The Story Behind The Sloe Gin Fizz

For those unfamiliar, sloe gin is a sweet red liqueur (which barely resembles gin at all) created from a plum-like berry (a sloe) native to the United Kingdom. This spirit exploded in popularity in the U.K. during the mid-1800s, picking up speed before subsequently moving across the pond.

The first written recipe for the Sloe Gin Fizz is said to be found in the California-based Sunset Magazine in 1898, but it also later appeared in various cocktail manuals throughout the early to mid-1900s. As U.S. consumers caught on to the liqueur, it was incorporated into other drinks such as the ‘80s favorite Alabama Slammer. Similar to other cocktails popular during the era, the Sloe Gin Fizz shrank from the spotlight during the latter half of the 20th century.

The build is fairly simple: It includes sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and club soda. (The addition of an egg white creates a stiff, foamy head for the cocktail, but is more a matter of preference.) Combine all ingredients, except club soda, in a shaker tin without ice. Vigorously dry-shake for several minutes until the drink is foamy. Then, drop in a generous amount of ice and shake until the cocktail tin is frosted over.

Pour the velvety cocktail into a highball glass and top with club soda. For something a bit more boozy, the club soda can be swapped out for Prosecco.