Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail

Written by
Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world.
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Colleen Graham
Updated 07/21/20
Classic Gin Fizz With Lemon Twist
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
  • Total: 3 mins
  • Prep: 3 mins
  • Cook: 0 mins
  • Yield: 1 cocktail (1 serving)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
272 Calories
1g Fat
24g Carbs
9g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1 cocktail (1 serving)
Amount per serving
Calories 272
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 62mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 7g 25%
Protein 9g
Calcium 48mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The gin fizz is a classic mixed drink that is much like a whiskey fizz, the main difference is in the base spirit. They are not alone and there are a number of other "fizz" cocktails to enjoy. All are very refreshing, easy to mix up, and can take on a different personality depending on the customizations you make.

Nearly identical to the popular Tom Collins, the gin fizz has a very light, sour citrus flavor that allows the gin to shine against the soda's sparkle. The two gin highballs share every ingredient, though the collins uses a little more lemon juice, and lime is a popular option in the fizz.

The egg white is also a key difference. An authentic gin fizz (sometimes called a silver fizz) should include it, but many drinkers today choose to leave it out. It does make a big impact in the fizz, providing a luscious mouthfeel and frothy top that makes an equally enjoyable drink.

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Click Play to See This Gin Fizz Cocktail Recipe Come Together

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 3/4 ounce​ lemon juice (fresh; or lime juice)
  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup
  • Optional: 1​ egg white 
  • 2 ounces soda water (or enough to fill)
  • Garnish:​ lemon peel

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for a Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  2. Pour the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

    Mixing a Classic Gin Fizz in a Cocktail Shaker
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  3. Shake vigorously; at least 30 seconds if using the egg white to ensure it is mixed thoroughly with the other ingredients.

    Shaking a Gin Fizz With Egg White
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  4. Strain into a chilled highball glass over fresh ice cubes.

    Straining a Gin Fizz
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  5. Top with soda and garnish with a lemon peel.

    Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail With a Lemon Twist
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  6. Serve and enjoy!

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs poses a risk of food-borne illness.

Tips

  • The gin fizz is an excellent mixed drink to use when exploring gin brands and will be slightly different with each one you pour. It doesn't have to be top-shelf or any particular style; genever is a classic choice.
  • The choice between lemon and lime juice is a personal one. Try lemon with sweeter gins or those with a lighter juniper profile. Lime is a good choice with drier, juniper-forward options like a classic London dry gin.
  • If you include the egg, do the "sink or float test" to ensure it's fresh. When placed in a glass of water, fresh eggs will sink to the bottom.

Recipe Variations

There are many variations on the gin fizz and it's often as simple as changing a single ingredient.

  • Replace the simple syrup with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of superfine sugar and shake well.
  • A fresh sour mix can replace the citrus juice and simple syrup. Pour about 1 ounce, then adjust to taste on the next round.
  • The royal fizz uses an entire egg rather than the white alone. This will give your drink a foamy top as well as a slightly eggier flavor.
  • For a golden fizz, switch from an egg white to an egg yolk. You'll lose the foam but have a drink with a little more egg flavor.
  • To make a diamond fizz, use sparkling wine instead of soda in the original gin fizz recipe.
  • If you add a dash of green crème de menthe to the gin fizz, you'll have a green fizz.
  • Skip the soda and you have a gin sour.

How Strong Is a Gin Fizz?

Like most tall mixed drinks, the gin fizz is a relatively light cocktail. When made with an 80-proof gin, its alcohol content should be in the 13 percent ABV (26 proof) range, making it the equivalent to drinking a glass of wine.

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