When you think of classic gin cocktails, the gin and tonic or martini likely come to mind. However, don’t overlook the gin fizz! This timeless cocktail, a bar staple since the 19th century, uses readily available ingredients. It’s a refreshingly fizzy drink reminiscent of lemonade, but just for adults.
The gin fizz is meant to be enjoyed quickly, not lingered over. Its preparation encourages this: gin, lemon juice, and a sweetener are shaken with ice, then poured into a short glass with club soda. Without ice, the drink can warm up quickly, and the fizz will go flat if left unattended.
It’s the ideal quick pick-me-up, sometimes enjoyed in a series. While I’m not suggesting you do this, if your happy hour is brief or a friend drops by for a quick porch visit, it’s the perfect occasion to whip up this citrusy, herbal cocktail.
Gin Fizz or Tom Collins?
Bars might interchange these names, as both contain gin, lemon juice, a sweetener, and fizzy water. Yet, they differ in serving. A gin fizz is traditionally shaken and strained into a smaller glass, like an 8-ounce highball.
A Tom Collins, on the other hand, is served in a larger glass over ice. The Collins glass, holding 10 to 12 ounces, is named after the cocktail itself, accommodating both the drink and ice.
Which Gin Should I Use?
Your favorite gin! In cocktails like this, where the gin stands out, choose one you enjoy. I recommend a standard London Dry gin with a pronounced juniper flavor and minimal botanicals. Most brands will pair well with lemon.
However, some modern American-style gins with distinct flavors might clash with lemon. If unsure, start with Beefeater, a London Dry gin, and explore from there.
Does Gin Fizz Use Egg Whites?
Egg whites weren’t part of the classic recipe introduced by bartender Jerry Thomas in the late 19th century when fizzes became popular. Many modern versions do, however, include egg whites.
As with many cocktails, altering or adding an ingredient often changes the name. Adding egg white gives you a silver fizz. There’s also the golden fizz, royal fizz, Ramos fizz, sloe gin fizz, and others. For this classic recipe, I omitted the egg white.
A Modern Twist: Add the Egg White
If you want a contemporary version with an egg white or its alternative, here are a few ideas:
- Dry shake—without ice—the egg white with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to create a foamier, thicker top.
- Concerned about the freshness of your egg whites? Use pasteurized egg whites available in a carton. Ensure it’s 100% egg whites without additives.
- For a vegan option, try aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas. When shaken or whisked, it resembles egg whites in appearance and texture, without tasting like chickpeas. Use about 1 ounce of aquafaba instead of an egg white.
Top it Off
A garnish might seem unnecessary for a drink meant to be consumed quickly rather than admired, but it doesn’t hurt! If you’re making a batch for guests or simply want something extra on your drink, a lemon slice complements the drink and highlights a key ingredient.
Ingredients
- Ice for the shaker
- 2 ounces London Dry gin, like Beefeater
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- 3 ounces chilled club soda
- Lemon slice (optional)
Instructions
-
Shake the ingredients together: Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
- Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into a highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon slice if desired. Serve immediately.
Did you enjoy the recipe? We’d love to hear from you—leave us a rating below!
