Silver Fizz Cocktail Recipe

This classic cocktail was inspired by Dr. Thomas More, hero of Walker Percy's novel, "Love in Ruins". The key to the cocktail's rich texture is the egg white: be sure to use a very fresh, high-quality egg, and to shake it with cracked ice rather than whole cubes to help with the aeration.

The Silver Fizz cocktail is a refined variation of the classic Gin Fizz, prized for its smooth texture, bright citrus notes, and elegant presentation. Originating in the late 19th century, the Silver Fizz reflects the evolution of American cocktail culture during a period when bartenders were experimenting with egg whites to enhance mouthfeel and visual appeal.

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The Silver Fizz emerged in the United States during the 1880s–1890s, a time when gin-based drinks dominated bars on both sides of the Atlantic. It is distinguished from the standard Gin Fizz by the inclusion of egg white, which creates a silky foam and softens the sharpness of citrus and alcohol. This innovation elevated the drink from a simple refresher to a more sophisticated cocktail.

The recipe gained widespread recognition in the early 20th century, particularly through influential bartenders such as Jerry Thomas, whose pioneering cocktail manuals helped standardise fizz-style drinks. While the Silver Fizz lacks the creaminess of the later Ramos Gin Fizz, it laid the groundwork for more complex shaken cocktails that prioritised texture as well as flavour.

During the pre-Prohibition era, the Silver Fizz became a popular choice in American hotel bars and upscale saloons. Its clean, refreshing profile made it suitable for daytime drinking, while its frothy crown added a sense of luxury. Despite Prohibition temporarily halting its momentum, the Silver Fizz survived through published recipes and was revived during the late 20th-century classic cocktail renaissance.

Today, the Silver Fizz is regarded as a benchmark cocktail for mastering egg white technique. Its balance of gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and soda water highlights the craftsmanship of traditional mixology while offering a timeless drinking experience. As interest in historic cocktails continues to grow, the Silver Fizz remains a symbol of elegance, restraint, and classic American bartending heritage.

The Silver Fizz Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz London dry gin

• 1 oz Lemon juice

• 1 tsp. superfine sugar

• 1 egg white

• Club soda

• Ice

Assembly

Add all ingredients except club soda into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a Collins glass and fill up with club soda. Serve with a stirring rod.