Sloe Gin Fizz
Original And Upgraded
MC NickRock
Singer, Entertainer, Writer and Cocktail Maker.
Sloe Gin Fizz….. I confess! Until a few days ago, I had absolutely no idea about this particular liqueur. For years, my British friends had been telling me stories recounting making homemade sloe gin back home. Every time I wondered what the hell “slow gin” was?
I didn’t bother to research as I thought it was just some kind of slang , until last week when a friend of mine invited me to sample a few brands from his personal reserve.
I then understood they were talking about sloe , the berry. It made me curious and led to today’s topic. It’s THE most popular sloe gin recipe : the ‘Sloe Gin Fizz’ cocktail. As usual , let’s deal with it one aspect at a time. Enjoy:
1. What Is Sloe Gin?
A Description Of Sloe Gin And Advises To Choose The Right Brand.
2. Required Equimpment
Required Equipment For The Best Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe.
3. the Original recipe
The Original Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe : Step-By-Step.
4. Upgrades & Variations
Let’s Bring Your Sloe Gin Fizz To A New Level.
1. Sloe Gin Fizz : What Is Sloe Gin?
A description Of Sloe Gin And Advices To Choose The Right Brand.
What Is Sloe Gin? :
Somewhat unconventionally , it’s a red liqueur , usually made from sloe berries and gin. Sloe berries are a relative to plums. They not commonly consumed for eating as they have a very tart , harsh taste. When tamed with alcohol though , they’re similarly flavoured to black currants and become in fact very sweet. They’re found all over Europe and Western Asia , however are used mainly in England.
Sloe Gin was in early instances a homemade liqueur , originally containing alcohol by volume content 15% to 30 % , but in more modern times it’s been regulated to a minimum 25% ABV by the European Union in order to be officially certified. It has been difficult to find quality product until recently as for many years it’s been generally unavailable at liquor stores.
Choosing The Right Sloe Gin :
It’s crucial to select carefully which brand of sloe gin you’ll use , as this is the main element in the sloe gin fizz. The best Sloe Gin’s distinctive flavour comes about from initially utilising highest quality ingredients
Lesser brands are mostly made from sugar and artificial flavourings. They produce a harsh alcoholic finish that’ll burn your throat. Using low quality bottles is a guarantee decent results will not ever ensue. I recommend avoidance of any brand that doesn’t clearly say on the label that this product uses gin as it’s base.
High quality sloe gin will be often very sweet , and you’ll notice the plummy taste.
Some will also feature a hint of almond , which emanates from the pit of the berry.
I categorically prefer offerings from England. They mainly use fresh , locally grown sloe berries. Even currently though , British sloe gin may still be problematic to source in other countries. Here’s few to look up:
English Sloe Gin Brands :
- Sipsmith Sloe Gin (29%)
- Adnams Cooper House sloe Gin (26%)
- Plymouth Sloe Gin (26%)
- Daylesford Sloe Gin (26%)
- Warner Edwards Harrington Sloe Gin (30%)
- Hayman’s Sloe Gin (26%)
American Sloe gins will usually use imported sloe berries , sloe concentrate , or some local alternative as a substitute. Of course they’re not exactly authentic , but some incarnations must be acknowledged to be fit for purpose. “Spirit works Sloe Gin” is a good example and should obviously be easier to find on that continent.
2. Required Equipment For Sloe Gin Fizz
Choosing The Right Ingredients For The Best Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe.
“I Never Drink Anything Stronger Than Gin Before Breakfast.”
-W.C. Fields
1. Collins Long Drink Glass:
Although many find it more distinguished looking to serve in a coupe, I prefer the tall collins glasses. I’ve noticed they keep the drink to the correct temperature longer , due to the stacked ice cube configuration. They also help garnishes remain in place for better presentation.
2. Mixology Tool Kit:
Many cocktails require a shaker and a strainer. A mixology tool kit is a small investment that’s unquestionably worth the price. I bought the Modern Mixology bartender kit for less than 30$ USD. It sports everything needed to make most drinks and cocktails including the sloe gin fizz. You can alternatively purchase a smaller kit including only the shaker and strainer for less than 10$ USD , though I still maintain the full mixology tool kit is more the go , as price difference is quite small – and what you don’t need this week may be required to facilitate future cocktail adventures.
3. Sloe Gin Fizz : The Original Recipe
The Original Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe : Step-By-Step.
Alcoholic ingredients :
- 2 oz of sloe gin
Non-Alcoholic ingredients :
- 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz of simple syrup
- Soda water
Equipment :
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Cocktail Strainer
- 1 Collins Glass
Original Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe : Step By-Step
Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe :
- Pour the lemon juice and the simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Pour the sloe Gin.
- Add some ice cubes.
- Shake very well.
- Pour with a strainer in tall collins glass filled with large ice cubes.
- Top With soda water.
- Garnish with a citrus slice.
Tips :
- You can add an extra 0.25 oz of simple syrup for a sweeter result.
- You can add a cherry on the top for extra garnish.
- You can also add few Dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Sloe Gin Fizz : Upgrades & Variations
Let’s Bring Your Sloe Gin Fizz To a New Level.
This Sloe gin fizz recipe doesn’t leave too much room for changes as it is a pretty simple mix , yet I’ve still managed with experimentation to find a few variations / upgrades. Here’s some possibilities:
1. Egg White :
Some bartenders add an egg white to their version of the sloe gin fizz. To do so, you’ll need to combine in the shaker the egg white, the simple syrup and the lemon juice. Shake until it froths. You’ll feel and hear the difference as the mix reaches the frothing point.
-Then , in a second shaker, add the ice, the sloe gin and the Angostura bitters. Shake well.
– Fill the glass with ice , then pour in first the Gin mix, then the egg white mix and finally the soda on top.
2. Dry Gin :
Sloe gin , being a very sweet liqueur can be partially replaced with 1 oz of regular gin , to minimise this sweetness.
3. Extra Garnishing :
For refreshing aesthetics , begin by placing a very thin lemon wheel on the side of the bottom of the glass. Gently use a pair of long tongs to make sure the wheel holds up upright. Then gently place the large ice cubes on top of one another to ensure the wheel stays put . Once the ice is positioned you can slide even more lemon wheels wherever you want in the glass.
4. Cointreau Cocktails :
As I’ve said in previous articles, I’ve never been disappointed with Cointreau cocktails. My variation on the sloe gin fizz drink is no exception. I’ve united English and French liqueurs by adding 0.5 oz of Cointreau. This enhances the citrus flavour from the lemon juice ensuring the overall blend is just what the doctor ordered.
In Conclusion
Now that you know every detail of the sloe gin fizz, I want to hear back from you. Let me know in the comments how you like your sloe gin fizz. Feel free also to recommend your favourite brands. Again, thanks guys and girls for your time – don’t forget to like and share also , to help me spread the word.
