There’s something charmingly vintage about a Gravel Gertie. It’s got a sweet-tart balance, a silky texture (especially if you add the egg white), and just enough kick to make it interesting. I’ve made this drink countless times—it’s my go-to when I want something refreshing, a little fancy, but not fussy. Whether you’re new to home bartending or just looking to try something different, this one’s a winner.
Gravel Gertie
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Coupe glass (or an old-fashioned glass as a backup)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) apricot brandy
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– 1 egg white (optional, for a creamy froth)
– Ice
– Lemon twist or cherry, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your coupe or old-fashioned glass into the freezer while you mix the drink. A cold glass keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Add ingredients to a shaker. Pour in the gin, apricot brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup. If you’re using the egg white, add that too.
- Dry shake first (if using egg white). Shake everything without ice for about 10 seconds. This helps build that lovely foam.
- Add ice and shake again. Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for about 15 seconds. You’ll feel the shaker get icy cold—perfect.
- Strain into your chilled glass. Use a fine strainer if you want a super smooth pour, especially if you used egg white.
- Garnish. Add a lemon twist or a cherry for a little flair.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice—it makes all the difference in brightness and flavor.
– Homemade simple syrup is easy: just dissolve equal parts sugar and water. It keeps in the fridge for weeks.
– Egg white tip: If you’re nervous about raw egg, look for pasteurized egg whites at the grocery store.
– Shake it like you mean it. A good shake chills the drink and gives you that silky texture.
– Don’t skip the chill. A warm glass will melt the ice faster and dull the flavors.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the gin, apricot brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a shake with ice when ready to serve. Hold off on the egg white until just before serving.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh. If you’ve pre-batched a few, keep them sealed in the fridge and shake with ice before serving. Leftovers (without egg white) can be kept in the fridge for a day or so.
Substitutions
– No apricot brandy? Try peach liqueur or a splash of apricot nectar and a dash of brandy.
– Out of gin? Vodka works in a pinch, though you’ll lose some botanical notes.
– No lemon? Lime juice gives a sharper, zesty twist.
– Watching sugar? Use agave syrup or a touch of honey instead of simple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This is a cocktail that plays well with food. Try it with:
Spicy Appetizers
The sweet-tart flavors help cool the heat—think spicy shrimp, jalapeño poppers, or spicy hummus.
Grilled Seafood
Fresh and fruity notes pair beautifully with smoky grilled fish or shrimp skewers.
Dark Chocolate
A square of high-quality dark chocolate makes this drink feel like dessert.
Why It’s Called a Gravel Gertie
The name adds a bit of mystery, doesn’t it? It’s believed to be inspired by a comic strip character from the Dick Tracy series—Gravel Gertie was quirky and unforgettable, just like this cocktail. While its exact origin is unclear, it’s said to have gained popularity during the Prohibition era, when speakeasies loved serving drinks with flair and hidden punch.
Variations to Try
Raspberry Gertie
– Swap simple syrup for raspberry syrup.
– Garnish with fresh raspberries for a sweet, berry-forward twist.
Herbal Gertie
– Muddle a sprig of rosemary or basil with the syrup before shaking.
– Adds a garden-fresh aroma that’s lovely in spring or early fall.
Virgin Gertie (Non-Alcoholic)
– Use apricot juice instead of brandy and a splash of non-alcoholic gin or soda water.
– Still refreshing, still elegant—just alcohol-free.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s light, fruity, and just strong enough to help you unwind after a long day. If you’re hosting, it’s a fun one to serve because it’s a little unexpected—and always gets compliments.
FAQs
Can I make it without egg white?
Definitely. The egg white adds a creamy froth but isn’t essential to the flavor.
What’s the best garnish?
A lemon twist keeps it fresh, but a cherry adds a little color and sweetness. Pick whichever suits your mood.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works if that’s what you have. Just be sure it’s 100% juice, not from concentrate.
What kind of gin should I use?
Any gin you enjoy drinking! London Dry gins are classic, but feel free to try something floral or citrusy.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need and mix everything except the egg white. Keep it chilled and shake individual portions with ice when serving.
Final Thoughts
Gravel Gertie is a cocktail with character—vintage charm, a playful name, and a flavor that keeps you coming back. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and just fancy enough to impress. Whether you’re sipping it solo or serving it to friends, it’s a little taste of history in your glass. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favorites, too.
