The Gin Fizz dates back to the late 19th century, when “fizzes” became a popular category of cocktails in the United States. The defining feature of a fizz is the combination of spirit, citrus, sugar, and soda water — resulting in a refreshing, slightly sparkling drink.

Origins in New Orleans: The Gin Fizz rose to prominence in the bars of New Orleans in the 1880s. The Ramos Gin Fizz, created by Henry C. Ramos in 1888 at his Imperial Cabinet Saloon, became legendary for its complexity and the requirement of an exceptionally long shake (sometimes passed from bartender to bartender to achieve the right froth).

Popularity in the early 20th century: By the early 1900s, the Gin Fizz had become a staple in American cocktail culture, often enjoyed as a daytime or brunch drink due to its refreshing nature. It appeared in cocktail manuals such as Jerry Thomas’s Bartender’s Guide, cementing its status as a classic.