Infused with sloe berries (a relative of the plum), sloe gin is a delightful summer treat. Porch perfect, the following is the classic Sloe Gin Fizz, courtesy of Dale DeGroff’s “The Craft of the Cocktail”:
» 1 oz sloe gin (we enjoyed Gordon’s)
» 1 oz plain gin (we suggest Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray 10)
» 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
» 1 oz simple syrup
» 3 to 4 oz soda water or seltzer
Shake the first four ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with soda and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
But as much as I appreciate this original recipe, it’s way easier to just substitute the lemon, syrup, and seltzer for San Pellegrino Limonata soda instead. It makes for a similarly refreshing beverage and is much more conducive to serving a thirsty crowd quickly.
There’s also an alternate Sloe Gin cocktail that you sometimes come across, the Sloe 75. It’s made with champagne and is horribly bland…definitely avoid when possible.