Fred Collins Fizz Cocktail Recipe

Fred Collins Fizz is a classic cocktail that dates back to the late 19th century. It was created by a bartender named Fred Collins, who worked at the famous Clover Club in Philadelphia. This cocktail was a popular choice among the club's elite clientele and quickly gained popularity in other bars across the country.

• The Clover Club was a prestigious gentlemen's club that attracted many influential figures of the time.
• The cocktail's popularity eventually led to the creation of other variations, such as the Tom Collins and John Collins.
• The fizz aspect of the drink comes from the addition of club soda, which gives it a refreshing, effervescent quality.

Fred Collins Fizz is a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness. The combination of lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup creates a balanced flavor profile, while the club soda adds a pleasant fizziness.

• Fred Collins Fizz is sometimes referred to as the 'Philadelphia Fizz' due to its origins at the Clover Club in Philadelphia.
• The cocktail is typically served in a Collins glass, which is tall and narrow, allowing for the perfect amount of fizziness from the club soda.
• The drink is often garnished with a lemon or orange wheel and a cherry, adding a pop of color and extra layer of flavor.

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
   • 2 oz gin
   • 1 oz lemon juice
   • 1 oz orange juice
   • 0.5 oz simple syrup
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
4. Top off the glass with 3 oz of club soda.
5. Gently stir the cocktail to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a lemon or orange wheel and a cherry.

• Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor. Bottled juices can contain preservatives that alter the taste.
• Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail into it. This will keep your drink cooler for longer.
• Don't over shake the cocktail. Too much shaking can dilute the drink and alter its flavor.

Appetizers

• Cheese platters: The citrus notes of the cocktail match well with mild cheeses such as Brie or Gouda.
• Seafood: Think shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon; the acidity cuts through the richness of the seafood.

Main Courses

• Grilled Chicken: The brightness of the lemon complements the charred flavors from the grill.
• Pasta Dishes: Lighter pasta with a lemon or cream sauce; avoids overpowering the subtleties of the cocktail.

Desserts

• Fruit Tarts: The sweetness of a fruit-based dessert would balance the tartness of the cocktail.
• Sorbet: A lemon or berry sorbet would be refreshing and echo the flavors in the drink.

• Gin: You can substitute gin with vodka if you prefer a less botanical flavor.
• Simple Syrup: If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
• Club Soda: You can substitute club soda with any other clear, carbonated beverage like tonic water or sparkling water.

Cucumber Collins Fizz

• Add 3-4 slices of cucumber to the shaker before mixing other ingredients.
• Muddle the cucumber to release its essence.
• Follow the regular Fred Collins Fizz recipe. This twist provides a more refreshing, spa-like vibe to the drink, with a subtle, garden-fresh undertone that makes it all the more revitalizing.

Elderflower Collins Fizz

• Replace simple syrup with 0.75 oz of elderflower liqueur.
• Adjust lemon juice to 0.75 oz to balance the sweetness.
• Follow the regular recipe. The elderflower brings a floral, fragrant sweetness, offering a more sophisticated and sweet alternative without being overpowering.

Spicy Ginger Collins Fizz

• Replace club soda with ginger beer for the fizz.
• Muddle a small piece of fresh ginger with the simple syrup.
• Use all the other ingredients as per the original recipe. You'll get a kick of spicy ginger heat with each sip, which warms up the drink and makes it especially suitable for cooler weathers or for those who enjoy a bit of a bite with their beverages.