Not the case with The Ramos Fizz. This drink has a specific date of creation — 1988 — and the origin is right there in its name. Famed New Orleans bar owner Henry Ramos ran The Imperial Cabinet Saloon, and it was where he crafted the New Orleans Fizz. The cocktail became famous, a fixture, and it propelled him to enough success to open another bar.

He also had the means to hire numerous bar backs, charged with the exclusive task of shaking the drink that soon adopted his name, as it was so popularly ordered. The legend goes – and one that is probably apocryphal – that Ramos directed the drink be shaken for 12-15 minutes. This seems not only a dose of overkill, but also impracticality when it comes to running a bar. Did he really expect his customers to stay in a quarter-hour holding pattern for each order?

This does, however, both lend a mystique to the drink, as well as underscoring that there is a bit of effort behind its creation.

 

A Labor Of Froth

The Ramos Fizz has a decent ingredients list, but it is not particularly exotic in its choices — save for one. You base spirit here is gin, and if you want to go with historical accuracy, you will grab the Old Tom gin. This is not a brand name but a varietal. Old Tom originated in the early 1800s and it is made as a departure from industry standards for gin.

While still derived from juniper berries(the lone adherent Old Tom style follows for the spirit), it also possesses a sweeter component. There are possibly as many ways distillers will make Old Tom as there are distillers themselves, as even the traditional, clear spirit can be found in a variety of colors with this style.

If you have simple syrup at the ready, you are almost there, with the wild card being access to orange flower water. Once a bar staple, this product has all but disappeared from stores. There are online vendors still offering the product, but if you are eager to drink sooner, you can opt for commercially-made orange oil, or even orange zest can deliver a capable alternative that fits the tart profile of the drink. Once settled on the pieces, the focus turns to the work.

While a dozen minutes spent manually agitating your mixture is excessive, get ready for a little bit of effort. Twice, in fact. To properly get a Ramos Fizz prepped ,you will be making two different passes with the shaker — a dry, and a wet shake. The difference is one is done without ice, and the second with ice added.

So, to get you started properly, let’s get the framework in place.

THE RAMOS FIZZ

• 2oz. Gin
• 3/4oz. Simple Syrup
• 1/2oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2oz. Heavy Cream
• 1 Egg White
• Soda Water

Now, the work. In a shaker – without ice – combine the ingredients except for the soda water. Shake thoroughly for about 45 seconds to a full minute. Be wary in this step, because there will be a release of air from the ingredients. Use a solid grip on the lid and the cap, or two hands if needed, otherwise, you risk some separation, and there could be leakage. You may also want to pause halfway through to release some pressure.

Next, add ice and shake once again, 30 seconds or longer, to get a good solid chill in the mixture. Once achieved, strain into a Collins glass. There should be at least a half-an-inch gap from the top. Slowly pour the soda water into the center of the drink to create a foamy head that reaches above the rim.

Garnish with a lengthy orange peel, and serve with a straw.

The Ramos Fizz makes for an ideal day drink. The light body and creamy mouthfeel lend well with the citrus components, and the sweetness balances the light bite from the gin. Years ago, I also found this to be a fantastic recovery drink from a night of revelry.

I always managed to get in on time to open the bar, no matter my condition and the level of sleep I avoided. In the bar, I’d first get the ingredients together, then enter the kitchen–before the line cooks arrived–and whip up a serving of eggs. Then as they were cooking, I’d go back up front and get to shaking. With the heart rate thus elevated, I’d come back and finish the meal prep.

A plate of protein and a frothy “hair of the dog” serving would get the day on track properly. All other times, you will find a Ramos Fizz is also perfectly appropriate. There is effort required, to be sure, but enjoyment is also promised.