The Fitzgerald cocktail is a delightful and refreshing gin-based drink that pays homage to the famous author and drinker, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Created by the talented mixologist Dale DeGroff in the 1990s, this cocktail has become a beloved classic in the world of mixology.
To make a Fitzgerald cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
– Gin: The star of the show, gin provides the base for this cocktail. I personally recommend using a London dry gin for its crisp and juniper-forward flavor profile. However, feel free to experiment with different types of gin to find your preferred taste.
– Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy element to the cocktail. It balances out the gin and adds a refreshing zing to each sip. I always recommend using freshly squeezed juice whenever possible for the best flavor.
– Simple Syrup: A staple ingredient in many cocktails, simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water. It adds a touch of sweetness to the Fitzgerald cocktail, ensuring that the flavors are well-balanced. You can easily make your own simple syrup at home by dissolving sugar in hot water and allowing it to cool.
– Angostura Bitters: These aromatic bitters are a crucial component in many classic cocktails, including the Fitzgerald. Just a few dashes of Angostura bitters add depth and complexity to the drink, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to shake up the Fitzgerald cocktail. Here's how you can do it:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. The ice will chill the drink and help to dilute it slightly, creating a more balanced flavor.
2. Add 2 ounces of gin to the shaker. The gin is the main spirit in this cocktail, so be generous with your pour.
3. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the shaker. This should yield approximately 1 ounce of lemon juice. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
4. Measure and add ¾ ounce of simple syrup to the shaker. This will add a touch of sweetness to the cocktail.
5. add a few dashes of Angostura bitters to the shaker. The bitters will add complexity and a subtle spicy note to the drink.
Now, it's time to shake! Seal the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This will ensure that all the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.
To serve the Fitzgerald cocktail, fill a rocks glass with ice cubes. I find that using large ice cubes is preferable as they melt slower, preventing excessive dilution of the drink. Strain the shaken cocktail into the glass, allowing the ice to cool the drink further.
Garnish options for the Fitzgerald cocktail are quite versatile. A classic choice is a lemon twist, which adds a touch of citrus aroma to the drink. You can also opt for a cherry or a lemon wheel as a garnish, depending on your personal preference.
Sip and savor the delightful combination of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters in the Fitzgerald cocktail. The crispness of the gin, the tanginess of the lemon, and the subtle sweetness of the simple syrup come together harmoniously, making this cocktail a true delight for the taste buds.
Enjoy the Fitzgerald cocktail on a warm summer evening or whenever you crave a refreshing and sophisticated drink. Cheers!