Sloe Gin Fizz

This sparkling red cocktail with berry and citrus flavors continues to satisfy all who enjoy sipping it.

Over the years, I would randomly hear the phrase “sloe gin” or “sloe gin fizz”. Knowing it was a mixed drink of the grown-up variety, I never gave much thought to what it actually was. My brain would automatically assume it was a “slow” cocktail, probably named as such because of a method involved in how it was prepared. I imagined there was a whole gaggle of slow drinks floating around, picturing very relaxed people doing a lot of sipping, letting all the time in the world pass them by.

Turns out, I was totally wrong. What I thought was “slow” is actually “sloe”, referring to the type of gin that’s the base for the cocktail. Curiosity will get the better of me on most days, and today is definitely one of them. I need to know exactly what a Sloe Gin Fizz is, since speed obviously has nothing to do with it. And a classic Gin Fizz is a favorite drink of mine, so questions must be answered.

Sloe gin is actually a liqueur. A British product, the bright red spirit is made from blackthorn fruits, or sloes, and gin. The Sloe Gin Fizz is a traditional English cocktail dating to the 1800s. When the Americans latched on to it, they added the lemon juice and club soda topper, creating the popular modern version of the drink. Sloe gin is lighter in its alcohol content, and delivers a tart and berry-flavored sweetness. Mixed with the citrus, simple syrup and soda water, the Sloe Gin Fizz is a balanced and refreshing thirst quencher on the hottest of summer days.

If you’re a gin lover like me and have only heard of this cocktail instead of drinking one, give it a try. It makes for a lighter, less potent alternative to a regular Gin Fizz, especially with the fruity profile of the sloe.

What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Sloe Gin Fizz?

When choosing a sloe gin for the Sloe Gin Fizz, I opted for a bottle of Plymouth. This legendary British distiller has been around since 1793, and since I’m fairly new to the pleasures of the fruity liqueur, I figured one of the most famous manufacturers of it probably knows what they’re doing. The price is cost-effective and the spirit melded wonderfully with the lemon juice and simple syrup. You won’t be disappointed.

FAQs & Tips

Similar Cocktails to the Sloe Gin Fizz

Feel like taking it slow today with a few Sloe Gin Fizzes? I don’t blame you. Sometimes life can fly by so fast you don’t notice until those moments are gone, now only memories. A delectable drink and the cool breeze of the evening while you sit and take some time to yourself… that is worth all the gold in Fort Knox, and then some. Twist & Toast has other recipes similar to what we made today, and after you give these a spin, you’ll want to make sure your cocktail hour is regularly scheduled.

• Gin Fizz – The classic, cool tipple that goes down easy on a hot and sweaty day.
• Tom Collins – A favorite cool-down cocktail when the sun is high and my throat is dry.
• Americano – Sweet, bitter and bubbly, this Campari-based beverage is another light summertime staple.
• Aperol Gin – Lighter and a little sweeter than Campari, this Aperol drink goes well with any vacation outfit.