Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/20/21
Tested by
Tom Macy
Photo of Tom Macy
Tested by Tom Macy
Tom wears many cocktail hats. He is a professional bartender, bar owner, recipe creator, and drink writer, though he prefers the title "obsessive cocktail nerd."
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Two glasses of gin fizz cocktail

The Spruce / Emily Baker
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
174 Calories
0g Fat
12g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 174
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 9mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 11g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 17mg 83%
Calcium 29mg 2%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 36mg 1%
*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. 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. Using the egg white does make a big impact in the fizz, providing a luscious mouthfeel and frothy top that makes an enjoyable drink.

0:52

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"The gin fizz is a close cousin to the Tom Collins. Traditionally, a fizz didn't have ice and came in a smaller glass. The key addition of an egg white to a gin fizz creates a distinction. I highly recommend the egg white; it gives the cocktail a light ethereal quality. Just shake very hard!" —Tom Macy

Classic Gin Fizz Cocktail Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin

  • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice

  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup, 1:1 ratio

  • 1 small or medium egg white, optional

  • 2 ounces soda water, or to taste

  • Lemon peel, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for gin fizz
    The Spruce / Emily Baker

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

    Gin, lemon or lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker
    The Spruce / Emily Baker

  3. Shake vigorously, about 15 seconds if using the egg white, to ensure it is mixed thoroughly with the other ingredients. For an extra-frothy drink, discard the ice and dry shake for a few more seconds.

    Cocktail shaker
    The Spruce / Emily Baker

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

    Strained gin fizz in a highball glass
    The Spruce / Emily Baker

  5. Top with soda and garnish with a lemon or lime peel. Serve and enjoy.

    Gin fizz cocktail topped with a lemon peel
    The Spruce / Emily Baker

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs poses a risk of foodborne illness.

Tips

  • The gin fizz is an excellent mixed drink 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 to 2 teaspoons 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 of drinking a glass of wine.

What Is the Difference Between a Gin Fizz and a Tom Collins?

The gin fizz and the Tom Collins contain the same basic ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup or granulated sugar, and soda water. The gin fizz is shaken for a fizzy drink and sometimes includes an egg white for more froth. The Tom Collins is stirred and tends to be a taller drink.