Behold, the BEST Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail recipe! This recipe takes the classic muddy-pink cocktail and takes it up a notch both in flavor and looks. All you need is 5 ingredients!

What is Sloe Gin?

Sloe gin is technically a gin-based liqueur made by steeping sloe berries (relative of the plum) in gin with a bit of sugar. It has a dusty red hue and is sweeter than regular gin. It’s earthy in flavor with a slight dried fruit flavor and sometimes almond-like taste to it.

a bottle of sloe gin on a wood tray with glassware set around it

Ingredients In a Sloe Gin Fizz

Sloe gin: it’s sweeter than regular gin and has a dusty red hue. You can usually find one brand (Hayman’s) hidden next to a large array of regular gin. 

Lemon juice: is the best citrus for a sloe gin fizz. It adds brightness and tartness and pairs well with the fruity sloe gin. Make sure you use fresh lemon juice! 

Simple syrup: to make a simple syrup, simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat. Heat just until sugar is dissolved.

Campari: not classic in a Sloe Gin Fizz, but in our opinion it should be. Campari makes the cocktail much more pink in color and it adds a bitter note which is so often missing in the cocktail. 

Egg white: is totally optional but it adds a soft, creamy mouthfeel that’s just unmatched. For ease of use and food safety reasons I recommend using pasteurized egg whites from a carton.

pink cocktail in a martini glass with a layer of white foam on top

How to Make a Sloe Gin Fizz

It couldn’t be simpler!

  1. Toss everything in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled, at least 30 seconds.
  2. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass or a collins glass filled with ice (whichever is your preference).
  3. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

Test Kitchen Tips

  • Most of the time when we use egg white in cocktails, it’s best to dry shake first (without ice) then add ice and shake until chilled. We find this cocktail doesn’t really need it. Shaking everything together from the start nicely incorporates the egg white into the cocktail and creates a thick enough layer of foam. 
  • To make a classic Sloe Gin Fizz recipe, skip the Campari and increase the amount of Sloe gin to 2 ounces. 

Watch How to Make It

FAQs About Sloe Gin

What does sloe gin taste like?

Sloe gin is sweeter than regular gin. It’s earthy in flavor with a slight dried fruit flavor and sometimes almond-like taste to it.

What does sloe gin look like?

Sloe gin has a dusty red hue.

Does Sloe gin need to be refrigerated?

Nope, it’s high enough in alcohol that it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. The general rule of thumb—if a liqueur is less than 15% in alcohol or has a base of wine (like vermouth) it should be refrigerated.

How else can I use Sloe Gin?

Make a Sloe Gin Royale by using sloe gin in place of black currant liqueur in the classic Kir Royale cocktail. You can also make the Sloe Gin Cocktail or Alabama Slammer.

Buying Sloe Gin

Depending on where you are, sloe gin can be tricky to find. Find it in liquor stores near the wide array of regular gin. You’ll be lucky to find more than one brand of sloe gin to choose from.

Sloe Gin Fizz Cocktail (aka Pink Pony)

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Yield 1 loaf (10 servings)
Category Drinks
Author Lauren Grant

Description

A great cocktail when celebrations are in order! A simple yet stunning cocktail that will invigorate the taste buds!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ ounces sloe gin
  • 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • ½ –¾ ounce simple syrup
  • ½ ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce egg white

Instructions

  • Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Campari and egg white to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake vigorously until chilled then strain into desired glass such as highball glass filled with ice or deep martini glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

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Notes

Egg white is optional, but adds a lovely soft and creamy mouthfeel. For ease of use and food safety reasons I recommend using pasteurized egg whites from a carton.
If you like a less-sweet cocktail, start with ½ ounce of simple syrup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, opt for the ¾ ounce.
To make a classic Sloe Gin Fizz recipe, skip the Campari and increase the amount of Sloe gin to 2 ounces.

Nutrition

Like this? Leave a comment below!I love hearing from you and I want to hear how it went with this recipe! Leave a comment and rating below, then share on social media @zestfulkitchen and #zestfulkitchen!
pink cocktail in a martini glass with a layer of white foam on top

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More Gin Cocktail Recipes to Try

Our Limoncello Gin Basil Smash is a bright and citrusy cocktail perfect for summer. Or try this stunning Blackberry Gin Basil Smash. It’s always a hit!

We also love this refreshing Cucumber Gin Gimlet.

If you’re looking for another classic gin cocktail, try our Gin Rickey. It’s simple and refreshing.

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About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is my first time using sloe gin and your sloe gin fizz was the most perfect cocktail!!!! The campari was the perfect addition and we always love a cocktail that calls for an egg white! Yum!

    1. Hi Sue! I’m so glad you enjoyed this cocktail! I love the bitter and colorful addition of Campari to this recipe as well. Something different!