Chicago Fizz Cocktail Recipe
Chicago Fizz Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:4g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Chicago Fizz is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 1900s. It was first created in Chicago, Illinois, and quickly gained popularity among the city's high society. The cocktail is known for its unique combination of flavors and its beautiful presentation.
- The Chicago Fizz was a favorite among the elite during the Prohibition era
- It is said to have been created at the famous Chicago bar, The Drake Hotel
- The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to the craft cocktail movement
How Chicago Fizz Tastes?
The Chicago Fizz is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a sweet, fruity, and slightly sour taste. It has a rich, velvety texture and a subtle, warming finish from the dark rum and port.
Interesting facts about Chicago Fizz
- The Chicago Fizz is sometimes called a 'royal fizz' due to its luxurious ingredients and presentation
- The cocktail was featured in the 1930 edition of the famous Savoy Cocktail Book
- The Chicago Fizz is often served in a tall, slender glass to showcase its beautiful layers and garnishes
Ingredients
- Dark rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ruby port: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Egg white: 1
- Club soda: Top
- Mint sprig: 1
- Orange slice: 1
Dark Rum
Dark rum not only adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness, but also imparts a complexity that is crucial to the foundation of this cocktail. It's like the deep bass notes in your favorite song—without it, everything feels a bit flat. If you use less, the cocktail might lose its backbone, and more could overwhelm the subtler flavors.
Mary Mitkina
Ruby Port
Here's the melody to our bass! Ruby port adds a fruity depth that plays along with the dark rum's sweetness. It creates that wonderful, dark berry vibe. Less would make the drink less vibrant, more could lead it to cloying territory.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
The zesty high notes! The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, adding necessary balance and brightness. If you skip it, you miss the sunshine that livens up the party. Too much? Then we're turning the drink into a lemon-head’s dream.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
This is our sweet harmony. It's there to support the tartness of lemon juice and add just a hint of smooth sweetness, making everything sing in tune. Unbalanced, it either becomes too sour or too sweet, messing with the perfect pitch.
Mary Mitkina
Egg White
Think of this ingredient as your special effects crew, providing that silky texture and frothy top which make the cocktail an Instagram star. Leave it out, and you lose the smooth performance and the 'oohs' and 'ahhs'.
Emma Rose
Club Soda
The pop star of the cocktail world, club soda brings in the fizz that gives your Chicago Fizz its name. Skip it and the drink becomes a sad, flat tune rather than a sparkling symphony.
Alex Green
Mint Sprig and Orange Slice
Our pretentious flair! The garnish is the final touch that adds both aroma and presentation points. It's the difference between walking out in pajamas and putting on that snazzy suit.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Chicago Fizz Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the dark rum, ruby port, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white
- Dry shake (without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled
- Strain the cocktail into a tall, slender glass filled with ice
- Top with club soda to create a beautiful, frothy head
- Garnish with a mint sprig and an orange slice
Pro Tips
- Shaking: Make sure to shake the cocktail vigorously to properly emulsify the egg white and create a frothy head.
- Garnish: Use fresh mint and a juicy orange slice for the best presentation and flavor.
- Glass: Serving in a tall, slender glass will best showcase the beautiful layers of this cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Empanadas: The fruit tones of the cocktail pair nicely with the savory filling.
- Cheese Platter: Aged cheeses contrast well with the Chicago Fizz's sweetness.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken: The citrus notes in the Chicago Fizz complement poultry quite well.
- Roasted Duck: The gameyness of duck along with the dark rum creates a harmonious duo.
Desserts
- Fruit Tarts: Citrus in the cocktail echoes the tartness of the fruits.
- Chocolate Mousse: The velvety texture of the drink matches well with the richness of chocolate.
Non-Alcoholic
- Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic drink that matches the complexity and freshness of the Chicago Fizz.
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What you could change in Chicago Fizz
- Dark Rum: Can be substituted with bourbon for a different flavor profile.
- Ruby Port: A tawny port can also be used if preferred.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Honey Bourbon Fizz
Ingredients: Replace dark rum with bourbon, and simple syrup with honey syrup. Recipe: Shake all ingredients (except soda) and strain into ice-filled glass. Top with soda, garnish with a lemon twist. Flavor: Trading the rum for bourbon brings a smoky sweetness, while honey adds a rich, floral touch. It's like stepping from the streets of old Havana into a Kentucky barn dance.
Berry Bliss Fizz
Ingredients: Add a handful of mixed berries to the shaker. Recipe: Muddle the berries before adding the other ingredients. Double strain into the glass to remove seeds and pulp. Flavor: With fresh berries, you're sipping on a symphony of summer flavors that turn the Chicago Fizz into a fruit punch serenade.
Tropical Fizz
Ingredients: Swap the club soda for coconut water, and add a dash of pineapple juice. Recipe: Shake all ingredients (except coconut water) and strain over ice. Top with coconut water, garnish with a pineapple wedge. Flavor: This twist turns the traditional into a beach vacation, introducing sunny pineapple and creamy coconut for a sip of paradise.
Espresso Fizz
Ingredients: Add a shot of strong, chilled espresso. Recipe: Shake all ingredients (except soda) and strain into the glass. Top with soda and sprinkle with ground coffee. Flavor: The rich coffee flavor adds a robust dimension, pairing unexpectedly well with the dark rum. It’s a boozy after-dinner pick-me-up.
In case you forgot basics how to make Chicago Fizz
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Chicago Fizz
What kind of dark rum should I use for the Chicago Fizz cocktail?
You can use any brand of dark rum that you prefer, but it's typically recommended to use a quality, aged rum for the best flavor.
Can I make the Chicago Fizz without the egg white?
Yes. The egg white is used to give the cocktail its characteristic frothy head. However, if you are uncomfortable with using egg white, you can omit it. The cocktail will still taste great, but it will lack the frothiness.
How can I make my own simple syrup for this cocktail?
You can make simple syrup at home by combining equal parts of sugar and water and simmering until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once cool, it can be stored in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute club soda with other carbonated drinks?
Yes, you can substitute club soda with other carbonated drinks like sparkling water. However, it may alter the final taste of the cocktail.
On what occasion is the Chicago Fizz most appropriate?
The Chicago Fizz can be served on a variety of occasions, from special celebrations to casual gatherings. Its elegant presentation makes it ideal for more formal events as well.
What does 'shake until well-chilled' mean?
Shaking until well-chilled generally means shaking the cocktail ingredients with ice in the shaker until the outside of the shaker becomes very cold to the touch. This usually takes about 20 to 30 seconds of vigorous shaking.
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