Imperial Fizz recipe
An effervescent classic combining blended whiskey and rum with bright citrus and club soda.
Method: Shake ·
Glass: Highball glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Highball Family
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Blended Whiskey (or Canadian whisky)
- 0.5 oz Light Rum (or Jamaican rum)
- 0.75 oz Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 oz Simple Syrup (2:1 sugar to water)
- 3 oz Club Soda (chilled)
How to make a Imperial Fizz
- Add the blended whiskey, light rum, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for ten to twelve seconds until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with chilled club soda and stir gently to incorporate.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel on the rim.
Garnish
Lemon wheel
Pro tip
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and a high-carbonation club soda to maintain maximum effervescence in the glass.
History of the Imperial Fizz
First documented in late nineteenth-century cocktail manuals such as Harry Johnson's Bartender's Manual, the Imperial Fizz builds upon the popular fizz family by blending whiskey and rum. It gained international prominence through its inclusion in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
Flavour profile
citrusy, effervescent, malty, refreshing
Variations
- Royal Fizz — Substitute gin in place of the blended whiskey and rum base.
- Silver Fizz — Add one fresh egg white to the shaker before dry shaking for a silky texture.
- Golden Fizz — Shake with one whole fresh egg for a richer, velvety body and color.
Practise making the Imperial Fizz in the free Virtual Bar game.