A bright, fizzy cocktail with a tangy citrus kick and smooth whiskey base, the Imperial Fizz is a refreshing classic that’s easy to love and even easier to make. It’s perfect for warm afternoons, backyard hangs, or when you just want something a little zesty and bubbly in your glass. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s what I’ve learned to get it just right.
Imperial Fizz
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) whiskey (bourbon or rye both work well)
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar (or honey/agave for a twist)
– Soda water, chilled, to top
– Ice
Optional Garnish
– Lemon twist or maraschino cherry
Kitchen Tools
– Cocktail shaker
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Strainer
– Highball or Collins glass
Method
- Pour the whiskey into a cocktail shaker.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and sugar.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake for about 15 seconds, or until the outside feels cold and the sugar is fully dissolved. This helps chill the drink and blend the flavors evenly.
- Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with chilled soda water. Don’t stir too much-you want to keep the fizz lively.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry, if you like.
Tips & Tricks
– Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– If your sugar isn’t dissolving easily, try using simple syrup instead (1:1 sugar and water, heated until dissolved and cooled).
– Want a smoother flavor? Use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar.
– Use a chilled glass or pop your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes beforehand to keep the drink cooler longer.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can pre-mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and sweetener in a pitcher and keep it chilled for up to a day. Just shake with ice and top with soda water right before serving. That way, you’ll still get the fizz without it going flat.
Storage
This drink is best made fresh, but the lemon-whiskey-sugar mix (without soda) can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Avoid adding soda water until serving-it loses its sparkle quickly once opened or mixed.
Flavor Notes
The Imperial Fizz is citrusy and bright, with the mellow warmth of whiskey rounding it out. The sugar softens the tartness just enough, and the soda water keeps things crisp and bubbly. It’s the kind of drink that wakes up your palate without being too strong. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work cocktails because it’s the kind of thing you can make quickly but still feels like a treat.
Substitutions
– Whiskey: Try bourbon for a slightly sweeter profile or rye for more spice.
– Sugar: Use honey, agave, or maple syrup for a twist.
– Soda water: Flavored sparkling water (like lemon or ginger) adds an extra layer of flavor.
– No alcohol? Leave out the whiskey and enjoy a lemon soda mocktail-it’s still super refreshing.
Common Pitfalls
– Flat drink? That usually means your soda water wasn’t cold or you stirred too much after topping it off.
– Too sweet? Reduce the sugar or use a drier whiskey like rye.
– Too tart? Add a touch more sweetener or reduce the lemon juice slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs well with:
– Spicy appetizers like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings. The bubbles help cool things down.
– Grilled meats-especially smoky BBQ or charred steak.
– Light, crisp salads with vinaigrette. The citrus in the drink complements the greens beautifully.
Try These Variations
Royal Fizz
– Add 1 egg white before shaking for a smooth, creamy texture.
– Shake once without ice (called a dry shake) to get a foamy top, then shake again with ice before straining.
Golden Fizz
– Add 1 egg yolk for a richer, velvety drink.
– Shake with the rest of the ingredients before adding ice.
Whiskey Sour Fizz
– Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters for depth.
– Stir bitters in with the whiskey and lemon juice before shaking.
Virgin Imperial Fizz
– Skip the whiskey.
– Shake lemon juice and sugar with ice, then top with soda.
– Still fizzy, citrusy, and perfect for anyone skipping alcohol.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh lemon juice gives the drink its bright, clean flavor. Bottled juice can taste a bit dull or overly sour.
What type of whiskey works best?
Bourbon adds a smooth sweetness, while rye gives it a spicier kick. Use what you enjoy sipping on its own.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut the sugar in half or swap it for a natural sweetener like agave, which has a milder sweetness.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge and pour over ice with soda water when you’re ready to serve.
What garnish should I use?
A lemon twist adds a nice citrus aroma. A cherry gives it a splash of color and a touch of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
The Imperial Fizz is one of those drinks that feels fancy without being fussy. It’s approachable, adaptable, and always hits the spot-whether you’re winding down after a long day or toasting with friends. Once you’ve tried the classic, have fun playing around with the variations. And don’t forget to enjoy that satisfying fizz with the first sip-it’s what makes this cocktail a keeper.
