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.
Plymouth Sloe Gin offers this recipe:
Sloe Gin Fizz
1 1/2 oz sloe gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz simple syrup
1 egg white
dash of bitters
club soda
orange slice and maraschino cherry
Place sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white in a shaker with ice. Hold in a towel (it’s going to get cold) and shake for about a minute (you’re trying to get egg to meringue for a frothy consistency). Strain into a highball glass over new ice. Gently stir in club soda and garnish with orange and cherry. (Note: Harrison suggests substituting sparkling wine for club soda.)
Dear CLM – Thank you for keeping this entry on file. Have you considered Plymouth Sloe Gin or one of the current gins on the market? – JTG
Plymouth is currently in rotation and is CLM approved.