Learn how to craft a classic Gin Fizz with the perfect balance of gin, citrus, and effervescence. This refreshing cocktail is light, frothy, and irresistibly smooth—perfect for any occasion! 🍋✨
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 2 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin (London Dry is traditional)
- ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water, stirring until dissolved and cooled)
- Soda water (chilled)
- Optional: 1 egg white (for a Silver Fizz – adds a silky texture)
- Garnish: Lemon wheel or cherry
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Hawthorne strainer (or any strainer for cocktails)
- Highball glass (or Collins glass)
Step-by-Step Instructions (Imagine the Pictures!):
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment
Imagine a clean countertop with all the ingredients neatly laid out: a bottle of gin, a fresh lemon, a small bowl of simple syrup (or sugar if you’re making it fresh), a bottle of chilled soda water, and optionally an egg. The equipment is also present: a cocktail shaker (in two parts), a jigger, a strainer, and a tall highball or Collins glass.
Step 2: Add Gin to the Shaker
Using a jigger to measure accurately, carefully pour 2 ounces of clear gin from the bottle into the large tin of the cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add Fresh Lemon Juice
Someone squeezes fresh lime juice into a jigger, measures out ¾ of an ounce, and then pours it into a shaker with gin.
Step 4: Add Simple Syrup
Pour an ounce of clear simple syrup from a small jug into a shaker, add gin and lime juice.
Step 5: (Optional) Add Egg White (for a Silver Fizz)
Carefully separate an egg and add only the clear egg white to the shaker. The yolk is discarded or saved for another use.
Step 6: Dry Shake (if using egg white)
Seal the cocktail shaker tightly and shake vigorously back and forth for about 30 seconds. This will emulsify the egg whites and create a foamy texture.
Step 7: Add Ice to the Shaker
Add ice cubes to the shaker and fill it about two-thirds full.
Step 8: Shake Well with Ice
Hold the shaker firmly and shake vigorously for another 15-20 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
Step 9: Strain into a Glass
Place a tall highball or Collins glass on the counter. Remove the top of the cocktail shaker and place a strainer over the opening. Strain the chilled cocktail into the glass.
Step 10: Top with Soda Water
Slowly pour the chilled soda water into the glass and fill it to the top.
Step 11: Gently Stir (Optional)
Use a long bar spoon to gently stir the drink once or twice to mix the ingredients.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
Place a lemon wheel on the rim of the glass or pop a cherry into the drink. The finished gin fizz is now ready to enjoy – a tall, refreshing, and bubbly delight!
Enjoy your homemade gin fizz! Remember to adjust the simple syrup to your preference for sweetness. Good luck!
