Leap Year Libations: The History & Mystery of the Leap Year Cocktail
Leap Year only comes once every four years, and with it comes a rare cocktail with an intriguing history—the Leap Year Cocktail. Created in 1928 at London’s Savoy Hotel, this gin-based drink has a reputation for sparking romance, celebration, and good fortune.
The History of the Leap Year Cocktail
Legend has it that Harry Craddock, head bartender at The Savoy, invented the Leap Year Cocktail on February 29, 1928. It was said to be responsible for more proposals than any other cocktail—perhaps due to Leap Year’s tradition of women proposing to men.
How to Make a Classic Leap Year Cocktail
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
¾ oz sweet vermouth
½ oz Grand Marnier
¼ oz lemon juice
Instructions:
Shake ingredients with ice.
Strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.
The result is a smooth, slightly citrusy cocktail with a bittersweet edge—much like Leap Year itself.
Leap Year Bar Crawls: Where to Celebrate in NYC
Bemelmans Bar (Upper East Side) – A timeless, elegant setting for a classic Leap Year cocktail.
Martiny’s (Flatiron) – A speakeasy known for its refined gin cocktails.
Attaboy (Lower East Side) – An innovative bar perfect for a modern twist on the classic.
For those hosting their own Leap Year celebration, Art of the Cocktail offers custom cocktail classes and private Leap Year mixology experiences.
