Gin Fizz Recipe

I have a habit of falling in love with simple things that look almost too plain at first. This drink is one of those. The first time I made a Gin Fizz, I honestly thought I had done something wrong because it looked so light and straightforward. No fancy layers, no dramatic garnish pile, nothing complicated going on.

But then I took a sip. Bright lemon, a soft sweetness, that little sparkle from the soda. It felt clean and sharp in the best way, like opening a window after being inside all day. Since then, this has been the cocktail I make when I want something refreshing without overthinking it.

I also love that it forces me to slow down. You cannot rush this drink. If I try to throw it together carelessly, it shows. When I give it a minute of attention, though, it always rewards me.

Ingredients I Used for the Recipe

• 50 ml London dry gin – This is the backbone. It brings those crisp botanical notes that make the drink taste alive.
• 22.5 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice – Fresh is everything here. Bottled juice makes it flat, and I learned that the hard way.
• 15 ml rich sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water) – Adds smooth sweetness so the lemon does not feel too sharp.
• 120 ml chilled soda water – Gives the signature fizz and keeps the drink light instead of heavy.
• Ice for shaking – Helps blend and chill the base before topping with soda.
• Half a lemon wheel for garnish – Not just decoration. It adds a subtle aroma right when you lift the glass.

How to make Gin Fizz?

Step 1 – Chill the Glass First

I used to skip this step because I thought it did not matter. It absolutely matters. A cold glass keeps the drink lively longer, especially since this cocktail is served without ice once it is poured.

I usually pop the glass into the freezer for a few minutes while I get everything else ready. Even a short chill makes a difference.

Step 2 – Squeeze the Lemon Fresh

This is the moment where the drink really begins. I cut a lemon and squeeze it right before mixing. The smell alone tells me I am on the right track.

Fresh juice has brightness and a little natural sweetness that bottled versions just cannot fake. I tried shortcuts before and always came back to doing it this way.

Step 3 – Add Gin, Lemon Juice, and Sugar Syrup to a Shaker

I pour the gin, lemon juice, and rich syrup into a shaker filled with ice. These three ingredients are the heart of the cocktail, so this is where balance happens.

If I am distracted and eyeball the measurements, the drink can lean too sour or too sweet. So I measure. Not because I am fancy, but because I want it to taste right.

Step 4 – Shake Like You Mean It

I shake for about 10 to 15 seconds. Not a lazy shake. A real one. You want the mixture cold and slightly frothy.

This step blends everything together so the sugar does not sit separately from the citrus. When done right, the texture already feels smoother before the soda even goes in.

Step 5 – Strain Into the Chilled Glass

I strain the mixture into the cold glass with no ice. This sometimes surprises people because many expect cocktails to be packed with cubes.

Serving it without ice keeps the flavor focused. The drink stays crisp instead of getting diluted as you sip.

Step 6 – Top With Chilled Soda Water

This is where the magic happens. I slowly pour the soda water on top so it keeps its sparkle.

If you dump it in too fast, the fizz collapses. I learned to treat this part gently. The bubbles are what give the drink its signature lift.

Step 7 – Add the Lemon Garnish

I slide a half lemon wheel onto the rim. It looks simple, but when you bring the glass up, you catch that citrus scent before tasting.

That tiny detail makes the whole experience feel more intentional.

What Makes This Drink Different From Other Gin Cocktails

A lot of people assume this is just another variation of a gin and soda. It is not. The shaking step changes everything. You are not just mixing. You are building texture.

There is also a careful balance between sweet and sour. The drink should not taste sugary, but it should not make you pucker either. When it lands in that middle space, it feels incredibly refreshing.

Another thing I appreciate is how light it feels. Some cocktails are great for one glass and then you are done. This one feels easy to enjoy without getting weighed down.

Tips

You want a clean, classic gin with noticeable botanical flavor. It does not have to be the most expensive bottle on the shelf. I actually prefer something straightforward so the lemon can shine too.

Warm soda ruins the drink faster than anything else. Cold soda keeps the bubbles tight and refreshing.

I once tried stirring to save time. The result tasted thin and disconnected. Shaking properly blends the citrus and syrup so the drink feels smooth instead of sharp.

Some days I want it slightly brighter, so I use a touch less syrup. Other times I add just a drop more. Once you make it a few times, you will naturally find your balance.

This is not a make-ahead cocktail. It is meant to be enjoyed immediately while the fizz is lively. Letting it sit too long takes away the sparkle that makes it special.

Try Variations Once You Know the Original

After I got comfortable with the classic version, I experimented a little. Adding an egg white creates a creamier texture. Swapping soda for sparkling wine makes it feel more celebratory. Those are fun, but I always come back to the original because it is just so clean.

Why This Recipe Stays in My Rotation

I have made this drink on quiet evenings, during casual get-togethers, and even when I just wanted to mark the end of a long day. It fits all those moments without feeling too formal or too basic.

There is something satisfying about how such a short ingredient list can create a drink that feels complete. Nothing extra, nothing distracting. Just balance, freshness, and a little sparkle.

And honestly, I like recipes that remind me that simple does not mean boring. Sometimes simple just means you did it right.

That is exactly what keeps me making this Gin Fizz again and again.