Of all the gin drinks in all of the world, the gin fizz is definitely one of the most subdued. An interesting evolution of the sour formula, this bubbly drink is light and easy to enjoy at any point of the day. It's deliciously simple mixture makes it a great cocktail to experiment new flavor combinations with, as these delicious gin fizz recipes can attest to.
Classic Gin Fizz
According to The Craft of the Cocktail, the gin fizz developed in the mid-19th century when bicarbonate soda powders were able to bring soda water to the household for relatively cheap prices. Thus, fizzy drinks like the gin fizz could be achieved from home. This classic recipe only requires four ingredients: lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and club soda.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1½ ounces gin
- Ice
- Club soda
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice or a chilled highball glass.
- Top with club soda.
Gin Fizz Variations
With such a basic recipe, the options are limitless for the ways that you can create new and exciting variations to try. To help you get started, take a look at these fun and flavored gin fizz recipes.
Lavender Gin Fizz
This floral take on the regular gin fizz adds just the barest hint of lavender so as to not overpower the aromatics of the classic recipe.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce lavender simple syrup
- 1½ ounces gin or lavender-infused gin
- Ice
- Club soda
- Dried lavender for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, lavender simple syrup, and gin.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled highball glass or a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with dried lavender.
Cranberry Gin Fizz
Cranberry is a cocktail super-mixer, working with nearly every spirit out there. Thus, it only makes sense to incorporate it into a gin fizz recipe.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1½ ounces gin
- Ice
- Sparkling cranberry juice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling cranberry juice.
Ruby Red Gin Fizz
Inspired by a ruby's red glow, this gin fizz adds grenadine and cherry flavored sparkling water together for a powerfully sweet taste.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce grenadine
- 1½ ounces gin
- Ice
- Cherry flavored sparkling water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, grenadine, and gin.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass, or something similar, filled with ice.
- Top with cherry flavored sparkling water.
Blackberry Gin Fizz
You don't have to worry about pricking your fingers on blackberry barbs with this blackberry gin fizz recipe, which muddles blackberries for the freshest flavor possible.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- ¼ cup blackberries
- 1½ ounces gin
- Ice
- Club soda
- Blackberries for garnish
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the lemon juice, simple syrup, blackberries, and gin.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with blackberries and a lemon slice.
Bonnie Blue Gin Fizz
Layered cocktails are always fun to serve at parties, and this Bonnie blue gin fizz layers blue curaçao with the regular recipe for a lovely blue-gradient drink.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1½ ounces gin
- Ice
- 1 ounce blue curaçao
- Club soda
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin.
- Add ice and shake until chilled. Set aside.
- In a highball glass, pour the blue curacao. Carefully add ice.
- Strain the mixture into the highball glass.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
Ginger Gin Fizz
To punch up the regular gin fizz recipe, substitute club soda for ginger beer. It'll add just the right amount of zest to the classic drink to take it to the next level.
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1½ ounces gin
- Ice
- Ginger beer
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- In a highball glass filled with ice, strain the mixture.
- Top with ginger beer and stir.
Ways to Garnish a Gin Fizz
Since the gin fizz isn't as eye-catching as other cocktails, you should bring the drink a little pizazz using one of these fabulous garnishes:
- Sprinkle the gin fizz with some edible glitter to add some glitz and glamour to your drink.
- Top the drink with a few slices of fresh fruit to add a pop of color.
- Unique swizzle sticks will bring a sense of personality to your drink.
- Similarly, clip a custom-made decoration on the edge of your glass to personalize it for special events.
- A citrus twist will elevate an average gin fizz into something quite elegant.
- For an extra tart taste, squeeze a lemon or orange peel over the top of your gin fizz to release citrus oils.
Get Fizzy With It
There's something delightful about the burn that comes with bubbly drinks, perhaps because of the ways that they remind people of their childhoods and more innocent times. Gin fizzes are the perfect category of drinks to help you bring that childish wonderment back to the fore in your '20s,'30s, '40s, and even '90s. So, pull out your glasses and shakers, and get fizzy with it.
