Think 7-up with a kick, and you’ve got some idea of what the Gin Fizz tastes like. Of course the herb flavor from the gin makes it a little more interesting than that.

This classic drink has been a favorite amongst cocktail enthusiasts for decades, and its refreshing taste and simplicity make it a popular choice for both casual gatherings and sophisticated events.

But unlike some of the more serious gin drinks, this is a fun, smooth, fizzy, citrusy, slightly sweet concoction that fits anywhere a lemon-lime soda does.

And then it’s got that egg foam for a silky texture that’s out of this world. If you don’t want to use raw egg, you can use aquafaba.

The History of the Gin Fizz

The Gin Fizz has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Like the Ramos Gin Fizz, is was created in New Orleans and was popularized by legendary mixologist Henry C. Ramos.

The original recipe called for gin, lemon juice, sugar, egg white, and carbonated water. The drink quickly gained popularity and became a staple in bars across the United States.

Over the years, variations of the Gin Fizz have emerged, with different regions adding their own twist to the classic recipe.

Essential Ingredients

To make an authentic Gin Fizz cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:

Gin: The base spirit of the cocktail. Opt for a high-quality gin with botanical flavors that complement the other ingredients.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The acidity of the lemon juice adds a refreshing tang to the cocktail. And yes, it really is worth squeezing a lemon for this flavor.
Simple syrup: This sweetener balances out the acidity of the lemon juice. You can make your own homemade simple syrup or buy bottled.
Egg white: The egg white gives the cocktail a frothy texture and creates a creamy mouthfeel. You can substitute aquafaba.
Club soda: The fizzy element that gives the drink its signature effervescence.

How to Shake It

With egg whites, dry shaking is a good method. Or you can just shake everything together for at least 30 seconds to make sure you get the egg white thoroughly incorporated.

Gin Fizz vs. Ramos Gin Fizz

They are two entirely different recipes. The Ramos Gin Fizz has some additional ingredients that make it quite different.

It’s a more complex and creamy cocktail that includes gin, lemon and lime juice, sugar, cream, orange flower water, and egg white. It is known for its frothy texture and velvety consistency.

It’s basically a richer and more elaborate version of the classic Gin Fizz.

Variations of the Gin Fizz

While the classic Gin Fizz is delightful on its own, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few popular variations:

1. Ramos Gin Fizz

This one adds heavy cream, lime juice and orange water to the mix. It’s a more complicated flavor, with an even creamier texture.

2. Sloe Gin Fizz

Replace the regular gin with sloe gin, a red liqueur made from sloe berries. This variation adds a fruity and slightly sweet twist to the cocktail.

3. Elderflower Gin Fizz

Add a splash of elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, to give your Gin Fizz a floral and aromatic dimension.

4. Blueberry Basil Gin Fizz

Muddle a few fresh blueberries and basil leaves in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This variation introduces a burst of fruity and herbal flavors.

5. Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz

Muddle cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves in the shaker before mixing in the remaining ingredients. This variation offers a cool and refreshing twist to the classic cocktail.

Tips for The Perfect Gin Fizz

To elevate your Gin Fizz, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Use fresh ingredients: Squeeze your lemons for fresh juice and opt for high-quality gin to enhance the flavors of your cocktail.
Dry shake before adding ice: Shake all the ingredients without ice first to emulsify the egg white properly and create a luxurious foam.
Control sweetness: Adjust the amount of simple syrup according to your preference for sweetness. You can always add more if needed.
Experiment with different garnishes: Explore various garnish options like citrus peels, herbs, or even edible flowers to add an extra touch of elegance and aroma to your drink.
Use a rocks glass: The shape of a rocks glass is perfect for showcasing the fizziness and visual appeal of your cocktail.

Gin Suggestions

The classic answer to which gin to use in this cocktail is a London dry gin. These gins are known for their juniper-forward flavor profile and are a popular choice for classic cocktails like the Gin Fizz.

If you’re looking for brands, here are several you can’t go wrong with:

1. Tanqueray

Tanqueray is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by gin enthusiasts for generations. Its bold and robust juniper flavor, balanced by citrus and spice notes, makes it an excellent choice for a traditional Gin Fizz cocktail.

2. Beefeater

Beefeater is another iconic London dry gin that offers a well-rounded and versatile profile. It boasts a classic juniper character with hints of citrus and spice, providing a perfect foundation for a refreshing Gin Fizz.

3. Bombay Sapphire

If you prefer a slightly more delicate and floral gin, Bombay Sapphire is an excellent option. It has a wonderful botanical profile that includes juniper, coriander, lemon peel, and grains of paradise, resulting in a smooth and aromatic gin that adds depth to your Gin Fizz.

But also feel free to try other gins and make it with whichever ones you prefer. Hendrick’s is a good choice.

How Strong is it?

Gin Fizz cocktail recipes call for 1 1/2 to 2 ounces (45-60 ml) of gin, which has an alcohol content of around 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). Because of the other ingredients diluting it, it’s not a drink you’re likely to feel immediately.