The Ginger Fizz combines the spicy heat of fresh ginger with the freshness of mint and the floral notes of a London Dry Gin. Perfect for warm days or as a digestif – the drink is light but far from boring. The combination of sparkling ginger ale and homemade ginger syrup gives it a lively depth that you won’t achieve with store-bought ingredients. A cocktail that you want to drink again without weighing you down.
And here’s what you need for the Ginger Fizz
4 cl London Dry Gin
2 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cl homemade ginger syrup (1:1 sugar to freshly grated ginger, steeped for 10 minutes)
6–8 fresh mint leaves
8 cl Ginger Ale (not too sweet, e.g., with a high ginger content)
2–3 raspberries (plus 1 for garnish)
1 splash of soda water (optional, for extra fizz)
The key to success
The trick is in the ginger syrup: Bring 50 g freshly grated ginger, 50 g sugar and 50 ml water to a boil, steep for 10 minutes and strain through a fine sieve. The syrup keeps in the fridge for 1 week – but probably won’t last that long. Important: Don’t overwork the mint leaves, or bitterness will take over. A light press is enough to release the aroma. When choosing ginger ale, look for a less sweet variety – too much sugar will drown out the ginger note.
Variations
- Spicy Ginger Fizz — For more heat: Bruise 1 slice of fresh chili (with seeds) with the mint leaves in the shaker. Pairs well with an aged gin with peppery notes.
- Berry Ginger Fizz — Replace raspberries with 4–5 fresh blackberries or blueberries. Lightly muddle the berries in the shaker before adding the gin.
- Ginger Fizz without alcohol — Replace the gin with 4 cl alcohol-free gin substitute. The ginger syrup and mint still provide plenty of flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use store-bought ginger syrup?
Yes, but homemade tastes more intense. Store-bought syrups often contain preservatives that flatten the flavor. If you’re in a hurry, use a high-quality organic syrup with a high ginger content.
Why does my Ginger Fizz taste too sweet?
It’s likely the ginger ale. Many brands are extremely high in sugar. Try a less sweet variety or reduce the amount to 6 cl. Alternatively, make the ginger syrup a little less concentrated (e.g., 1:1.5 sugar to ginger).
Can I prepare the drink in advance?
You can prepare all the ingredients (except ginger ale and ice) in the shaker and store them in the fridge. But shake just before serving and top up with ginger ale – otherwise the drink loses its fizz.
