The Ramos Gin Fizz, a cocktail revered in New Orleans and loathed behind many a bar counter, has earned its reputation as both a cultural icon and a bartender’s bane.
Originally created in the late 19th century by Henry C. “Carl” Ramos, a devout teetotaler and saloon owner, the drink is known for its distinctive, dessert-like flavor—often described as a hybrid of key lime pie and an orange creamsicle. However, what truly sets the Ramos Gin Fizz apart is its notoriously complex preparation, requiring an exhaustive list of ingredients including egg whites, heavy cream, and orange flower water. Most infamously, the original recipe calls for an astonishing 15 minutes of continuous shaking to achieve its signature frothy texture.
While the Ramos Gin Fizz remains a staple in New Orleans, it is rarely found on menus elsewhere, partly due to the time and effort involved in its creation. Bartenders, though committed to fulfilling customer requests, often dread preparing the drink. At establishments where it is not listed, ordering one may still result in a begrudging pour—though likely without enthusiasm. Conversely, if a bar prominently features the cocktail, it may signal a pride in craftsmanship that offsets the extra labor.
The cocktail’s legacy is deeply interwoven with New Orleans history. To combat the intense physical demands of making the drink, Ramos famously implemented an assembly line of bartenders to shake the mixture in shifts. Despite his personal abstention from alcohol, Ramos remained a central figure in the city’s bar scene until the advent of Prohibition prompted his retirement. Shortly before his death, he shared the original recipe with a local newspaper, ensuring the drink’s survival.
One of the more colorful chapters in the cocktail’s history involves Louisiana politician Huey Long. Known for his fiery opposition to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Long famously flew a bartender to the Hotel New Yorker to teach staff how to properly make the Ramos Gin Fizz. He dubbed it his “gift to New York,” though the move was widely interpreted as a political stunt designed to draw attention to his campaign ambitions. Long was planning to challenge Roosevelt for the presidency before his assassination in 1935.
Though its preparation may test the patience of bartenders, the Ramos Gin Fizz endures as a symbol of New Orleans’ unique blend of tradition, indulgence, and flair—a drink as demanding as it is delightful.
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