How do I make honey syrup?

Combine equal parts honey and warm water (e.g., 1 oz each). Stir until fully dissolved. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh?

While you can use store-bought orange juice in a pinch, fresh-squeezed juice really makes the flavors pop and keeps the drink vibrant. If possible, opt for fresh for the best result.

What gin works best for the Cat’s Pajamas?

A floral or citrus-forward gin works wonders in this cocktail—think Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray No. Ten, or Hendrick’s. These gins play nicely with the honey and elderflower components.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Absolutely! Swap out the gin for a quality non-alcoholic gin alternative and use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur. The result is just as refreshing, minus the booze.

Cat's Pajamas

Name: Cat's Pajamas
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 2 oz Gin; 0.75 oz Honey syrup; 0.75 oz Fresh orange juice; 0.5 oz Elderflower liqueur; 0.25 oz Lemon juice

The Cat’s Pajamas is a lively, honeyed gin cocktail that strikes the perfect balance between floral, citrus, and sweet. With its sunny appearance and playful name, this drink is as charming as its moniker suggests, delivering a sophisticated yet approachable experience in every sip.

5 minutesEasy1 serving

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Ingredients

1 serving

Gin
60 ml (2 oz)
Use a floral or citrus-forward gin for best results
Honey syrup
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Mix equal parts honey and hot water, stir to dissolve
Fresh orange juice
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Freshly squeezed for vibrant flavor
Elderflower liqueur
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Such as St-Germain, for a floral note
Lemon juice
10 ml (0.25 oz)
Freshly squeezed

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Fine mesh strainer
Citrus juicer
Hawthorne strainer

Instructions

Add gin, honey syrup, fresh orange juice, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
Double strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer.
Garnish with an orange twist or edible flower.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Bright, refreshing flavors with a delicate floral edge
Simple to make with easily accessible ingredients
Perfect for spring and summer sipping
The name alone is guaranteed to spark conversation
Looks beautiful in the glass with its golden hue

History & Origin

The Cat’s Pajamas draws inspiration from the jazz-age slang term meaning 'the best of the best.' While the exact origins of this cocktail are a bit fuzzy—much like a cat’s fur—it’s believed to have emerged during the craft cocktail revival of the 2010s. Bartenders wanted a modern, whimsical riff on the Bee’s Knees, swapping out lemon for the more aromatic punch of orange and adding elderflower liqueur for a floral twist. The result is a drink that’s as delightful and memorable as its name.

Garnish

An orange twist or edible flower. The orange twist releases citrus oils over the drink, enhancing aroma and visual appeal, while an edible flower adds elegance and a touch of whimsy.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 160 calories per serving. Contains about 15g carbohydrates (from honey and juices), negligible fat, and 0g protein. Alcohol content is roughly 18-20% ABV per drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

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