Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald

Alessandro Scire Calabrisotto

The Fitzgerald Cocktail: A Classic With a Touch of Elegance

The Fitzgerald Cocktail is a simple yet refined drink that blends gin, lemon juice, bitters, and sugar into a balanced and refreshing concoction. Named after F. Scott Fitzgerald, the famous American author known for his novel The Great Gatsby, this cocktail has a literary air that matches its understated elegance. While it may not have the fame of some other classic gin-based drinks, it offers a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and bitterness, making it a standout choice for both casual drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

History of the Fitzgerald Cocktail

The Fitzgerald Cocktail may not have a detailed history as rich as some more iconic drinks, but its ties to the Jazz Age and literary culture make it intriguing. The drink’s name is a nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose works encapsulated the opulence and excess of the 1920s. While the exact origins of the Fitzgerald Cocktail are unclear, it is believed to have been created around the same time as many other gin-based cocktails that gained popularity during Prohibition.

Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933) was a time of great experimentation with alcohol, especially among bartenders looking to work with illegal spirits. Gin, often produced in makeshift distilleries, was a popular choice for cocktail makers due to its smooth texture and versatility. It’s likely that the Fitzgerald Cocktail emerged during this era, finding its place alongside other beloved gin classics like the Martini, the Gin Rickey, and the Tom Collins.

Unlike some of its counterparts, the Fitzgerald is a bit more understated, focusing on a minimalist combination of ingredients. Its bittersweet profile is a great example of how classic cocktails can be simple yet complex, delivering a refreshing experience with just a few ingredients.

The Fitzgerald Cocktail Recipe

Here’s the classic recipe for the Fitzgerald Cocktail. The balance of lemon, gin, and bitters creates a sophisticated yet approachable drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin (London dry gin works best)
  • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 oz simple syrup (or to taste)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Lemon twist (for garnish)

Execution:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
  2. Add ice and shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Additional Tips

  • Gin Selection: While the Fitzgerald Cocktail is usually made with London dry gin, you can experiment with other gins that offer more floral or botanical notes. A well-balanced gin will complement the tartness of the lemon juice and the bitterness of the Angostura bitters.
  • Sweetness Adjustments: The original recipe calls for a small amount of simple syrup, but you can adjust the sweetness based on your preference. Some prefer a more tart version with less syrup, while others may enjoy a touch more sweetness.
  • Bitters: Experimenting with different types of bitters (such as orange bitters) can add a new layer of complexity to the Fitzgerald.

Curious Facts About the Fitzgerald Cocktail

  • Literary Connection: The Fitzgerald Cocktail takes its name from F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the key authors of the Jazz Age. His works often centered around themes of luxury and decadence, qualities that the cocktail shares in its delicate balance of flavors.
  • A Simple Elegance: Despite the allure of more intricate cocktails, the Fitzgerald is a reminder that simplicity can be just as sophisticated. A few ingredients, expertly balanced, make for a drink that is timeless in its elegance.
  • Popular in Speakeasies: The Fitzgerald was likely enjoyed in speakeasies during the Prohibition era, a time when bartenders often created drinks that were easy to make with the limited supplies available.

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