citrus, but a simple lemon twist works just as well.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh lemon juice. It makes a huge difference. Bottled lemon juice tends to taste dull and flat.
– Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a more tart drink, cut back a bit on the Crème de Cassis.
– Chill everything. A cold glass and well-shaken cocktail keep the flavors crisp and refreshing.
– Don’t over-shake. You want it cold, not watered down.
Make-Ahead Note
You can mix the gin and Crème de Cassis ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Just add the lemon juice and shake right before serving. This keeps the citrus bright and zesty.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do make a batch, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Again, leave out the lemon juice until you’re ready to serve.
What It Tastes Like
It’s bright and juicy with a berry-forward sweetness from the Crème de Cassis and a sharp citrus tang from the lemon. The gin adds a botanical backbone that pulls it all together. Each sip is smooth, slightly sweet, and just tart enough to keep things interesting.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and one trick I’ve learned: if you’re serving it to guests, give it a quick taste test after shaking. A tiny splash more lemon or cassis can make it just right for your crowd.
Substitutions
– No Crème de Cassis? Try Chambord for a raspberry twist or even pomegranate syrup for a non-alcoholic option.
– Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a sharper tang.
– Use vodka instead of gin if you’re not a fan of botanicals-though it’ll be a bit more neutral in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This drink pairs beautifully with:
Spicy Tapas
The sweetness cools down the heat-think spicy shrimp or chili-laced almonds.
Grilled Chicken or Pork
The citrus cuts through the richness, making each bite feel lighter.
Dark Chocolate Treats
That berry-citrus combo is dreamy with a square of 70% dark chocolate or a flourless chocolate cake.
Variations to Try
Midnight Sun Eclipse
– Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) Aperol for a bittersweet note and a deeper orange color. Follow the same recipe otherwise.
Lunar Eclipse
– Swap the lemon juice for lime juice. It gives a sharper, tropical edge.
Blood Moon Eclipse
– Use fresh blood orange juice instead of lemon. Garnish with a thin slice of blood orange for a moody, sunset vibe.
Virgin Eclipse
– Skip the gin and use sparkling water. Keep the lemon juice and Crème de Cassis for a refreshing mocktail that’s full of flavor.
FAQs
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients. Mix everything but the lemon juice ahead of time. Add lemon and shake individual servings when ready to pour.
What’s the best gin for this?
A classic London Dry works great. If you want something more floral, try a botanical gin like Hendrick’s.
How do I get that cool layered look?
If you want the drink to show more color contrast, pour the Crème de Cassis last, slowly down the side of the glass. It’ll settle toward the bottom for a layered effect.
Is this too fancy for a backyard hangout?
Not at all! It looks elegant, but it’s super easy. Just shake and pour. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh is really worth the squeeze here. Bottled can taste dull or even a little bitter.
Try a Seasonal Twist
In summer, toss in a few muddled blackberries before shaking. In fall, a dash of cinnamon syrup adds a cozy note. There’s plenty of room to play with this cocktail, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or serving a tray to friends under the stars, the Eclipse is one of those drinks that feels special without being fussy. Cheers!
