If you already love the classic gin fizz, then you’ll really love this sloe gin fizz. Sloe gin is a liqueur made by infusing gin with sloe berries, which makes it pink, fruity, tart, and delicious. I love this simple sloe gin fizz cocktail recipe. It’s refreshing and delightfully balances sweet against tart. For more fizzes, try my rosemary gin fizz!
Key Ingredients
Sloe Gin: Sloe gin is a popular drink originating in England. It is made from sloe berries (small wild berries found across England). While they do not taste great alone, soaking these berries in gin and sugar transforms them into a flavorful liqueur. You can find two varieties of sloe gin in the US. First, there are higher-quality bottles made by soaking sloe berries in high-quality gin. Examples include Plymouth and Bitter Truth. Second, there more inexpensive, lower-proof sloe gin made with a neutral grain spirit instead of gin. This liqueur requires adding regular gin to your cocktails for better flavor. I’ve included tips for both kinds of sloe gin in the recipe below. Gin (Optional): Depending on the kind of sloe gin you have, you may need to add gin in addition to the sloe gin. I choose a mid-to-high-shelf gin. A London dry gin (such as Beefeater) or Plymouth gin works well. London dry gins are more straightforward in flavor, while Plymouth gins are more aromatic. Powdered Sugar: I use a bit of sugar to balance the gin and lemon juice. Powdered sugar dissolves quickly into cocktails, which is why I’m such a fan, but you can also use homemade simple syrup. Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key to making this gin cocktail taste so refreshing. I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice over bottled lemon juice but use what you have available. Club Soda: I love club soda in cocktails because it adds a bit of salt, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use sparkling water or seltzer water, but they often don’t have the same salt or mineral content as club soda.
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) gin 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon powdered sugar or simple syrup 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) club soda Lemon slice for serving 2Shake vigorously until chilled. Taste then adjust with additional lemon or simple syrup/sugar (I usually add a bit more lemon). Shake again, and then strain cocktail into a glass filled with ice. 3Top with club soda and garnish with lemon wedge.
