Try this vibrant Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail recipe if you’re in the mood for a bubbly gin drink.
You’ll love the fruity sweetness, bright color, and how easy it is to make.
Try it with foamy egg whites on top, or serve it sparkling. Either way, it’s a terrific sloe gin cocktail that’s sure to shake the winter blues.
What is Sloe Gin?
Sloe gin is a British, ruby red, gin-based liqueur made with blackthorn fruits (aka sloe berries or sloe drupes).
They’re sweetly sour, berry-sized, and kind of like plums. They grow wild in the UK and have familiar notes of cranberry and pomegranate.
The difference between sloe gin and gin boils down to flavor and alcohol content:
- Sloe gin is much sweeter than gin and has a syrup-like consistency.
- Sloe gin has an ABV of around 15-30%, while gin has an ABV of 40-50 %.
So, if you find regular gin too strong and dry, sloe gin might be just the thing!
And the Sloe Gin Fizz is probably the most famous sloe gin recipe around. It’s like an Alabama Slammer, but is easier to make.
So, bust out those cocktail shakers because this is one of the best summer gin cocktails you’ll ever make!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a Sloe Gin Fizz at home.
Don’t worry, I’ll get into more precise measurements at the bottom of the page.
- Sloe Gin: It’s not a Sloe Gin Fizz without sloe gin! Plymouth Sloe Gin is a great choice that balances the sweet and sour notes perfectly. Other good brands include Sipsmith, Hayman’s, and Broken Bones Sloe Gin.
- Lemon Juice: With so few ingredients, you don’t want to skimp on a single thing. That includes the lemon juice! So, skip the stuff in a bottle and opt for a freshly squeezed lemon for the best flavor.
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup enhances the sweetness of the gin. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make your own! More on that below.
- Club Soda: This brings the bubbles without adding too much sweetness.
- Ice Cubes: This gin drink is best served ice cold!
- Lemon Slice: For garnish. It gives this cocktail a pop of color and a fragrant burst of acidity.
How to Make a Sloe Gin Fizz
Shake, strain, and garnish- that’s how easy this cocktail comes together!
Here’s how to make a classic sloe gin fizz for your next in-home happy hour:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker. Add sloe gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Then, fill it with ice.
2. Get shaking! Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, or until the cocktail shaker is cold to the touch.
3. Strain. Strain the cocktail into a highball glass with ice.
4. Make it fizzy. Top it off with club soda, and garnish with a lemon slice.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
This is such a simple recipe, you really can’t go wrong.
But if you’ve never made a gin fizz before – or want some swaps – check out these tips and variations:
- The classic gin fizz. Keep it simple with your go-to gin brand. It won’t be as sweet, and it will be potent!
- The best sloe gin. Since sloe gin is the star of this cocktail, you want to reach for a quality brand. My choice is Plymouth Sloe Gin because they use real sloes, unlike other bottom-shelf brands that use artificial flavoring.
- Make it frothy. Add an egg white to the cocktail shaker without any ice. Shake it with the drink ingredients, then add the ice and shake again to chill. This gives the drink a silky froth on top.
- Homemade simple syrup. Heat 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water until the sugar dissolves. Cool and store in the fridge. Easy peasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? I have answers!
What does sloe gin taste like?
Sloe drupes have a unique fruity flavor best described as a cross between pomegranates and cranberries.
You’ll also notice undertones of cherries, plums, and almonds. Which is why it’s such a popular cocktail ingredient!
What can you use other than club soda?
Any fizzy drinks will work as a replacement for club soda in a Sloe Gin Fizz.
Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda will bring the bubbles but also make it extra sweet.
For a more festive swap, try a splash of Prosecco or sparkling wine.
What’s the difference between a Tom Collins and a Sloe Gin Fizz?
The only difference between a Tom Collins and a Sloe Gin Fizz is the type of gin used.
Tom Collins calls for regular gin, while a Sloe Gin Fizz incorporates sloe gin. The former is citrussy and bubbly but not nearly as sweet.
More Delicious Cocktail Recipes To Try
Gin Rickey
French Martini
Pimm’s Cup
New York Sour
Singapore Sling
Sloe Gin Fizz
1
servings5
minutes202
kcalTry this vibrant Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail recipe if you’re in the mood for a bubbly gin drink. You’ll love the fruity sweetness and how easy it is to make.
Ingredients
2 ounces Sloe Gin
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
3/4 ounce simple syrup
club soda, to top
ice cubes
lemon slice, for garnish
1 egg white (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Sloe Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a lemon slice, serve, and enjoy!
- If using, shake the egg whites with the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup for 20-30 seconds. Add ice, shake to chill, then strain over fresh ice and top up with club soda.
Notes
- Add the club soda gently to preserve its fizz. It’s best to pour it slowly down the side of the glass.
- Adjust the amount of club soda depending on how bubbly you like your fizz.
