Every once in a while I’ve ordered a drink having a good idea of what it will be like, only to be totally shocked when it arrives at my table. I had this happen to me last month while on my husband and I were on vacation. We had taken a catamaran to St. Barth’s for the day and stopped in the first bar we found at the Gustavia Marina.
Having been on a steady diet of rum-based cocktails for three days prior, I decided to branch out and order a gin fizz.
This is what was set in front of me:
The top part was almost like a lime sorbet, as opposed to the more traditional frothed egg white. But what really caught my eye was the placement of the lime slice. It was perfectly positioned in the center of the glass, keeping the contents of the cocktail separate.
When I moved the lime with the straw, breaking through the barrier and letting the layers collide, there was a serious fizz up that made me giggle like a little kid. While the taste was also spot on, the presentation of this cocktail alone made it my favorite of the whole trip. It was exactly the type of drink to be sipping on in such a chichi locale.
In fact, I loved it so much I ordered two more of them — it seemed like the right thing to do.
We did do some other stuff in St. Barth’s besides drink, I swear. We went snorkeling, had lunch and took a tour of the island. See…evidence:
Anyways, we’ve been back now for a month and the last week of work has been so stressful, I’ve been experiencing severe vacation withdrawal. We’ve also been enjoying a serious heat-wave here in Portland the past few days, so it seemed like the perfect time to try to recreate this dreamy drink at home.
My husband was kind enough to make me a batch of supremely awesome lime sorbet. It’s crazy good — tart and tangy, only slightly sweet and totally refreshing. I can’t keep my hands off of it. Luckily I had enough to whip up one of these last night and let me say — it was a home run!
I may not be in the Caribbean, but with one of these in my hands I can easily pretend.
In the bottom of a champagne flute, I mixed a generous shot of gin with lime zest, a squeeze of lime juice and a glug of seltzer water. Next came the slice of lime (carefully squished in) and then the sorbet. If you don’t have any homemade sorbet — I’m trying to get my husband to write down the recipe he used — head to the store immediately. This is worth it.
Love the fun presentation – I can’t wait to try this!
Yes! The second I saw it, I couldn’t wait to try to make it. I will say that getting the lime in there (without spilling any gin) took some time. I have NO idea how the bartender did it so perfectly in such a tall glass. He must have some tricks up his sleeve…Anyways please give it a try and let me know what you think!
that seriously is the BEST gin fizz ever. Ever. If a cocktail makes you giggle like a kid before you’ve even taken your first sip, you have a winner. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I agree — it’s a good test to go by! The homemade version made me giggle too, I was so happy it turned out like I pictured it and that it tasted so good. =)
Wow! I’m not much of a gin drinker, but this one makes me reconsider that position.
I can now attest it’s equally good with vodka and tequila!
Cant wait to try this, by the way where is the homemade sorbet recipe.
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on its way! I finally got him to write it down for me. once it’s posted, please give it a try and let me know how you liked it!
Will have to tell the
hubbyresident mixologist about this one. The sorbet and strategic lime slice is brilliant.Right?! I was pretty impressed when the bartender handed it to me. Once it gets sunny again, you’ll have to give it a shot. I’m already dreaming of some other versions to play around with — tequila would probably be pretty amazing.