Sweaty Balls Gin Cocktail – Apricot Brandy & Lemon Twist
A cheeky yet balanced gin cocktail blending apricot brandy, dry vermouth, and fresh lemon juice. The Sweaty Balls delivers bright citrus and silky fruit notes in every sip — a lighthearted drink that’s as fun to order as it is to make.
A Playful Gin Classic with Fruity Charm
Born from modern cocktail humor, the Sweaty Balls combines gin’s crisp botanicals with apricot brandy’s lush sweetness and a splash of lemon for balance. It’s bright, funny, and surprisingly elegant — the kind of drink that breaks the ice before the first sip.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – herbal, aromatic base that gives structure.
- Apricot Brandy – sweet, golden fruit layer that softens the gin.
- Dry Vermouth – adds crisp, herbal dryness to round the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice – brightens and balances the drink.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Coupe glass
- Jigger
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, tart, and botanical — this is the flirty cousin of a gin sour. It’s quick to make, low-effort, and endlessly entertaining to say out loud. Expect a light texture, sunny color, and citrus-fruity aroma that suits warm weather perfectly.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap apricot brandy for peach schnapps for a softer fruit note.
- Try lime juice instead of lemon for sharper acidity.
- For a lighter version, use non-alcoholic gin and reduce vermouth.
Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Chill your glassware — this cocktail shines ice-cold.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or apricot slice for visual pop.
- Pair with cheese boards or light appetizers to complement its tart-sweet balance.
Sweaty Balls Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
Directions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add Gin, Apricot Brandy, Dry Vermouth, and Lemon Juice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a thin slice of apricot, and serve immediately.
The Sweaty Balls Gin Cocktail proves that fun names can hide seriously good flavor — a smooth mix of botanicals and fruit that earns both smiles and refills.
