Fitzgerald Cocktail Recipe

Looking for a sophisticated yet simple cocktail that balances bright citrus with botanical depth? The Fitzgerald cocktail might become your new favorite.

This refreshing gin-based drink offers the perfect combination of tart, sweet, and aromatic flavors that make it ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

What Is a Fitzgerald Cocktail?

The Fitzgerald is a modern classic that combines gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters. Its bright, citrus-forward profile with subtle botanical undertones makes it accessible to both cocktail enthusiasts and newcomers alike. If you enjoy gin sours but want something with a bit more complexity, the Fitzgerald delivers beautifully.

Fitzgerald Cocktail Ingredients

The beauty of the Fitzgerald lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just four ingredients:

• 2 oz dry gin (London dry gin works wonderfully)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

For garnish, a lemon twist or lemon wheel adds the perfect finishing touch.

Cocktail Step by Step Mixing Guide

Creating the perfect Fitzgerald is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for home bartenders:

1. Chill your cocktail glass or rocks glass with ice while preparing the drink
2. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
4. Fill the shaker with ice
5. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled
6. Strain into your prepared glass (either neat or over fresh ice)
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel
8. Serve immediately and enjoy

Alternative Ingredients and Substitutes

While the classic recipe creates a perfectly balanced cocktail, you can experiment with these variations:

• Gin alternatives: Vodka works well for those who find gin’s botanical flavors too pronounced. For a more complex flavor, try an Old Tom gin for subtle sweetness.
• Sweetener options: Replace simple syrup with honey syrup for a floral sweetness or agave nectar for a different dimension.
• Bitters variations: While Angostura is traditional, try orange bitters or lavender bitters for unique flavor profiles.
• Citrus switch: Some bartenders use lime instead of lemon for a slightly different tartness.
• Low-calorie version: Use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce calories while maintaining flavor balance.

What I Really Like About the Fitzgerald

What makes the Fitzgerald truly special is its perfect harmony of flavors. The bright acidity from the lemon juice cuts through the gin’s botanicals, while the simple syrup provides just enough sweetness to balance the tartness.

The addition of Angostura bitters elevates the cocktail from a simple gin sour to something with remarkable depth and complexity.

I particularly appreciate how versatile this cocktail is across seasons. It’s refreshing enough for summer sipping yet has enough warmth and complexity to be enjoyed year-round. The Fitzgerald also strikes that difficult balance of being sophisticated enough for cocktail enthusiasts while remaining approachable for casual drinkers.

Fitzgerald Cocktail History and Creator

Despite its classic taste profile, the Fitzgerald is a relatively recent creation. The cocktail was invented in the early 1990s by legendary bartender Dale DeGroff during his tenure at the Rainbow Room in New York City. Originally dubbed the “Gin Thing,” the drink was created on the fly when a customer grew bored with his regular gin and tonic and requested something new for summer.

The name “Fitzgerald” was suggested by a patron, inspired by the literary connection to F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was known to enjoy gin-based cocktails (particularly the Gin Rickey). What’s fascinating is that while the Fitzgerald tastes like it could have been a pre-Prohibition classic, it’s actually a modern creation that shows how timeless flavor combinations never go out of style.

DeGroff, often called “King Cocktail,” is widely credited with reviving interest in classic cocktail techniques and fresh ingredients during a time when artificial mixers dominated the bar scene. His creation of the Fitzgerald reflects his philosophy of using quality ingredients and classic techniques to create memorable drinks.

Fitzgerald Taste Profile

The Fitzgerald presents a beautifully balanced flavor profile:

• First impression: Bright, citrus-forward with the crisp tartness of fresh lemon
• Mid-palate: The botanical notes from the gin emerge, with juniper leading the way
• Finish: A subtle complexity from the Angostura bitters, adding depth and a slight spice
• Overall: Refreshing, balanced, and slightly dry with a perfect harmony between tart, sweet, and bitter elements

The mouthfeel is light and crisp, with the proper dilution from shaking providing a silky texture that carries the flavors beautifully across the palate.

Serving Suggestions for the Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald is traditionally served one of two ways:

1. Up/Neat: Strained into a chilled coupe or martini glass without ice for a more elegant presentation
2. On the rocks: Served in an old-fashioned glass over fresh ice for a more casual approach that gradually dilutes as you sip

Both presentations work beautifully depending on the occasion and personal preference. For maximum enjoyment:

• Always use a quality gin with distinctive botanical notes
• Ensure your lemon juice is freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor
• Chill your glassware before serving
• Use clear ice if serving on the rocks for both aesthetic appeal and slower dilution

Great Appetizers to Pair with the Fitzgerald

The Fitzgerald’s bright, citrus-forward profile makes it an exceptional pairing with a variety of appetizers:

• Seafood: The cocktail cuts through rich seafood beautifully—try oysters, shrimp cocktail, or smoked salmon canapes
• Cheese: Pair with creamy goat cheese or a sharp cheddar on crostini
• Light bites: Cucumber sandwiches, bruschetta, or citrus-marinated olives complement the drink’s flavor profile
• Fried items: The acidity helps balance richer fried appetizers like tempura vegetables or calamari
• Charcuterie: A selection of cured meats with mustard creates a lovely contrast to the cocktail’s brightness

The key is finding foods that either complement the citrus notes or provide a contrasting richness that the cocktail can cut through.

Fitzgerald Cocktail Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

The Fitzgerald has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 15-20%, making it a moderately strong cocktail. The exact percentage depends on:

• The proof of gin used (typically 40-47% ABV)
• The amount of dilution from shaking with ice
• The precise ratios used in mixing

This ABV places it in the middle range of cocktail strengths—stronger than a spritz but not as potent as a martini. It provides a pleasant buzz without being overwhelmingly strong, making it suitable for social occasions where you want to enjoy a drink or two responsibly.

Nutritional Values of the Fitzgerald Cocktail

For those watching their intake, here’s a general breakdown of what to expect from a standard Fitzgerald cocktail:

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving
• Carbohydrates: About 10-15g, primarily from the simple syrup
• Sugar: Roughly 10-12g from the simple syrup
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Alcohol: About 14g (from 2 oz of gin)

For a lower-calorie version, you can:

• Reduce the simple syrup to 1/2 oz
• Use a sugar-free sweetener alternative
• Opt for a lower-proof gin

The Fitzgerald is naturally gluten-free (assuming a gluten-free gin is used) and contains no dairy, making it suitable for many dietary restrictions.

The Fitzgerald cocktail proves that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable experiences. Its balance of bright citrus, aromatic gin, and complex bitters delivers a sophisticated yet approachable drink that deserves a place in every home bartender’s repertoire. Whether you’re looking to expand your cocktail horizons or seeking the perfect drink for your next gathering, the Fitzgerald offers timeless appeal in every sip.