In the very long list of cocktails with gin, Gin Fizz is one of the oldest. Being very thirst-quenching, it is a classic after dinner, that is perfect to enjoy after dinner. For those who have never tried it, it is the sparkling version of the equally famous gin and tonic
History and origins of Gin Fizz cocktail
Gin Fizz is a gin-based cocktail with ancient origins; it seems, in fact, that his recipe dates back to the late 1700s. In fact, we find annotations of the history of Gin Fizz already in the precious manual by Jerry Thomas entitled “Jerry Thomas’ Bartenders Guide: How to Mix Drinks”: it is the oldest recipe book in the field of cocktails, whose first edition dates back to 1862.
This drink is obtained by adding soda or tonic water, ingredients capable of making this cocktail sparkling. The use of Gin Tonic and Gin Fizz seems to have saved many English sailors from scurvy at that time, thanks to the tonic properties of Gin, which is obtained from juniper and lemon vitamins, which is one of the main ingredients. Such a drink reached the peak of its popularity in the early twentieth century and maintained it at least until 1940.
The recipe for Gin Fizz
Preparing Gin Fizz is really simple and the process is within everyone’s reach. The important thing is to get a shaker. So let’s find out immediately the ingredients and doses.
Ingredients
- 4.5 parts Gin
- 3 parts lemon juice
- 1 part sugar syrup
- 8 parts soda water (or tonic water)
- ice
- slices of lime or lemon to decorate
How to make Gin Fizz: procedure
- Pour into the shaker plenty of ice and add all the ingredients, except soda.
- Shake and pour into the glass up to half the height.
- Fill with soda
- Decorate with a straw and a slice of lime or lemon
The perfect glass for Gin Fizz
As we have seen, Gin Fizz is prepared in the shaker, adding the ingredients and ice. But it is also important how it is served and it is advisable to choose the right cocktail glass. If you want to present Gin Fizz as an experienced bartender would opt for a tall glass, such as highball.
What is the difference between Gin Tonic and Gin Fizz?
As is very often the case, the boundary between cocktail recipes can be so blurred as to create confusion. This happens especially when it comes to cocktails with gin. There is a substantial difference between Gin tonic and Gin Fizz.
The ingredients of Gin Fizz, at least in its simplest version, are nothing more than gin shaken with ice and sugar syrup and then filtered into a glass with ice cubes or with the addition of sparkling water or soda. (Just to clarify, what we have just described – if served in a glass larger than the previous one – corresponds to a Tom Collins or Gin Collin).
But, coming back to us, if gin Fizz is prepared with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and tonic water, Gin Tonic is a mixture of gin and soda (or tonic water) to which sliced lemon and angostura drops can be added. A mention deserves the caloric content and the gradation of Gin Fizz.
As for the first, the calories of Gin Fizz are around 185 per glass. The degrees contained in the same quantity are instead 10.4 °.
Variants of Gin Fizz
The original recipe of Gin Fizz is considered a sort of base: this historical cocktail can in fact give life to numerous additions and variations on the theme. One of the most famous variants is the Ramos Gin Fizz, invented in New Orleans in 1888 by barman Henry Ramos. This includes, among the ingredients, orange blossom water, egg white, and cream. Its realization is simple but longer than usual as it should be shaken for more than 10 minutes.
Another variant perhaps less known is the Elder-Gin Fizz. Of British origin, it includes a part of gin, one of elderflower liqueur, half of the sugar syrup, and still lemon juice and egg white. It is shaken well with ice, then filtered and shaken again without ice and finally, it is filtered into the glass and completed with a slice of lemon.
Finally, the Golden Fizz (egg yolk is added) and the Silver Fizz, with egg white, deserve a mention. The Royal Gin Fizz includes the whole egg.
The perfect meals to enjoy a good Gin Frizz
The classic Gin Fizz is a light, fresh, and thirst-quenching cocktail suitable – as well as for after dinner – also for brunch or aperitif. The floral notes of gin combine perfectly with the fresh aroma of lemon. As it happens with wine, to enjoy it to the fullest you need to know how to combine it with the right dishes.
Among the best gastronomic combinations that we can suggest, we mention the cold cuts, especially the spicy ones, to be served on top of croutons of bread; smoked fish, especially salmon (try it to believe); fresh summer fruit, such as strawberries and berries. The dispassionate advice, however, is to experiment with DIY cocktails and with the combinations that inspire you the most.
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