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Ostend Fizz

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (8)
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
56 fl oz Kirschwasser (cherry) eau-de-vie
512 fl oz Crème de cassis liqueur
3 fl oz Thomas Henry Soda Water

How to make

Glass

Photographed in an UB 1890 Water 8.5oz

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a HIGHBALL (MAX 10OZ/300ML) GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of lemon zest twist.

Method

  1. POUR all ingredients into ice-filled glass.
  2. Briefly STIR.

Garnish

  1. EXPRESS lemon zest twist over the cocktail and use as garnish.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Ostend Fizz contains 87 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 0.7 standard drinks
  • 8.18% alc./vol. (16.37° proof)
  • 10.5 grams of pure alcohol

History

This cocktail originally appears in Harry Craddock's 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book with equal proportions crème de cassis and kirsch, but the recipe we've used comes from William James "Billy" Tarling's 1937 Café Royal Cocktail Book Coronation Edition.

It's probable that the Ostend Fizz originated in the Kursaal Casino in Ostend, Belgium. The original beachfront casino opened in 1852 in what was then a popular upper-class resort. The casino was demolished by the German army in World War II and replaced by a modernist building designed by Léon Stynen ,which was completed in 1953, and, due to its architecture, was listed as a monument in 1998.

OSTEND FIZZ.
½ Liqueur Glass Crème de Cassis.
½ Liqueur Glass Kirsch.
Shake well, strain into medium size glass and fill with soda water.

Harry Craddock, The Savoy Cocktail Book, 1930


OSTEND FIZZ.
2/3 Kirsch.
1/3 Cassis.
Pour into a small tumbler partly filled with ice.
Add Soda Water as desired and serve with drinking straws.

W. J. Tarling, Café Royal Cocktail Book, 1937

Review

This vintage cocktail was recommended to us by Jason E. Clapham who describes it as "a refreshing long drink for summer gardens in August." We agree.

Variations/similar cocktails

Ostend Fizz Royale

Gallery

Comments & Discussion

Matt Premium Member
Kirsch dominates the flavor, with the soda making it lighter and more refreshing, and the cassis adding color, some
sweetness, and additional berry notes that enhance the kirsch. Very nice alternative for a spritz.
score: 1
Joris Roobroeck
Holy shit. Ostend is my hometown and I never heard of it before! Time to make a change and respect our cocktail ancestor.
score: 2

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