Drinks

Golden Fizz Cocktail

After a couple weeks of rum-based cocktails I thought I’d switch things up and go back to another summer liquor: gin. If you’ve been following along, you know that I’m a big gin fan. Whether it be a martini, a gin rickey, or a negroni, if it’s got gin, most likely you’ll find me sipping it. But that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, I used to hate gin. But as with all things liquoricious, I discovered it’s not about the liquor, but the brand.

Yes, if you enjoy the occasional cocktail you know that there are some brands you love while there are others you tend to avoid. My first foray into the gin world was Tanquerey. I was not a fan. I don’t know what it was about the brand but I just couldn’t stomach it. It’s why I avoided gin for years. As a matter of fact, it’s why I used to insist on a vodka martini rather than the classic. But then I received a bottle of Citadel gin and my whole world changed. It was delicious! It was smooth and slightly sweet and just made me smile every time I took a sip.

After that I went out of my way to try different gins. I suddenly realized that if I didn’t like the liquor I shouldn’t just automatically write it off. I should give it a few tries before I give it up entirely. I should search out other brands and take notes. What is it that draws me to one type, while others might make me gag? Are they floral? Are they aged? Is it a higher proof? All these factors create the liquor that you may or may not like. And of course if you got sick on a specific liquor that might also be a factor. (How many of you got wasted on G&T’s in college and have never looked back?) Since I’m now a gin fan, I enjoy gin cocktails all the time, especially when they’re full of froth and fizz, which the Golden Fizz absolutely is.

Dating back to the 19th century, this delightfully sweet, slightly tart cocktail has plenty of bubbles and plenty of froth. The bubbles come from soda and the froth… you guessed it, a raw egg. But unlike so many of those classic frothy cocktails which get their froth from egg whites, the Golden Fizz gets its froth from the yolk. That yolk is also what gives the Golden Fizz both its pale yellow color and its name. While the raw yolk might turn you off, I’m here to tell you, this refreshing tipple is well worth a sip. That yolk provides the froth and a wonderful, silky texture you rarely find in today’s cocktails. So, this summer grab your favorite gin, a farm fresh egg, a fresh lemon and dive in. You’ll be happy you did.