How to Make a Gunshop Fizz: A Unique Cocktail Experience
The Gunshop Fizz is a cocktail that challenges the conventions of traditional mixology. Created by bartenders Maksym Pazuniak and Kirk Estopinal at the renowned New Orleans bar Cure, this drink embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that characterized the cocktail revolution of the late 2000s. This article will guide you through the history and philosophy behind the Gunshop Fizz, and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to make it yourself.
The Birth of the Gunshop Fizz
The Gunshop Fizz first appeared in Rogue Cocktails, a self-published booklet by Pazuniak and Estopinal in 2009, which was later reworked as Beta Cocktails. These books emerged as manifestos advocating for creativity and innovation in the cocktail world, urging bartenders to break away from rigid traditions. At the time, the cocktail renaissance focused on rediscovering classic techniques and flavors, but Pazuniak and Estopinal sought to push boundaries and encourage experimentation.
The Philosophy of Beta Cocktails
Beta Cocktails was more than just a collection of recipes; it was a call to action. The authors wanted to shake up the cocktail industry, which they felt was becoming stagnant. Their philosophy was to use common ingredients in unexpected ways, transforming familiar flavors into something entirely new. This approach inspired a generation of bartenders to challenge norms and redefine what a cocktail could be.
The Unique Flavor of the Gunshop Fizz
The Gunshop Fizz stands out for its unconventional use of Peychaud’s Bitters, typically used in small dashes. This cocktail features a full two ounces of Peychaud’s, making it the drink’s base spirit. Combined with Sanbitter, a non-alcoholic Italian bitter soda, the drink offers a striking balance of bold flavors. The result is a cocktail that tastes like a sophisticated watermelon Jolly Rancher, with layers of anise, cherry, and melon fruitiness, complemented by a mild, grapefruit-like bitterness.
Ingredients and Preparation
How to make the Gunshop Fizz Is described below:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Peychaud’s Bitters: These bitters are essential for the drink’s unique flavor. Avoid using substitutes like Angostura or orange bitters.
- 1 ounce lemon juice: Provides a fresh citrus note.
- 1 ounce simple syrup: Made by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water.
- 2 strawberries: Adds a subtle sweetness and fruitiness.
- 3 cucumber slices: Essential for the refreshing Pimm’s Cup-like character.
- 3 swaths of grapefruit peel: Enhances the citrus flavors.
- 3 swaths of orange peel: Complements the bitters and adds depth.
- Sanbitter: A bright-red bitter soda, similar to a non-alcoholic Campari Soda. Can be substituted with Campari and soda if unavailable.
- Garnish: Cucumber slice or strawberry.
Instructions
- Muddle Ingredients: Combine Peychaud’s Bitters, lemon juice, simple syrup, strawberries, cucumber slices, grapefruit peels, and orange peels in a mixing glass. Muddle the ingredients gently to release the flavors. Let the mixture sit for two minutes to blend.
- Shake: Add ice to the mixing glass and shake until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with Sanbitter: Pour Sanbitter over the top of the drink to add effervescence and additional bitterness.
- Garnish: Finish with a cucumber slice or strawberry for a visually appealing touch.
Conclusion
The Gunshop Fizz is a testament to the power of innovation in mixology. By challenging traditional cocktail norms, Pazuniak and Estopinal created a drink that is both unique and delicious. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast looking to try something new or a bartender seeking inspiration, the Gunshop Fizz offers a refreshing departure from the ordinary. With its bold flavors and unconventional ingredients, this cocktail is sure to impress anyone who takes a sip.
