The Ramos Gin Fizz

Along with the Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz is one of the most well known cocktails of New Orleans. The drink was invented in the 1880's by Henry C. Ramos at Meyer's Restaurant, which he owned. The drink was made famous, however, by the Roosevelt Hotel (now The Fairmont) where Louisiana Governor, and later Senator, Huey Long did all of his business. Huey proclaimed the Ramos Ginn Fizz his favorite drink. On one occasion, in full Huey Long fashion, he took the bartender from the Roosevelt Hotel with him on a business trip to New York, to show them how to properly make the drink. He called it his gift to New York. The Roosevelt trademarked the drink in 1935. The Fairmont still makes a great Ramos Gin Fizz in their Sazerac Bar, I sampled it on my last trip. Here is their version of the drink that I found online from Saveur magazine:

The Fairmont's Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe

3 dashes Lemon Juice
2 dashes Lime Juice
3 dashes Orange Flower Water
1 1/4 oz. Dry Gin (they use Gordon's)
1/4 of the White of one egg
1 Tbsp Powdered Sugar
3 oz. Milk

Add the contents to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake very well until good and frothy, strain into a cocktail tumbler.

Orange Flower water is the most important ingredient in this drink, but go easy with it, a little goes a long way, when you smell it you'll believe me. I generally put about one small dash. There is a French company that produces it called A. Monteaux. Here is a link to where you can order it. I also found a 10 Fl. Oz. bottle from a Lebanese company at my local grocery store.