The Original Ramos Gin Fizz

 
Invented in the 1880s by Henry C. Ramos, in his bar at Meyer's Restaurant, this is one of New Orleans' most famous drinks. The secret of its flavor and texture is orange flower water and egg whites. When Huey P. Long was governor of Louisiana he brought with him to New York's Roosevelt Hotel the bartender from the New Orleans Roosevelt just so he could have New Orleans gin fizzes whenever he was in New York. Yeah, sure, every man a king ...

Orange flower water can be difficult to find, but is available in better liquor stores or Middle-Eastern markets. You can mail-order it from Fee Brothers, and in New Orleans you can also obtain it from Martin Wine Cellar or Vieux Carré Wine and Spirits.

Shake all ingredients except the soda water very vigorously for at least one minute, preferably longer -- the longer the better. Strain into a tall thin glass, or a very large old fashioned glass, and top with some soda water. Stir.

 

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Chuck Taggart   (e-mail chuck)