When you’re craving something crisp, citrusy, and just a little bit sweet, the Ulanda cocktail hits all the right notes. It’s bright, botanical, and refreshing-perfect for slow afternoons or warm nights with friends. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned home bartender, this one’s easy to love and fun to customize.
Ulanda
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Chilled martini or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.25 oz (7 ml) simple syrup
– Fresh herb sprig (like thyme, basil, or mint) for garnish
– Ice
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it up for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a fresh herb sprig. I love using thyme-it adds a subtle earthy aroma that plays well with the citrus.
Tips for the Best Ulanda
– Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice-bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
– Chill your glass ahead of time. A quick 10-minute stint in the freezer does the trick.
– Don’t overdo the simple syrup. You want just enough to balance the citrus, not overpower it.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
– Gin: Try a floral gin like Hendrick’s for a more aromatic experience.
– Simple syrup: Swap in honey or agave for a natural sweetness. Just stir well so it mixes smoothly.
– Orange liqueur: Elderflower liqueur can give a lighter, floral twist.
Fun Variations
Rosy Ulanda: Add a tiny splash of rose water to the shaker for a floral lift. Go easy-it’s strong!
Spiced Ulanda: Muddle a small cinnamon stick with the syrup before shaking. It adds warmth and depth.
Tropical Ulanda: Swap the simple syrup for coconut water for a breezy, beachy feel.
And for anyone skipping alcohol, a Virgin Ulanda is just as tasty. Leave out the gin, double the citrus, and top with sparkling water for a zesty mocktail.
How to Serve
Serve your Ulanda ice cold, right after shaking. It’s perfect as a pre-dinner drink or a mid-afternoon refresher. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-cocktail pairings too-this drink goes beautifully with a plate of grilled shrimp or a fresh caprese salad.
What to Eat With It
Spicy Tapas
The sweet-citrus combo helps cool down spicy bites like chorizo or patatas bravas.
Grilled Seafood
The lemon and orange flavors really shine alongside smoky grilled fish or shrimp skewers.
Fresh Salads
Pair it with a crunchy summer salad-think arugula, goat cheese, and citrus vinaigrette-for a light and lively match.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Planning for a party? You can scale up the recipe and mix a big batch ahead of time. Just combine the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and syrup in a pitcher (skip the ice for now). Keep it chilled and shake individual servings with ice when it’s time to pour.
Leftovers don’t keep well once mixed, so it’s best to only shake what you’ll drink right away.
Common Questions
Can I make it without a cocktail shaker?
Sure! Use a mason jar with a tight lid or just stir everything in a glass with ice, then strain.
Is it only a summer drink?
Not at all. It’s light and citrusy, so it’s great in warm weather, but you can tweak the garnish-like adding rosemary or cinnamon-to make it feel cozy in cooler months.
Is the Ulanda sweet?
It has a touch of sweetness, but it’s mostly balanced. If you prefer it more tart, just cut back the simple syrup a bit.
Can I batch it for a group?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Mix everything ahead, chill it, and shake individual drinks with ice just before serving.
What if I don’t like gin?
Try vodka for a cleaner base, or even white rum for something more tropical.
Is this cocktail healthy?
It’s all about balance. The citrus gives you a little vitamin C boost, but it’s still a cocktail-best enjoyed in moderation.
Final Thoughts
The Ulanda is one of those cocktails that feels familiar yet fresh. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. You can play around with the flavors and make it your own, or stick to the classic and let the citrus and herbs do the talking. However you pour it, the Ulanda is sure to brighten your glass-and your day.
