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The Cranberry Gin Fizz is a autumn inspired twist to the beloved, classic Gin Fizz cocktail recipe. This drink is a great choice for those who enjoy a balance of flavors in their cocktails, as it offers a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. To me, cranberries capture the spirit of the fall season, so adding them into your favorite cocktails creates a sense of seasonal delight all in one cocktail glass!
Although there are several ingredients that make up this recipe, it can be prepared in under 5 minutes. I’ve been sipping on this Cranberry Gin Fizz most Friday nights, and in my opinion, it’s the perfect weekend cocktail. So, let me break this recipe down for you.
The Cranberry Gin Fizz clearly takes inspiration from the classic Gin Fizz cocktail with a few of my own additions that I felt were essential in taking this cocktail to a new level. The original recipe calls for gin, citrus, sweetener, and some club soda. The Gin Fizz is actually believed to have originated in the early 19th century in America, with its roots traced back to New Orleans, a city renowned for its vibrant cocktail culture. Many iconic cocktails were created in The Big Easy, and this one is no exception.
When taking a slightly different twist to classic recipes like this one, I like to stay as loyal to the initial recipe as I can. In this case I honestly didn’t change too much, I simply tweaked.
Since this is a Gin Fizz, the base of this cocktail is pretty obvious. In the Cranberry Gin Fizz, the gin provides a smooth and slightly floral backdrop that complements the citrusy notes blended in the libation. In this case, those are made up of both orange and lemon juices. While the orange juice brings out a fruity flavor, the lemon juice gives a bit of a zesty kick to the mix. This helps soften the herbal notes that come from the gin itself, creating a well-rounded cocktail mixture.
Now, it’s called a Cranberry Gin Fizz for a reason, so that’s precisely where the cranberry juice comes into play! Cranberry juice is known for its subtle sweetness and bright, tart notes. Not only does it give the cocktail a refreshing sharpness, but it also brings out that gorgeous blush hue.
When it comes to the sweetener, I wanted to make sure I implemented a unique ingredient that added on to the existing flavors. In this case, I went with ginger simple syrup. In this particular recipe, the ginger simple syrup adds a warm and spicy kick, providing a necessary contrast to the tartness of the cranberry juice and the sweetness of the orange juice.
Once these ingredients are shaken together with ice and poured into a cocktail glass, we’re ready to top it off with the fizz portion of this recipe: club soda. This carbonation helps to lighten the drink, keeping it refreshing and easy to sip. What more could you ask for?
Keeping the garnish simple, I decided to just drop a few fresh cranberries that float atop the drink. They tie together the presentation perfectly!
Step 1: Add gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker. Top with ice and shake until chilled.
Step 2: Strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top with club soda.
Step 3: Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Whether you are a fan of gin or simply enjoy trying new and exciting cocktails, this Cranberry Gin Fizz is sure to provide a refreshing and flavorful experience. So, why not give it a try and discover the beautiful blend of flavors that this cocktail has to offer? Cheers!
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
