Created in 1888 by Henry C. Ramos when he opened his Imperial Cabinet Bar in New Orleans at the corner of Gravier & Carondelet Streets. The drink caught on and when Ramos opened the Stag Saloon in 1902, the drink was so popular that thirty-five “shaker boys” worked non-stop. The Ramos Gin Fizz is known all over the country now and the original recipe still prevails in better establishments.
1 1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1 1/2 ounces simple syrup
2 ounces half & half or cream
1 small egg white
2 drops of orange flower water
Soda
Shake all ingredients with ice except the soda and strain into a highball glass without ice. Top with club soda. No garnish. NOTE: Highball glasses are almost too big for this drink; in the 19th century there was an 8 ounce “Fizz or Delmonico glass” that was the perfect size for this drink, it was like a short highball and it prevented the inexperienced bartender from drowning the drink in soda.
