This Cocktail Makes for the Best Arm Workout Ever – No Joke
Who doesn’t love the idea of a workout and a cocktail all at once? Anyone who’s ever made a Ramos Gin Fizz or seen one get made knows that it takes some serious arm muscles to shake, shake, shake it up just right. So if you’re looking for an authentic cocktail to celebrate Mardi Gras that packs a punch similar to your cardio kickboxing class, then this one’s for you.
Invented in 1888 by Henry C. Ramos at his bar, the Imperial Cabinet Saloon in the heart of New Orleans, this pre-Prohibition cocktail was made famous due to its exceptionally long 12-minute mixing time. Ramos used to have a staff of over 20 bartenders to just shake cocktails to keep up with the demand. It’s a riff on a classic gin fizz, but Ramos added two key ingredients to his mix: egg whites and orange flower water. Those two components significantly affect the flavor and texture of the cocktail and shaped the Ramos Gin Fizz into the iconic cocktail that it is today. Now the classic does call for egg whites, but if you’re vegan or worried about consuming raw egg, you could always make a swap for an aquafaba version. However, the froth just isn’t quite the same.
ramos gin fizz
From Henry C. Ramos
(Serves 1)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 1 Tablespoon simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3 drops orange flower water
- 1 fresh egg white (pasteurized if you like)
- ice
- 1 ounce club soda, chilled
Instructions:
- Into an empty shaker, add gin, heavy cream, simple syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, orange flower water, and egg white. Place the top on and dry shake for at least a minute. This is an extremely important step, as you need to make sure the ingredients are completely mixed before adding your ice.
- Then open your shaker and add ice. Close shaker and shake for at least 2 minutes, or if you want to be traditional (and really get in that good arm workout), 12 minutes. The more you shake, the better the cocktail comes out.
- Then strain the cocktail into a collins glass and top with club soda.
Share your best “cocktail shake” photos with us on Instagram and be sure to let us know if you tried making this classic drink!
(Photos via Nicole Iizuka / Brit + Co)
