Sloe Gin Fizz

If you’ve never tried a sloe gin fizz, get ready to discover your new favorite cocktail. This delightfully flavorful drink is incredibly easy to make, yet feels like something you’d order at a fancy cocktail bar. Sloe gin itself has an interesting history, it’s a British liquor traditionally made by infusing gin with sloe berries (a relative of the sweet plum), which gives it that signature deep ruby color and subtly sweet fruity flavor. To be honest, gin isn’t usually my first choice when it comes to cocktails, but developing this recipe completely converted me into a gin stan.

While sloe gin fizzes are versatile enough for any time of year, they are especially charming when you need a little sunshine on a gloomy winter afternoon. Paired with fresh lemon juice, a touch of simple syrup, and a splash of club soda, the result is bright, balanced, and utterly refreshing. The bubbles elevate the drink, making it feel celebratory without any extra fuss, which is why it’s now my go-to cocktail for get-togethers or last-minute guests.

• A bright and refreshing cocktail with balanced flavor. Sweet, tart, and slightly fruity notes come together perfectly without being overpowering. The combination of the citrus and bubbles makes this cocktail light and crisp.
• Effortlessly delicious. It’s easy to make yet feels special, and is great for sipping anytime.

• Sloe gin: Adds a sweet, fruity and slightly tart flavor that defines the cocktail. Some sloe gin brands are darker than others depending on the steep time and sugar used throughout the process.
• Fresh lemon juice: Provides bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the sloe gin.
• Club soda: Gives the drink its refreshing, bubbly finish.

1. Combine ingredients. Pour sloe gin, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice, and shake.
2. Pour into glasses. Strain into a glass filled halfway with ice, top with chilled club soda, garnish with lemon and/or cherries and stir before drinking.

• Prep the base in advance. You can mix the sloe gin, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, shake with ice, strain and top with chilled club soda.
• Make simple syrup ahead of time. Prepare simple syrup up to two weeks in advance, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, so you are ready to sweeten a cocktail whenever you need.