New Orleans' best cocktails: The Ramos Gin Fizz

[acanessa]

When Jesus died and went back to heaven, first thing He said was: "Damn I'm gonna miss Chris McMillan!"

[DonTheCritic]

My Bucket List

1. Start a family

2. Scale Mt. Whitney

3. Have a Ramos gin fizz prepared by Chris McMillan

[Frouza]

cant wait till im 18 and can try different cocktails! 2 more months!

[Nemsault]

@Frouza Lucky only 2 more months for me to but ill be 21 ha. Im gunna immigrate to Finland.. 18 drinking age AND you all have nighwish.

[williambrazzers]

Did he really shake it for 12 mins or he is LYING to us? The public deserves an answer!

[crazydafy]

@williambrazzers i do aggree i went t0 a bar in new york one time just walked in by chance and i ordered a drink with gin i told him whatever u wana make.. i dnt remember the name but it had gin egg white cream citrus and i think also green onion to it and it looked exactly like this besides the green onion on top and fuck it was one of the best drinks ever the bartender shook it in front me for at least 3 minutes but i dnt recall him going for 12 so maybe 3 minute is good

[williambrazzers]

@crazydafy The best cocktail I've ever had was the Earl Grey MarTEAni at Pegu Club in New York City's lower east side. I guess the closest thing to this cocktail is a Pisco Sour, but it's way more complex.

[crazydafy]

@williambrazzers isnt pisco sour originated from Chili? that earl gray drink sounds delicious though. the girl i was with ordered a french martini which was delicious the nxrt day we went at one of boby flays restaurant and she ordered the same thing and it was terrible it tasted like cheap buble gum. im going to try to do these 2 drinks this weekend the gin fizz and the french martini

[williambrazzers]

@crazydafy Pisco is from Chile and Peru. Like with vodka, it's debated which country it came from first.

I've seen French Martinis on a few restaurant menus before, but they've all looked different. Not sure if there is a specific set of traditional ingredients.

[cgibbs87]

@williambrazzers Chris has made me a RGF in person...I'd say he shook it for 2-3 minutes. As long as you do a dry-shake first without ice, you'll do fine with a shorter shake.

FYI He's now at Bar Uncommon (last I checked) in the Renaissance Pere Marquette. A must visit in NOLA.

[OrganicHealer]

i got a shoulder injury just watching when he said 12 min to shake it. dammmmmmm

[smokefrog]

Does Chris make a Carondelet?

[JonasClark]

What a beautiful cocktail, and an amazing one. I normally can't stand gin, and this one is a thing of beauty indeed.

[mrsierraleone007]

Its looks like a milk shake. It looks like you made a gin milkshake

[RIMOOREZ]

Who drinks the cocktail after he makes it?

[galo405]

A real bartender

[lhipsher]

Great videos Keith. New Orleans' style and culture have been siphoned into the creation of some of the best drinks in the world. The Ramos Gin Fizz is at the forefront of what New Orleans has offered. I'm not from there but the city has a special place in my heart, as do its cocktails. 

[legion0101]

Those who have bought the 'Arm Shaker Exercise Weight as seen on TV' have also liked this product.

[Buddhastic]

I had a Ramos Gin Fizz (amongst other cocktails) from this very man last time I was in New Orleans and it was divine. Seriously, if you're ever in New Orleans grab dinner at Cochon (which is absolutely amazing too) and head over to this Chris' bar, hopefully while he's working. I went on a Thursday and we were pretty much the only people so we ended up hanging out and talking with him for nearly two hours. He knows his stuff and obviously loves his work. I know I'll be heading back!

[demenshea]

One of my all time favorite cocktails...the perfect drink and he makes it beautifully.

[NeverStopAlwaysRock]

He always say "ehh" in his his sentences. Not that I question his Bartender Skills.

[DonTheCritic]

Guys like this are a prime example of how bartending can be a real art.

[emanresu81]

@5:27, the foam outside the glass looks like a devil's face LOL

[habacuk1985]

hahah yo you have to shake 12 minutes no ther way hahaha

[MrVigon]

you have to shake for 12 minutes o.O ? i cant beleive it

[capitanofreestyling]

@Bulldog22031 it's 1.5oz of London dry gin and at the end, after the strain, you have to fill the glass with soda water stirring it all until you see the foam; anyway thank you for your description it's useful for foreigners like me... congratulations to Chris McMillian too for sharing with us his knowledges

[thekrakenism]

I absolutely love how he garnished the drink.... simply drooling the foam down the side of the glass

Brilliant!!!

[riverice7]

taste good and is a aerobic workout great :)

[Nucleozoid]

This is great, Mr. McMillian is a true professional - he is the best bartender I have watched /heard on youtube.

