Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald is a perfectly balanced and refreshing cocktail that highlights the botanicals of a good gin. It's essentially a classic Gin Sour with the crucial addition of Angostura bitters, which adds a layer of aromatic spice and complexity. The result is a crisp, clean, and elegant drink that is both easy to make and delightful to sip, appealing to gin lovers and sour cocktail fans alike.
Fitzgerald

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Fitzgerald is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It follows the "sour" template (spirit, citrus, sweetener), making it a timeless and adaptable drink that gained popularity in the modern craft cocktail era.

Serving

Served "up" (chilled, without ice) in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, this is a crisp, cold drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This modern classic was created by "King Cocktail" Dale DeGroff in the mid-1990s while he was working at the famous Rainbow Room in New York City. A customer frequently ordered a gin sour with bitters but would always forget the name, simply calling it the "Gin Thing". DeGroff later gave it the more distinguished name, Fitzgerald, in honor of the Jazz Age novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was known for his fondness for gin.
Origin
United States, mid-1990s.

Fitzgerald

The drink was originally called the "Gin Thing" by a regular customer at the Rainbow Room who couldn't remember its name. Bartender Dale DeGroff later officially named it the Fitzgerald, a more elegant title befitting the classic-style cocktail.
Original name
Fitzgerald
Alternative name
Gin Thing

Characteristics overview

This drink boasts a crisp, citrus-forward flavor with distinct gin botanicals and a spicy aroma from the bitters. It has a smooth texture and a clean, refreshing finish, making it an excellent choice for any season.
Flavor
Citrusy, botanical, crisp, slightly spicy, tart
Aroma
Juniper, lemon, aromatic spices
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, hint of spice
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale yellow, slightly rosy hue, clear
Texture
Smooth, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Fitzgerald is a sour-dominant drink with a moderate alcohol presence. Its primary flavors are citrusy and botanical, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of aromatic bitterness providing complexity.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need London Dry Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura aromatic bitters. The quality of the gin and freshness of the juice are key to a great Fitzgerald.
  • London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A quality London Dry Gin with a solid juniper backbone works best.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the bright, tart flavor.
  • Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Made from a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. Adjust quantity to taste.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
    This is the key ingredient that distinguishes it from a standard Gin Sour.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a shaken cocktail, so a standard cocktail shaker set with a jigger and strainer is all the equipment required.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients
  • Strainer for separating ice from the drink

Instructions

The process involves chilling a glass, shaking all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, and then straining the mixture into the prepared glass before garnishing.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to remove ice shards.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the surface of the drink for extra aroma.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, providing an aromatic citrus nose that complements the drink's flavor.
  • Lemon twist, express the oils over the drink before placing it on the rim or in the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the gin and simple syrup. The sugar and carbohydrate content comes almost entirely from the syrup.
Calories
Averagely 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Fitzgerald is a versatile cocktail suitable for many occasions, from a sophisticated pre-dinner aperitif to a refreshing choice for a summer gathering or happy hour.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Happy hour
  • Summer party
  • Cocktail party

Pairing suggestions

The Fitzgerald's crisp, citrusy profile pairs well with light and savory foods. It's an excellent companion for seafood appetizers, salty snacks, or a simple cheese board, as it cuts through richness and cleanses the palate.
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood, such as oysters or shrimp cocktail
  • Salty snacks like olives or nuts
  • Cheese platters

The Fitzgerald: A Modern Classic with Jazz Age Elegance

The Fitzgerald is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cocktails. As a refined version of the Gin Sour, its addition of Angostura bitters introduces a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates the drink from basic to brilliant. Created by a modern master, Dale DeGroff, it feels both timeless and contemporary. It's an accessible, refreshing, and perfectly balanced cocktail that is easy to make at home and always a sophisticated choice.

Similar cocktails

Tom Collins

Essentially a Fitzgerald served tall over ice and topped with soda water.

Bee's Knees

Uses honey syrup instead of simple syrup, resulting in a richer, floral sweetness.

White Lady

Adds an orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec) and often an egg white for a frothy texture.

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