Ginny’s Gin Fizz | Harry Potter Inspired Cocktails

What’s Up, Hungry People

Every year, I transport my kitchen to the grounds of Hogwarts to celebrate The Boy Who Lived. Harry Potter week continues with a tribute to one of the universe’s more underrated characters: Ginny Weasley.

As a kid, I always hated that Harry ends up with Ginny, but as an adult, I can appreciate their relationship and growth throughout the books. (Do not talk to me about how Ginny is represented in the movies—they did her dirty!) Now, I actually see Ginny as a badass little sister rather than the annoying one.

Because J.K. Rowling loves her puns, I decided it would be punny to use gin for this week’s Harry Potter-themed recipe. When I told my fiancé I was going to try to make a gin drink, he was skeptical at best that it would actually taste good. However, I had some magic up my sleeve.

I’d like to imagine this is the kind of drink Ginny herself would have preferred as an adult. It’s dry and sweet, without being too much of one or the other.

The base for this drink is hard lime seltzer and ginger ale, which are highlighted with a splash of cranberry juice, orange bitters, and lime juice. And of course, plenty of gin.

As a huge Harry Potter nerd myself, I enjoyed my Harry Potter-themed week while rewatching the movies for the billionth time. Watching the movies is twice as fun with a drink in your hand (let’s be honest, not all of the graphics have aged well). My fiancé was impressed by the not overly sweet flavor of this cocktail—and he’s very sensitive to sweet stuff. I thought it was perfect for my taste buds as I prefer things sweeter in general, but this cocktail finishes nice and dry.

This cocktail is more of a ‘clawtail’ as it uses lime Whiteclaw as its base. You can use any hard lime seltzer you can find—I know there are similar brands like Truly that offer the same flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the lime flavor for blood orange or mango!

Here’s What You Need

• Hard lime seltzer – Provides the bubbly base for the drink.
• Gin – Adds a botanical punch.
• Ginger ale – Adds sweetness and spice.
• Lime juice – Adds a refreshing tang.
• Cranberry juice – Provides a tart sweetness and vibrant color.
• Blood orange bitters – Adds depth and a slight bitterness.
• Blood orange slices – Garnishes and adds a citrusy aroma.

Let’s Make Some Magic

First, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add in the gin, lime juice, and cranberry juice. Give it a good shake until everything is well-chilled. Shaking not only mixes the ingredients but also cools them down, giving your drink that crisp, refreshing edge.

Mix the Magic

Now, grab a large glass or pitcher. Pour the blood orange bitters into the bottom. Then, add the hard lime seltzer and ginger ale. The combination of seltzer and ginger ale gives this drink its fizzy, slightly spicy backbone. Finally, pour in the contents of your shaker. This method ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly.

Garnish and Serve

Pour your mixed drink into glasses and garnish with slices of blood orange. The blood orange not only looks fantastic but also adds a lovely citrus aroma with each sip.

Enjoy

Now, sit back and enjoy your Ginny’s gin fizz while you rewatch your favorite Harry Potter movie.

Tips for the Perfect Ginny’s Gin Fizz

• Chill All Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before mixing. This keeps the drink refreshing and perfectly cold.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a splash more cranberry juice. If you like it drier, add an extra dash of gin.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of hard seltzer. Blood orange or mango could give an interesting twist to the original recipe.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh lime juice and fresh blood orange slices. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and presentation.
• Shake Well: Don’t skimp on the shaking. It’s essential for mixing the ingredients thoroughly and chilling the drink.

This gin fizz is a fun and refreshing way to celebrate your love for Harry Potter. With its perfect balance of dry and sweet, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning of taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a Harry Potter marathon or just want to enjoy a magical cocktail, this drink is bound to become a favorite. So, grab your wand—or shaker—and mix up some magic.

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