Ramos Gin Fizz: A Delicate Dance of Flavors and Techniques

The Ramos Gin Fizz, an iconic cocktail that hails from New Orleans in the 19th century, is often seen as the pinnacle of a bartender’s shaking abilities. It combines diverse ingredients to produce a creamy, frothy, and ultimately refreshing drink.

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The Spirit of Choice: Ann Arbor Distillery Summer Gin

The base spirit for our Ramos Gin Fizz is the Ann Arbor Distillery Summer Gin. This gin boasts enchanting notes of honeysuckle, hyssop, and fresh-cut grass which perfectly elevate the classic Ramos. These aromatic flavors harmonize well with the drink’s other ingredients, and they’ll subtly shine through, adding depth and character.

Homemade Simple Syrup

Our recipe calls for simple syrup, and while you can buy it, making it at home ensures quality. Dissolve sugar in water at a 1:1 ratio, heating gently if necessary. A little tip: if you opt for a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio, you have the advantage of not needing refrigeration for your syrup.

Tasting Notes

When sipped, the Ramos Gin Fizz first strikes with its velvety texture, then the interplay of tart citrus, rich creaminess, and the fragrant notes from the gin and orange flower water tantalize the palate. The finish is refreshing, thanks to the soda.

The Cautionary Tale of Orange Blossom Water

Orange blossom water is a potent ingredient. It’s floral, fragrant, and can easily overpower your cocktail. Just a few drops are sufficient. Think of it as the perfume of the drink; a little goes a long way.

The Art of Shaking

The Ramos Gin Fizz demands a vigorous shake. This isn’t just for show; it’s a vital step to emulsify the egg white and create the drink’s signature frothiness. The first ‘dry shake’ without ice helps in blending the ingredients, especially the egg white. When ice is added for the second shake, it chills the drink and adds to its creamy texture.

Eco-friendly Carbonation with Soda Stream

Rather than reaching for store-bought soda, consider using a Soda Stream. Not only is this a cost-effective alternative, but it’s also a nod to sustainability. You’ll save on packaging and reduce your carbon footprint.

Egg Whites and Vegan Alternatives

Egg white introduces a silky texture and frothiness to the Ramos Gin Fizz. However, if raw eggs aren’t to your liking or if dietary restrictions apply, there’s a fantastic vegan alternative: aquafaba. It’s the water from a can of chickpeas and mimics the properties of egg whites in cocktails beautifully.

In Conclusion

The Ramos Gin Fizz is a drink that demands attention to detail and a bit of elbow grease, but the end result is a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unparalleled. Whether you’re using the classic ingredients or opting for vegan alternatives, it’s a drink that promises an experience. Cheers!

Ramos Gin Fizz

Discover the art of the Ramos Gin Fizz, its rich history, its mixing techniques, and elevate it with Ann Arbor Distillery Summer Gin.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Gin Ann Arbor Distillery Summer
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 2-3 drops of orange flower water given its potency and the aromatic gin, a restrained approach is best
• 1 small egg white or aquafaba about 0.5 oz
• Club soda

Instructions

1. Chill Your Glass: Begin by chilling a highball glass either in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Mix Ingredients: In your shaker, blend together the Ann Arbor Distillery Summer Gin, heavy cream, lemon and lime juices, sugar or simple syrup, a conservative amount of orange flower water, and egg white.
3. Dry Shake: Without ice, give your mix a vigorous “dry shake” for about 10 seconds. This is essential for emulsifying the egg white and creating a creamy texture.
4. Ice and Shake Again: Introduce ice to your shaker and proceed to shake with gusto for a minimum of 30 seconds. Aim for a frothy consistency.
5. Strain and Serve: Pour the mixture into your chilled highball glass.
6. Finish with Soda: To create the frothy “cap”, gently add club soda down the center of your drink.
7. Savor and Enjoy: Drink immediately to fully enjoy its cold and frothy goodness.