A modern classic invented by Dale DeGroff at the Rainbow Room, The Fitzgerald is a beautifully simple riff on a gin sour. Adjusting the template with just a hint of angostura bitters, the drink takes on a slightly pinkish hue, and adds some complexity. Like all drinks, the name is reportedly something of a happy accident, where the “Gin Thing” was renamed by a more literary minded patron into the Fitzgerald. As it turns out in shooting this picture, I have lost my copy of the Great Gatsby somewhere along the line.
The Fitzgerald
The Fitzgerald is without a doubt a sour in template, and features bright lemon notes skillfully layered over foundations of herbaceous gin and spiced bitters. The net effect is a simple yet satisfying cocktail that’s gives you just a bit more than you’re expecting. Be forewarned though, those sensitive to acid will find this drink rather punchy.
Drink Notes & Recommendations
If you read about this drink, you’ll find a wealth of divergent viewpoints on how to best construct it. While some will suggest that you need an ounce and a half of gin, other will recommend two. In testing, I found a higher value worked better. This helped give some space to the lemon, which even at three-quarters of an ounce, is something nearing bracing. Other recipes have suggested counterbalancing this with more sugar. Beyond three-quarters of an ounce, I found this drink was veering into cloying.
In addition, at least one recipe calls for a rocks glass – with no rocks. I could see drinking this over ice, but why you would place it in a rocks glass without ice is beyond me.
As always, feel free to disregard this advice, and make to your taste from the guideline.
Finally, disregard the comically large lemon in the photo. This works out as badly as it seems. It floats where you don’t want, and generally intrudes. If you must, use a wedge.
- Gin – Beefeater is our choice, but any London Dry Gin will do.
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh squeezed as always.
- Simple Syrup – A traditional 1:1 water to sugar simple is most often used here.
- Garnish – Avoid the giant lemon wheel. A wedge is sufficient – do not float.
- Glassware – I recommend a chilled coupe here.
- Random Fun Thought – This reminds me of the lemon ice I’d eat as a kid on the playground.