Fastlap – Gin, Pernod & Citrus Cocktail with Orange and Grenadine
A citrus-forward gin cocktail with a hint of anise, the Fastlap blends orange juice, lemon, and grenadine for a bright, easy-drinking mix with subtle herbal depth.
Intermediate
A quick, citrus-driven cocktail that balances bright orange with a light touch of lemon and the distinctive herbal edge of Pernod. The Fastlap sits in an easy middle ground—refreshing like a juice-forward drink but structured enough to feel intentional. It’s built for casual mixing without sacrificing flavor.
Background
The Fastlap doesn’t trace back to a classic cocktail family, but it follows modern mixing logic—combining citrus juice with a base spirit and a small amount of a dominant modifier. The use of Pernod introduces a French-inspired anise note, giving the drink a slightly aromatic twist that became more common in contemporary home bartending.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – the botanical base that anchors the drink
- Pernod – adds a light anise note that brings complexity
- Orange Juice – provides body and natural sweetness
- Lemon Juice – adds brightness and structure
- Grenadine – rounds out the drink with subtle sweetness and color
Substitutions:
- No Pernod? Use a very small rinse of absinthe or skip entirely for a cleaner citrus profile
- No fresh orange juice? Use high-quality store-bought, but expect less brightness
- No grenadine? Use pomegranate juice + simple syrup
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Whisky tumbler
Why This Works
Citrus Meets Anise Without Overkill
The drink works because Pernod is restrained. You get a light herbal lift instead of a dominant licorice note, letting the citrus lead while still adding depth.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sharper Version: Increase lemon juice slightly for a more defined sour edge
- Softer Version: Reduce lemon juice for a smoother, juice-forward profile
- Spritz Style: Top with a splash of soda water
- Color Variation: Use blood orange juice for a deeper hue
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh citrus whenever possible—the drink relies on brightness
- Don’t overpour Pernod; even small increases can overpower the drink
- Shake hard to fully integrate citrus and chill quickly
- Serve immediately to keep the profile crisp and fresh
Clean, bright, and just a little unexpected—the Fastlap is a citrus cocktail with a subtle twist.
Fastlap Recipe
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Type of Glass
Whisky Tumbler
Prep Time
2 min
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 1 tsp. Pernod
- 1 oz.
- 1/4 oz.
- 1/4 oz.
Directions
Add gin, Pernod, orange juice, lemon juice, and grenadine to a shaker with ice.
Shake hard for 12–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a whisky tumbler over fresh ice (double strain for a smoother texture).
Garnish with an orange twist or cherry and serve immediately.
Clean, citrus-forward, and lightly herbal, the Fastlap delivers an easy-drinking cocktail with just enough edge to keep it interesting.
