Gunshop Fizz

The Gunshop Fizz is a modern creation that brilliantly balances floral, citrus, and bitter notes in a uniquely refreshing way. It combines the botanical qualities of gin with the sweet elderflower notes of St-Germain, brightened by fresh grapefruit and lemon juices. The drink is crowned with a float of hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA), which adds a layer of bitter complexity and effervescence. This innovative combination makes it a favorite among craft cocktail and beer enthusiasts alike.
Gunshop Fizz

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gunshop Fizz is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the 'Fizz' family of drinks, characterized by the inclusion of a carbonated element, which in this unique case is beer. Its creation in the late 2000s places it firmly in the modern era of mixology.

Serving

This is a tall, cold, and refreshing drink served without ice in a pre-chilled Collins or highball glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, with its distinctive character defined by the interplay of spirits and beer.
Serving size
Approximately 180-210 ml / 6-7 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 15-18% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Gunshop Fizz was created by bartender Thomas Waugh in 2009 at the influential New York City cocktail bar, Death & Co. It quickly gained popularity for its innovative use of IPA as a key cocktail ingredient, a practice less common at the time. The name is a nod to the bar's location on East 6th Street, which was once known as "Gunshop Alley," adding a touch of local history to this modern drink.
Origin
The Gunshop Fizz originated in New York City, USA, in 2009. It was invented at the East Village bar Death & Co., a venue renowned for its contributions to the modern cocktail revival.

Gunshop Fizz

The cocktail's name, Gunshop Fizz, is generally consistent, though it is occasionally written as two separate words: Gun Shop Fizz. This name is a nod to the former nickname of the street where its originating bar, Death & Co, is located. There are no other widely recognized alternative names for this modern classic.
Original name
Gunshop Fizz
Alternative name
Gun Shop Fizz

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a complex and refreshing experience, with a hoppy bitterness from the IPA balancing sweet floral and tangy citrus notes. Its hazy golden appearance and light effervescence make it an ideal and sophisticated summer drink.
Flavor
Hoppy, citrusy, floral, bittersweet, refreshing
Aroma
Grapefruit, floral (elderflower), piney hops, botanical gin
Taste balance
Balanced sweet, sour, and bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering bitterness, clean, citrusy
Fizziness
Lightly carbonated, foamy head
Color appearance
Hazy, pale yellow, golden
Texture
Crisp, light-bodied, effervescent
Seasonality
Very refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Gunshop Fizz has a moderately intense flavor profile driven by a unique balance of bitterness from the IPA, sourness from citrus, and a subtle floral sweetness. The carbonation is light, and the alcohol strength is present but not overpowering.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh citrus juices, and a touch of simple syrup. The defining ingredient is a float of hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) beer.
  • Plymouth Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A less juniper-forward gin like Plymouth works well, but a classic London Dry Gin is also an excellent choice.
  • St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This liqueur provides the key floral sweetness that balances the drink's bitterness.
  • Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adds brightness and acidity to the cocktail.
  • Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your juices and liqueur.
  • Hoppy IPA30-45 ml / 1-1.5 oz, to top
    Choose a bright, citrusy, and hoppy IPA, such as a West Coast style, for the best result. Ensure it is chilled.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker and both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers. A citrus juicer is also recommended for fresh juice.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining to remove small ice chips.

Instructions

Preparation involves shaking gin, liqueur, and fresh juices with ice, then double straining into a chilled Collins glass. The drink is finished with a careful float of hoppy IPA and garnished with a grapefruit twist.
1. Thoroughly chill a Collins or highball glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the gin, St-Germain liqueur, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Empty the chilling ice from your serving glass.
6. Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled glass. This removes ice shards and citrus pulp for a smooth texture.
7. Gently top the drink with the chilled hoppy IPA. Pour it slowly over the back of a bar spoon to help create a distinct foam head.
8. Take a grapefruit peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it pith-side down, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple grapefruit twist is the ideal garnish. Expressing the peel over the glass releases aromatic oils that enhance the drink's aroma and flavor profile.
  • Grapefruit twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally dairy, egg, and nut-free. However, it contains gluten due to the use of IPA beer and is therefore not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
✓ 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 and sugar content, primarily derived from the elderflower liqueur, juices, simple syrup, and the carbohydrates in the IPA.
Calories
Averagely 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect for warm weather, this drink suits casual social gatherings, weekend brunch, or a refreshing after-work cocktail. Its unique flavor profile, combining elements of cocktails and craft beer, also makes it a great conversation starter at parties.
  • Summer Party
  • Casual Get-together
  • After-work Drink
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

The Gunshop Fizz pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Its hoppy and citrus notes cut through the richness of fried or fatty dishes like fried chicken and complement the spice in Mexican or Thai cuisine. It also serves as an excellent counterpoint to salty snacks and sharp cheeses.
  • Spicy Tacos
  • Fried Chicken
  • Salty Snacks (e.g., Pretzels, Popcorn)
  • Cheese Board with Sharp Cheeses

Gunshop Fizz: Where Craft Cocktails Meet Craft Beer

The Gunshop Fizz is a sophisticated and highly refreshing modern classic cocktail that cleverly bridges the gap between mixology and craft beer culture. It stands out for its innovative use of IPA, which adds a layer of hoppy bitterness that beautifully complements the floral St-Germain and tart grapefruit. Created in 2009 at New York's famed Death & Co bar, it's a testament to the creativity of the modern cocktail movement. Easy to make yet complex in flavor, it is the perfect drink for those who appreciate both craft cocktails and beer.

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Tom Collins

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