Gin Fizz

A Gin Fizz is the archetypal fizz cocktail, defined by gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar, topped with club soda and served in a tall glass without ice — or occasionally with. It is listed as an IBA Unforgettable Classic and is the base template from which variations like the Silver Fizz (with egg white), Golden Fizz (with egg yolk), and Ramos Gin Fizz (with cream and orange flower water) are derived.

The standard IBA Gin Fizz does not contain egg white. When egg white is added to the Gin Fizz recipe, the resulting cocktail is called a Silver Fizz, which gains a silky, foamy top layer from the protein in the egg white. The Gin Fizz itself relies solely on the effervescence of club soda to provide its characteristic lightness and texture.

A classic London Dry gin with prominent juniper character works exceptionally well in a Gin Fizz, as the clean botanical notes stand out clearly against the lemon and soda. Contemporary or New Western gins with floral or citrus-forward profiles can create a softer, more fragrant fizz, while Old Tom gin adds a touch of additional sweetness that reduces the need for simple syrup.