The Sloe Gin Fizz is a refreshing, bubbly cocktail with a tart, berry flavor. It differs from the traditional Gin Fizz through the use of Sloe Gin, a gin variation that adds a rich and fruity depth to the drink.
Sloe, pronounced “slow,” is a type of fruit native to England. It’s a bit larger than a blueberry and belongs to the plum family. Being sour and bitter, it requires sugar to reduce its sharpness, rendering it suitable for making tasty jams, syrups, and the renowned Sloe Gin.
Most top-notch Sloe Gin brands, such as Hayman’s and Plymouth, originate from England. However, a few local American brands like Spirit Works and Averell also use sloe berries or plums. Characteristic to Sloe Gin is the infusion of baking spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, making it a favorite for holiday seasons.
Traditionally, fresh lemon juice is used in a Gin Fizz, including the Sloe version. Yet, using lime juice can create an equally zesty and aromatic cocktail. An added advantage of lime is its floral notes that marry perfectly with the rich Sloe Gin.
To give the cocktail a foamy head and a silky-smooth texture, an egg white is often added. Shake the egg white with the Sloe Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker first to create foam. Then, add ice and shake again to chill the cocktail.
Nonetheless, if you have reservations about raw egg whites, pasteurized egg whites (with no additives) from the grocery store would work fine. Alternatively, Aquafaba, the liquid in a can of chickpeas, can serve as an excellent substitute.
Finally, to serve the Sloe Gin Fizz, pour the mixture into a tall glass (like a Collins glass) and top with sparkling water. A simple lemon or lime wheel garnish completes the minimalistic and refreshing look of this cocktail.
For those who fancy gin in their cocktails, rest assured, the Sloe Gin Fizz is a creeper that delivers subtle layers of flavors that keep gin-lovers coming back for more. The cooking mode of this cocktail keeps the screen awake for ease of reference. The ingredients you need are ice, 2 ounces of Sloe Gin, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, 3/4 ounce of simple syrup, and 3 ounces of chilled sparkling water. A lemon wheel for garnish is optional but recommended. Shake the ingredients together in an ice-filled cocktail shaker, strain into a glass, top with sparkling water, garnish, and serve. Enjoy your Sloe Gin Fizz!
