This drink becomes a special at many bars on February 29 but is then forgotten for the next four years. The mixture of gin and vermouth gives the Leap Year Cocktail a certain affinity to a Martini, but the addition of Grand Marnier makes this cocktail unique. Gary Regan in his book The Joy of Mixology states that Harry Craddock of the Savoy Bar in London created the Leap Year Cocktail to celebrate February 29, 1928. The Savoy Cocktail Book insists that this drink has been “responsible for more proposals than any other cocktail that has ever been mixed.” Begging pardon, but February 29 is also Sadie Hawkins Day, which may have something to do with this mass plunge into wedlock.

For more easy gin recipes, try our Tom Collins cocktail.

  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: Under 5 mins 
  • Active: Under 5 mins 

Ingredients (4)

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • Twist of lemon peel

Instructions

  1. Shake the gin, Grand Marnier, and lemon juice with ice; then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.