If you do not have orange flower water, is there a substitute?

What happens if you do not shake the drink for the full12 minutes, lets say just 5 minutes?

[razzor7]

@Nucleozoid you're a bitch

[Nucleozoid]

@razzor7 You're a Loser

[elemings]

I find it much easier to shake a Ramos Gin Fizz for upwards of 12 minutes using my built-in shaker machine. Take a seat and bounce it up and down on your knee. Much, much easier than just using your arms. :)

[skinnynorris85]

my favourite drink! i would give an arm to have one prepared by chris

[ItsMattyWattam]

12 minutes of shaking =S

[blackmidgetjew]

i would sacrifice 5 years of my life learning this mans skills and knowledge. this man knows what he is doing, i bet he has spend 10+ years devoting himself to the ways of the bartender.....

[G00n3r4Life]

@blackmidgetjew hes about 60, i would say hes spent at least 35 years as a bartender...

[cppeabody]

Give this man a TV show....

[TheLiqwon]

Hello all could someone be as kind as to tell me how to make the simple syrup.

What is the mix , how much water to how much sugar.

And how long will this keep in the fridge.

[Jaramide]

@TheLiqwon

two parts sugar to one part water, heat at medium temperature untill the mixture is clear.

It will keep for a very long time at fridge temperatures. You might see some crystalization after a month or two as the sugar reforms but it's nothing to worry about.

[Bulldog22031]

To make it easier for you all: 1/2 oz London Dry Gin 1/2 oz Lime Juice 1/2 oz Lemon Juice 1 oz Simple Syrup 2 oz Heavy Cream 1 egg white Orange flower water - a couple drops Vanilla Extract - A couple drops DRY SHAKE WITHOUT ICE then Shake it to wake it up with ice! (full to top of shaker), strain into glass.

[wedderburn1986]

This is pretty much the first bartender I have seen that knows his shit! Im so sick of these videos where the bartender is just some jerk off! Thanks dude. im looking forward to making this cocktail, as I am a fan of the classic Gin Fizz!

[Jumpstartmyh3art]

Chris is had mastered his trade! If half the bartenders out there had a tenth of his skill and knowledge the world would be a better place for drinkers...

[euanadixon]

guy reminds me of james woods :/

[mygoatisdead]

Calling what he makes a "drink" nearly an insult. Personally, I'd call what he's making a "potion", or even better, an "elixer". I mean that in a positive way by the way.

[mygoatisdead]

Chris' skill is beautiful, he's such a rare breed of bartender it gives me shivers. Anyone who orders a "sex on the beach" or "pink panties" drink from this guy is an asshole. Fuck all that college shit, order a classic, or else you shouldn't be drinking at his bar.

[puck971]

@mygoatisdead I agree with you. Imagine some dickhead ordering shit like that. I don't think he's there anymore.

[mygoatisdead]

@puck971 Yup exactly. This is a man with a brain, his intellect provides us the "flair" we seek, unlike those other bartenders throwing fucking bottles around like Tom Cruise in Cocktails -- or even just trying to impress us with pouring from up high. Chris doesn't do any of that stupid shit, and he makes those other bartenders look a little dumb, like monkeys throwing balls in the air.

[MrPatron79]

@mygoatisdead anyone that orders those types of drinks from him should get punched in the face.

[alski695]

@mygoatisdead Alot of anger in you i sense. hug?

[mygoatisdead]

@alski695 How about a hug, and double shot of bourbon?

[alski695]

@mygoatisdead no

[totalmalfunction]

@mygoatisdead true, vintage only with this guy :D

[scottburton11]

We used to drink these at the upstairs bar at Garcia's in Matamoros, Mexico. Great drink.

[nelsbeckman]

Mmm... Today I made one myself for the first time. Pretty tasty! I used sugar instead of simple syrup, because, well I am lazy and I don't like having that sticky stuff all over the place. Still tasted sweet enough!

[edoni007]

How much can it cost this drink ??!?!

[SalamanderTalent]

10/10

[dickmorrison]

wohoooooo can't wait to try this :-)

[tOkEeAzY]

omg i need this drink NOW

[snogger6]

Made this cocktail as soon as I saw this video... AWSOME results! Thanks so much!

[Avarax169]

This drink just won't become friends with me... Tried it with different gins and different amounts of orange flower water. It just tastes plain boring. The texture is extremely pleasant though.

[rollerpodger]

ive been all over the wold and i gotta say you are one of the best if not the best bartender i have ever seen

[Triethylborane]

I agree +1

[pharmajoe990]

@rollerpodger +1 for me too, would be a pleasure to sit at this gent's bar

[MondoLeStraka]

Mr. McMillain and James Moreland of Bombay Sapphire HAVE TO design a drink together. Heaven on Earth!!

