History of the Fitzgerald
First recorded in 2002, the Fitzgerald cocktail may seem quite young to be deemed a classic. Indeed,...
Fitzgerald Cocktail recipe
Cocktail recipe
Rating
4.81 / 5
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You’ll find the Fitzgerald sits firmly in the gin sour family: a bright, citrus-led drink that keeps things crisp and...
... more
You’ll find the Fitzgerald sits firmly in the gin sour family: a bright, citrus-led drink that keeps things crisp and unfussy. While it doesn’t carry the same widely agreed origin story as some headline classics, it feels like a modern, stripped-back nod to the idea of a Gin Sour—built around gin, lemon, and sweetness, with bitters adding a subtle cocktail-bar polish. Served in a whisky glass, it reads as confident and direct, with no need for extra adornment.
Dry gin brings a clean, botanical backbone that lemon juice immediately sharpens into a lively, mouthwatering snap. Simple syrup smooths the edges, rounding the acidity so the drink tastes balanced rather than bracing. A couple of dashes of aromatic bitters stitch everything together, adding a gentle spice-and-herb accent that deepens the gin and keeps the finish from feeling one-note.
This is a great pick when you want something refreshing but still spirit-forward—ideal as an aperitif or an early-evening “reset” drink. If you like your cocktails tart, clean, and classic-leaning, you’ll feel right at home here, especially when you’re after a no-frills gin drink that still tastes thoughtfully composed.
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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 units of alcohol *
Details
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Classic
Shaken
Whisky glass
Ingredients
oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
Cocktail Colin says:
5/5
Dry gin leads with crisp botanicals wrapped in sharp lemon juice, while simple syrup rounds the edges into a clean, lightly sweet-tart core and aromatic bitters add a subtle spice-and-herb snap on the finish. It works because the lemon’s bite and bitters’ depth keep the syrup from feeling flat, making it ideal for gin lovers who want a straightforward, bracing sour.
Method
How to make a Fitzgerald
Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
- Dry gin 50ml, Lemon juice 25ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml, Aromatic 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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