Known for its invigorating properties, the Morning Glory Fizz is the ideal drink after a long night. But where does it come from, what makes it the perfect hangover cure and how do you mix it properly?
As a hangover cure, the Morning Glory Fizz is almost unbeatable. The acidity of the lemon juice helps soothe the stomach and boost digestion, while the egg white grants nourishment. The alcohol content of the Scotch is just enough to give you a hair of the dog that bit you without prolonging the hangover. And the fizzy soda makes you feel fresh and revitalized. At least that's the theory – which undoubtedly dates back to a time when a morning cocktail didn't cause a surprised frown. But hey, whatever works – and let he who is without sin cast the first Singapore Sling.
The only question is, what exactly is a Morning Glory Fizz and who came up with the idea of curing the after-effects of night on the town with a spritzed sour? The Morning Glory Fizz is indeed one of the earliest recorded "revivers", first mentioned in various cocktail books in the 1880s like How To Mix Drinks by a certain Mr. Winter, or the Bartenders Manual by Harry Johnson and Jerry Thomas, the father of modern mixology. Over the decades, however, the Morning Glory Fizz has repeatedly adapted to new tastes and trends. In the 1920s during the Prohibition era, absinthe was often replaced by other spirits as it was difficult to obtain. Later, in the 1960s, versions with less protein became popular as people preferred lighter drinks. In modern cocktail culture, however, many classic recipes, including the traditional version of the Morning Glory Fizz, are experiencing a comeback. No wonder: its lively combination of sparkling water, tart notes and a hint of aniseed makes it the perfect mix of refreshment and elegance. However, its true secret lies in its sophisticated balance. The drink traditionally consists (depending on which author you follow) of Scotch, lemon juice (or a combination with lime juice), sugar, an egg white, absinthe and a dash of soda. The egg white provides a silky texture and a frothy crown, while the absinthe with its aniseed-like aroma gives the drink special depth. The fizzy soda adds a refreshing lightness as a finishing touch.
In the end, however, it doesn't matter whether you enjoy this classic as a pick-me-up after a wild night out or as a stylish start to the evening – the Morning Glory Fizz is a timeless classic and one of the greatest achievements in the history of mixology.
Preparation
Shake all ingredients except for the soda water, in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes vigorously for a long time. Strain into a chilled glass and top with a dash of soda.
Tip
You can vary the choice of whisky (smoky, mild, bourbon or rye...) and the acidity. Using 1.5 cl lemon juice and 1.5 cl lime juice gives the drink a subtle twist.