[SSharkk]

I had Chris make me one of these on my last trip to New Orleans. It was a stunning drink.

[DonTheCritic]

Lucky bastard

[rogeybo]

I couldn't find the orange flower water where I live either. But the good news is, you can get it on Amazon! I ordered mine today. And I can't wait 'til it gets here so I can try this cocktail!

As always, thank you, Chris. You're my mixology hero!

[Wintamint]

Real orgeat syrup contains orange flower water. I like to make this drink subbing out the simple syrup for orgeat. It adds a little almond flavor as well, but it's very subtle.

[blubarry007]

now there's a guy who knows how to make a drink. chris seems like an excellent bartender.

[78targa]

Supurb

[bmwe28m5]

This guy is a bartender, goddamn period. If you try ordering the ramos gin fizz from pretty much any "bartender" and you will get a look that says "what are you, f-ed?" You just cannot get quality drinks in bars, clubs, restaurants, etc anymore, just cheap booze and some overpowering mixer. I once asked for a tom collins in a restaurant and they told me they dont make that drink. $30-40 a plate, its not the most expensive, but at that price, the barkeep better be competent. Chris, kudos.

[klugyboy]

I tried this...one without and one with the vanilla...two different drinks. I used 2 drops of the vanilla, next time I'll try only one as it seems to really affect the taste.

[KeithMozingo]

I've been making these for about a year. I use Orange Blossom Water instead of Orange Flower Water because it is all I can find in my area. Without the Flower or Blossom Water this is not the drink it should be. It makes a difference. And the longer you shake it the better. But I have no idea how anyone can shake it for 12 minutes. I do about 2 and that is good enough for me.

[lydiacrash]

good news, orange flower and orange blossom water are one and the same.

[KeithMozingo]

Not true. There is a difference. One is more potent than the other and the Flower Water is more suited for cocktails. One is made in France and the other in Libya. It may be a subtle difference, but they are not the same.

[KeithMozingo]

It is Lebanon and not Libya. I mispoke. I should have known better being I get the Pita Bread from this Lebanese bakery in my area. I had one too many. :)

[JonhJohnsonJackson]

So if I try and make it today without any flower water it's gonna taste like poop?

Damn, there isn't a shop nearby that sells it.

[KeithMozingo]

The Flower Water really just ads an aroma and a very subtle taste. It is really hard to describe. When you take a drink, the flower water makes this drink smell like an orange blossom. I think it would still be good without the flower water. I do not shake for 7 minutes like this guy..I do about 1 1/2 of shaking and it is good for me. Try it without the flower water and see if you like it. If you do ,just order the flower water from the internet. This drink is on my "cocktail menu" for life.

[JonhJohnsonJackson]

Made it last night without the flower water and it tasted just how I remembered it, so maybe the place I had mine didn't use it. It was excellent.

I used single cream though, as I wasn't sure what he meant in the video, I don't think he specified whether it should be single or double. Which is better? I'm thinking the double might make it more frothy, but it seemed suitably frothy with the single.

[KeithMozingo]

I use heavy whipping cream. I think that is considered double in the UK. It is about the thickest stuff you can buy where I am at. Whereas half and half would be the same as single. I think we use different terms for the same/similar thing. I have used half and half (single) and it is great that way. The heavier stuff does make a better cocktail though. I would order a bottle of Flower Water, it adds that little bit of magic that is irreplaceable.

[SawViking]

think about it this way. if you dont have it, its like making the tom collins (just with cream in it). its a good drink as well.

[DonTheCritic]

Rose water can be used as a substitute, but I woouldn't really recommend it.

[dondons1987]

WoW that looks very tasy! Is it ok to just throw an egg in there tho? My mother allways told me not to mix my alchohol with dairy products but My fave drinks are white russian so how does that work?

You look as tho you have been plucked out of the 50's, I like your style ^-^

[afishisafish]

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[HeWhoHatesCats]

Chris McMillan does for bartending what Wolfgang Puck does for cooking

[verite]

Chris, you're the best! Nicest Gin Fizz I've seen.

[bnmjy]

That looks so tasty. I love mixed drinks with gin.

[njLady4I]

I tried every recipe out there for a Ramos Gin Fizz. Vanilla is the difference between a full bodied flavor. As usual, Chris shows his aplomb. Thanks for the inspiration. Can you tell I love these drinks?

[fillopastry]

that looks amazing

[annigeturgun]

they use egg white in their margaritas at Joe T Garcias, too.

[saucysalsa]

that looks incredible!

[eltejano]

my favorite drink