Well here we are, it’s October 2020. We are in the final stretch of this crazy year. If you are like me, cocktail making has helped take the edge off of the harshness of the 2020 reality. As you can tell from our posts, we’ve been having fun experimenting and sharing new cocktail recipes with our beloved customers.

This cocktail recipe puts a little twist on an old classic, the sloe gin fizz. What is sloe gin you ask? Well it’s a creation by the British that takes sloe berries and soaks them in a high-proof gin, along with a little bit of sugar. Originally it was created to be a warming drink for the winter months, but when the spirit arrived in America, it was then made into a light summer drink by adding some lemon and fizzy water. There you have the birth of the sloe gin fizz.

This recipe I found has a fun little twist on the original. Instead of the lemon juice it substitutes limoncello for fun, plus adds some muddled rosemary to the potion. I’ve had a traditional fizz, which is great on a nice sunny day. This version provided a nice earthy flavor and the limoncello gave it just an extra kick. I used double the limoncello they called for, because I like things a little more lemony than most.  The rosemary provided a flavoring that reminded me a little bit of fall, so this transitions the cocktail from a summer drink to one more suited for fall.

It’s entirely up to you what sloe gin you choose. We have both Haymans Sloe Gin and Elephant Sloe gin here at the store. My preference is the Elephant, because I love the concept of the company and their story (you can read all about them here https://www.elephant-gin.com/). Plus they make a delicious sloe gin!

Give this old school recipe with a new school twist a try. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! Cheers! 

Sloe-mary Gin Fizz

*2 ounces sloe gin

*2 ounces limoncello

*Club soda

*Rosemary sprigs  for muddling and garnish

In a shaker, combine the sloe gin, limoncello, and a rosemary sprig. Muddle the rosemary sprig in the liquid for about 30 seconds.

Add ice to shaker until even with the liquid. Shake for 10-15 seconds.

Double strain the liquid into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top with club soda to the brim (here’s a little tip – the higher up from the glass you pour the soda, the more fizz you get). Garnish with a rosemary sprig. As always, drink in good company and enjoy life! Salud!

Link to original recipe: (https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-rosemary-sloe-gin-fizz-perfect-brunch-cocktail-the-10-minute-happy-hour-200710)