Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe

The gin fizz is a classic mixed drink, similar to a Tom Collings, and one a number of other "fizz" cocktails. The addition of the egg white creates a silver fizz and gives a luscious mouthfeel and frothy top.

The Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail with origins in the late 19th century, emerging as part of the broader family of fizz drinks—carbonated cocktails combining spirits, citrus, sugar, and soda water. First documented in Jerry Thomas’ 1876 Bartender’s Guide, the Gin Fizz originally featured a simple blend of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling water. Its name reflects the effervescent quality that set it apart from traditional sour cocktails, and by the late 1800s, it had become particularly popular in New York, where bartenders experimented with citrus and carbonation to craft refreshing, light drinks.

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The cocktail evolved significantly during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s in the United States, when gin, often produced illicitly as “Bathtub Gin,” was mixed with citrus, sugar, and soda water to mask harsh flavours. This period also saw the innovation of the Silver Fizz, which incorporated egg whites to create a smooth, frothy texture, paving the way for more elaborate variations.

One of the most iconic adaptations is the Ramos Gin Fizz, invented in 1888 by Henry C. Ramos in New Orleans. Combining gin, lemon and lime juice, sugar, egg white, cream, orange flower water, and soda water, the Ramos Gin Fizz is renowned for its labour-intensive preparation, historically requiring up to twelve minutes of vigorous shaking to achieve a creamy, foamy consistency. Today, both the classic Gin Fizz and its Southern-inspired Ramos variant remain celebrated for their light, refreshing character, making them enduring staples in cocktail culture worldwide.

Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz of gin

• 1 oz of lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• ¾ oz of simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 1 oz of Club soda (to top)

Assembly

Pour the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white into a cocktail shaker and dry-shake (without ice) for about 10-15 seconds. Then add ice cubes and shake until chilled. Double-strain into a chilled Collins glass and top with club soda.

Optional Variants

• Silver Fizz: Add egg white

• Ramos Gin Fizz: Add cream and orange flower water

• Sloe Gin Fizz: Substitute gin with sloe gin

This cocktail has remained popular because of its refreshing, light, and effervescent qualities, making it a favourite brunch or summer drink.