The Gin Fizz, a beloved cocktail known for its frothy texture and refreshing taste, has many variations. Among them, the New Orleans Gin Fizz, also known as the Ramos Gin Fizz, stands out. This creamy, citrusy, and slightly floral drink, born in the late 19th century, is a testament to New Orleans’ rich cocktail culture. It’s more than just a drink; it’s an experience, requiring a little extra effort to achieve its signature velvety texture.
The History of the New Orleans Gin Fizz
The story of the New Orleans Gin Fizz begins in 1888 at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon in New Orleans, where it was created by Henry Charles Ramos. Originally called the “New Orleans Fizz,” it quickly gained popularity and eventually became known as the Ramos Gin Fizz, named after its creator. This cocktail’s unique blend of ingredients and the extensive shaking required made it a sensation, so much so that bars often had multiple bartenders dedicated to its preparation.
The drink became so popular that, according to legend, Louisiana Governor Huey Long was known to have brought a bartender to the New Yorker Hotel during his stays just to make him this specific cocktail. This highlights how iconic the drink had become.
Why Is It Different from a Regular Gin Fizz?
While a standard Gin Fizz combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water, the New Orleans version takes it a step further. It incorporates cream, lime juice, orange flower water, and an egg white, creating a much richer and more complex flavor profile. The addition of these ingredients, coupled with the vigorous shaking, results in a creamy, almost milkshake-like texture, making it a distinctly different experience from a regular gin fizz.
Ingredients for the Perfect New Orleans Gin Fizz
To create an authentic New Orleans Gin Fizz, you’ll need the following:
- Gin: 2 ounces. A good quality London Dry Gin or Old Tom Gin is recommended. The floral notes of the gin will complement the other ingredients. Some suggest Plymouth Gin as a good aromatic alternative.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/2 ounce. Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice: 1/2 ounce. Freshly squeezed is essential for the right balance.
- Simple Syrup: 3/4 ounce. This adds sweetness to balance the citrus. You can also use powdered sugar, about 1 tablespoon.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: 2 ounces. This provides the creamy texture that sets this drink apart.
- Egg White: 1 small or medium egg white. This is crucial for the frothy top and smooth mouthfeel.
- Orange Flower Water: 2-3 dashes. This adds a subtle floral aroma.
- Club Soda: 1 to 2 ounces. To top off the drink and add some effervescence.
Choosing the Right Gin
The choice of gin significantly impacts the final taste of the cocktail. While London Dry Gin is a classic choice, some bartenders prefer Old Tom Gin for its slightly sweeter profile. If you’re looking for specific recommendations, some sources suggest Beefeater for its quality and price point, or Tanqueray, and Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin. The key is to select a gin that you enjoy, as its flavor will be prominent in the drink.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Making the New Orleans Gin Fizz
Here’s how to make this iconic cocktail:
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup (or powdered sugar), heavy cream/half-and-half, egg white, and orange flower water.
- Dry Shake: Close the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30-60 seconds without ice. This step is crucial to emulsify the egg white and create the frothy texture.
- Add Ice and Shake Again: Open the shaker, add ice, and shake again for another 30-60 seconds. This will chill the drink and further enhance the frothiness.
- Strain: Double strain the mixture into a tall glass or a Collins glass without ice.
- Top with Soda: Gently top the drink with club soda.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a lemon twist or orange slice.
- Serve Immediately: This drink is best enjoyed right away to savor its frothy top and creamy texture.
The Importance of Shaking
The New Orleans Gin Fizz is renowned for the extensive shaking required. While the original recipe called for up to 12 minutes of shaking, modern bartenders have found that 1-2 minutes is often sufficient with a combination of dry shaking and then shaking with ice. This vigorous shaking ensures that the egg white is properly emulsified, resulting in the drink’s signature frothy, creamy texture.
Tips for the Perfect New Orleans Gin Fizz
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon and lime juice for the best flavor. Avoid bottled juices, as they lack the freshness and vibrancy needed in this cocktail.
- Egg Whites: Use a fresh egg white. You can do the “sink or float test” to ensure the egg is fresh, where the fresh egg will sink to the bottom of a glass of water.
- Dry Shaking: Don’t skip the dry shake. This initial shaking without ice is critical to creating the foam.
- Quality Gin: Choose a gin you enjoy, as its flavor will be prominent in the drink.
- Proper Shaking Technique: Make sure you are shaking the cocktail vigorously and long enough for optimal results.
- Serve Immediately: The frothy top will dissipate over time, so it’s best to serve and enjoy the drink as soon as it’s made.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic New Orleans Gin Fizz is a marvel, you might consider some variations or substitutions:
- Golden Fizz: Substitute the egg white with an egg yolk for a richer, more egg-forward flavor.
- Royal Fizz: Use a whole egg instead of just the egg white.
- Diamond Fizz: Replace the club soda with sparkling wine like Prosecco for an extra touch of elegance.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the gin and use a non-alcoholic gin alternative for a mocktail version.
- Rosemary Simple Syrup: Add a unique twist by using rosemary-infused simple syrup.
- Vegan Option: Use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of egg whites for a vegan alternative.
The Allure of the New Orleans Gin Fizz
The New Orleans Gin Fizz is more than just a cocktail; it’s a piece of cocktail history. Its unique combination of ingredients, the frothy texture, and the creamy taste make it a standout drink. The extra effort required to prepare it is part of its charm, making it a truly special treat for both the maker and the drinker. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or new to the world of mixed drinks, this classic New Orleans cocktail is a must-try.
