History of the Fitzgerald
First recorded in 2002, the Fitzgerald cocktail may seem quite young to be deemed a classic. Indeed,...
FitzgeraldCocktail recipe
Cocktail recipe
Rating
4.81 / 5
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The Fitzgerald was invented by Dale Degroff in the 1990s. Starting in the early 90s at the Rainbow Room, New...
... more
The Fitzgerald was invented by Dale Degroff in the 1990s. Starting in the early 90s at the Rainbow Room, New York, Mr DeGroff was instrumental in the revival and expansion of the American bar scene.
His advocacy for using fresh juices in drinks helped revitalise bars into using fresh ingredients instead of bottled sweetened juices. Although essentially a Gin Sour (without the optional egg white), a couple dashes of Angostura bitters into the Fitzgerald add depth and roundness to the drink.
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Base ingredient
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Dry gin
Calories
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109 calories
Garnish
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Lemon
Alcohol content
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22.22% | 2 units of alcohol *
Details
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Classic
Shaken
Whisky glass
Ingredients
oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
Cocktail Colin says:
5/5
The Fitzgerald is a shining example of simplicity meeting sophistication in the cocktail world. With its robust dry gin base complemented by the tartness of lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of sugar syrup, the dashes of Angostura bitters bring a delightful complexity that elevates this drink from a basic Gin Sour to a layered, aromatic experience that's both refreshing and nuanced.
Method
How to make a Fitzgerald
Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
- Dry gin 50ml, Lemon Juice 25ml, Sugar / simple Syrup 15ml, Angostura Bitters 2 dashes
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve
~ Alternatively this drink can be strained over fresh ice into a rocks glass. ~
Power tips
Elevate the Fitzgerald with these master mixologist tips
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Find out more- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter and more vibrant flavor. Avoid pre-bottled lemon juice which can lack freshness and natural oils.
- Chill your whisky glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before straining the cocktail into it. This helps to maintain the drink’s temperature longer.
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Fitzgerald masterclass
Master the craft of the Fitzgerald cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses
Fitzgerald Cocktail Recipe: A Classic Gin Delight
Discover the timeless charm of the Fitzgerald Cocktail in this delightful recipe guide. The Fitzgera...
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Fitzgerald cocktail?
The Fitzgerald is a classic cocktail that originated in the mid-20th century. While its exact origins are often debated, it is generally considered a variation of the gin sour family of cocktails. Its simplicity and elegance have made it a timeless choice for many cocktail enthusiasts.
Can I substitute the dry gin with another type of gin in a Fitzgerald?
Yes, you can substitute the dry gin with another type of gin, such as London dry gin or even an Old Tom Gin for a slightly sweeter profile. Each type of gin will bring its own unique flavors to the Fitzgerald, so feel free to experiment to see which you prefer. However, the original recipe uses dry gin for its crisp and clean taste.
What does it mean that the cocktail is to be shaken, not stirred?
Shaking a cocktail, as opposed to stirring, is typically done to thoroughly mix ingredients that have differing densities, such as spirits with juices or syrups. For the Fitzgerald, shaking with ice not only combines the lemon juice, sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, and gin uniformly but also chills and dilutes the cocktail to perfection, enhancing its flavor and texture.
What type of food would pair well with a Fitzgerald?
The Fitzgerald, with its balance of tartness from the lemon juice and sweetness from the sugar syrup, pairs well with a wide range of foods. Its bright and refreshing taste makes it a perfect accompaniment to seafood dishes, light salads, or poultry. It can also complement rich, fatty foods by cutting through the heaviness with its acidity.
How important is the alcohol content in the cocktail?
The alcohol content in a cocktail like the Fitzgerald, listed here as 22.22%, plays a crucial role in balancing the drink's flavors. It is high enough to ensure the cocktail is potent and engaging, yet not so high as to overshadow the delicate balance of sweetness, bitterness, and acidity. Adjusting the alcohol content might significantly alter the cocktail's character, affecting its overall taste and enjoyment.
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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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