Fitzgerald Cocktail Recipe

Fitzgerald Nutrition Facts

Calories:182

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:13g

Alcohol %:22

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

History

The Fitzgerald is a classic cocktail that was first published in 1930 in Harry Craddock's 'The Savoy Cocktail Book'. It's a simple, yet sophisticated blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness. The Fitzgerald is often enjoyed as an aperitif, making it a great choice for pre-dinner drinks.

How Fitzgerald Tastes?

The Fitzgerald is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. The gin provides a botanical undertone, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The simple syrup lends a subtle sweetness, and the Angostura bitters give it a slight bitter edge. Overall, it's a crisp, slightly sweet, and pleasantly sour cocktail.

Interesting facts about Fitzgerald

  • The Fitzgerald is often considered a variation of the classic Sour cocktail.
  • It's named after the famous American author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was known for his love of gin.
  • Despite its simplicity, the Fitzgerald is a complex and sophisticated cocktail that showcases the versatility of gin.

Ingredients

A few good options for Fitzgerald are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of the Fitzgerald, providing a complex botanical profile that gives the drink its spirituous character. The 2 oz portion is just right — enough to stand out but not overpower. Without it, well, it wouldn't be a cocktail! If you sub in vodka, you'd get a cleaner taste, losing some of the herbal notes that gin brings to the party.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

The zesty soul of the drink, 1 oz of lemon juice brings the tartness and freshness to balance the gin's botanicals. Less would make the drink flatter, more could turn it into a sour pucker-fest. If you're out of lemons, lime juice can be a decent stand-in, but expect a sharper, more tropical tang.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Sweetness to counteract the sour, the 1 oz of simple syrup smoothes out the edges and makes the Fitzgerald sippable. More sugar, and you enter a cloying territory; less, and you might have to brace yourself for the tartness. Honey syrup could be an alternative, adding a floral sweetness.

Mary Mitkina

Angostura Bitters

Two dashes are like the spice rack of the cocktail world, giving a depth to the flavor. Leave them out, and the drink loses complexity. Overdo it, and the bitterness could take center stage. Other bitters like orange or Peychaud's could offer a different spice or floral highlight.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Fitzgerald Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality gin for the best flavor.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the most refreshing taste.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

Light seafood dishes — such as grilled shrimp or a classic ceviche — can beautifully complement the tangy and botanical notes of the Fitzgerald cocktail.

Poultry

A simple roast chicken or turkey sandwiches with a hint of lemon in their seasoning are brightened up next the zesty flavor profile of the Fitzgerald.

Cheese

Goat cheese or other tart, creamy cheeses can stand up to the lemon and botanical flavors without overpowering the drink.

Appetizers

Try pairing with bruschetta or other tomato-based appetizers; the acidity from the tomatoes and lemon juice will harmonize perfectly.

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What you could change in Fitzgerald

  • Gin: You can substitute the gin with vodka for a smoother taste.
  • Simple Syrup: If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts of sugar in hot water.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best, but you can use bottled lemon juice if fresh lemons are not available.

Explore all drinks starting with F here

And of course - twists🍹

Earl Grey Fitzgerald

  • 2 oz Earl Grey-infused gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters Recipe: Infuse your gin with Earl Grey tea for a unique twist that marries the floral notes of the tea with the botanicals in the gin. The citrus and tea notes will provide an aromatic lift to your Fitzgerald.

Spicy Fitzgerald

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes chili bitters Recipe: Swap out Angostura for chili bitters for a kick that'll warm you right up. This fiery cousin of the original Fitzgerald is sure to tantalize those who enjoy a bit of heat with their tart.

Honey Lavender Fitzgerald

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz honey lavender syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters Recipe: Replacing the simple syrup with honey lavender syrup adds a floral sweetness that complements the gin's botanicals beautifully. It's like a spring garden in a glass!

In case you forgot basics how to make Fitzgerald

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 syrup

Add 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 shake

Place 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 strain

Garnishing 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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Fitzgerald

Is the Fitzgerald cocktail suitable for all occasions?

Yes, the Fitzgerald can be enjoyed at various events, from casual get-togethers to formal dinner parties due to its balanced and refreshing taste.

Is the Fitzgerald cocktail related to F. Scott Fitzgerald?

The cocktail is indeed named after the famous American author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, however, there's no historical evidence indicating that F. Scott Fitzgerald specifically drank this cocktail.

What type of gin works best for a Fitzgerald cocktail?

A gin with a robust botanical flavor such as London Dry Gin works best for the Fitzgerald.

What kind of glassware is recommended for the Fitzgerald cocktail?

Typically, the Fitzgerald is served in a chilled cocktail glass.

Can other bitters be used instead of Angostura in Fitzgerald?

While the original recipe calls for Angostura bitters, other aromatic bitters can be used to add a different flavor profile.

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