A Bright and Tart Sloe Gin Fizz
The sloe gin fizz is a vibrant, berry-flavored twist on the classic gin fizz. With its cheerful ruby color, this sparkling cocktail is part of the gin fizz family, using gin, citrus, sweeteners, and sparkling water. Instead of traditional gin, sloe gin and occasionally an egg white are used to enhance the drink’s elements.
What is Sloe?
Sloe, pronounced "slow," is a fruit that thrives in England’s thorny hedges. Slightly larger than a blueberry, sloe belongs to the plum family. It has a plum-like taste but is quite sour and bitter. When mixed with sugar, similar to rhubarb, sloes transform into delightful jams, syrups, and liqueurs like sloe gin.
Most sloe gin brands originate from England, with Hayman’s and Plymouth available in the U.S. Some stateside producers like Spirit Works and Averell use sloe berries or plums in their offerings.
Traditionally, sloe gin is steeped with baking spices such as cinnamon and cardamom, making it a preferred drink during the holiday season.
The Best Citrus for Sloe Gin Fizz
While fresh lemon juice is commonly used for gin fizz, you can also opt for fresh lime juice. The zesty floral notes of lime blend well with sloe gin, and I personally prefer it over lemon juice. Try both and see which one you enjoy more.
Add An Egg White, If You’d Like
Incorporating an egg white provides a frothy top and smooth texture to your cocktail. Use one egg white per drink. Start by dry shaking the egg white with sloe gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup—without ice—to create foam. Then, add ice and shake again to chill and dilute your drink properly.
Concerned about uncooked egg whites? Use pasteurized egg whites from a carton, available near the eggs in grocery stores, ensuring they contain no additives. Alternatively, aquafaba—the liquid from a can of chickpeas—can serve as a substitute.
How to Serve Sloe Gin Fizz
Use a tall glass, like a Collins glass, holding about 12 ounces to accommodate the ice and other ingredients. Any ice from your freezer will do.
A simple garnish with a lemon or lime wheel hints at the citrus used in the cocktail, especially useful when serving multiple drinks using different citrus juices. My husband prefers lemon, while I favor lime, making garnishes a helpful distinction.
Recipe for Sloe Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- Ice for the shaker
- 2 ounces sloe gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces chilled sparkling water
- Optional: Lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions:
-
Shake the Ingredients Together: In a shaker filled two-thirds with ice, add sloe gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Strain and Serve: Pour into a Collins glass and top with sparkling water. Garnish with a lemon wheel if desired.
If you enjoyed the recipe, feel free to leave a rating!
Images by Elana Lepkowski / Simply Recipes.
