Authentic Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces sloe gin
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ ounce simple syrup
• Ice
• Club soda to top off
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, sloe gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake to chill.
3. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Variations and Substitutions

The sloe gin fizz is fairly forgiving and open to ingredient swaps and substitutions.

• Consider a squeeze of orange juice instead of lemon for a slightly sweeter citrus flavor.
• Instead of regular club soda, consider a flavor such as lemon or orange.
• Use equal parts club soda and sparkling wine to elevate the traditional fizz.
• Experiment with different flavors of simple syrup, such as blackberry, plum, rosemary, honey, or orange.

Garnishes

There's no need to feel stuck with a simple lemon wedge garnish if your heart dreams of something more.

• Opt for a lemon wheel or slice instead of the wedge.
• Keep the lemon notes and use a lemon peel, ribbon, or twist.
• Oranges also make a great garnish: a wheel, wedge, slice, or a peel, ribbon, or twist.
• Consider a dehydrated orange or lemon wheel.

About the Sloe Gin Fizz

Sloe gin can have its roots traced back to Britain, where it is considered a liqueur rather than a liquor due to European Union spirit regulations. Sloe gin clocks in around 15 to 30 alcohol percent by volume, but EU regulations require sloe gin to be at least 25 percent. Its name is grandfathered in, as it is the only one of its type not to have liqueur tacked on to the end of its name, going only by sloe gin.

Unlike traditional gin, sloe gin is made by taking gin and further soaking it in sloes, a type of flowering plant. Recipes will vary around the globe, some distilleries opting to add more sugar than others, while some skip additional sugar entirely. The end result is a tart yet slightly earthy and rich liqueur great for winter cocktails or served up in summer drinks, such as the sloe gin fizz.

Sloe and Low

Sloe gin has been swirling around glasses for hundreds of years, utilizing an inedible berry to create a unique and delicious spirit. The next time you're considering a bubbly gin drink, put the tonic down and mix up a sloe gin fizz.