Lemon Gin Fizz recipe
A crisp, effervescent classic balancing tart lemon juice, aromatic gin, and sparkling soda.
Method: Shake and strain ·
Glass: Highball glass ·
Time: 5 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Daiquiri Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz London Dry Gin (Juniper-forward preferred)
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 0.75 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio)
- 2 oz Club Soda (Chilled, top)
How to make a Lemon Gin Fizz
- Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously without ice for 10 seconds to emulsify the citrus and create a velvety foam.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again briskly for 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top gently with chilled club soda, allowing a creamy foam head to rise to the rim.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel expressed over the glass.
Garnish
a lemon wheel expressed over the glass
Pro tip
Measure carefully, keep the dilution controlled, and serve Lemon Gin Fizz as soon as it is cold and balanced.
History of the Lemon Gin Fizz
The gin fizz emerged in American bars during the mid-to-late 19th century, with the earliest documented recipe appearing in Jerry Thomas's 1887 edition of 'Bartender's Guide'. While fizzes evolved from earlier punch and sour traditions, the specific addition of carbonated water defined the style, becoming a staple of 19th-century saloon culture across the United States.
Flavour profile
Citrus, Boozy, Sweet, Herbal
Variations
- Silver Fizz — Add one fresh egg white to the shaker for an extra velvety foam texture.
- Royal Fizz — Substitute whole egg for the egg white and top with sparkling wine instead of club soda.
- Ramos Gin Fizz — Incorporate heavy cream, orange flower water, and vanilla extract, requiring an extended multi-minute shake.
Practise making the Lemon Gin Fizz in the free Virtual Bar game.