National Henry C. Ramos Day on October 27 was founded by William Grant & Sons to celebrate and honor Henry C. Ramos for his famous cocktail formulation. Ramos is best known as the creator of the Gin Fizz — the iconic and best cocktail in the fizz family. The Ramos Gin Fizz is a mixture of lemon juice and sugar, topped with ice and carbonated water. There have been debates over who the original creator of the drink was. Some attribute it to Henry’s brother, Henrico C. Ramos, while others maintain that the famous bartender himself created the cocktail.
History of National Henry C. Ramos Day
Henry C. Ramos, better known as Carl, moved from Indiana to New Orleans, where he and his brother bought their first saloon — the Imperial Cabinet. Created in 1888, the Gin Fizz is considered one of the best cocktails in the world of fizz. The original recipe included dry gin, heavy cream, powdered sugar, lime juice, fresh lemon juice, egg white, and orange water. It is then vigorously shaken for about 12 to 15 minutes before being poured and mixed with soda water. The shaking requires vigorous effort, leading some bartenders to simplify the recipe and use a ready-made syrup rather than the original powdered version, making it less time-consuming.There have been differing opinions about which Ramos brother invented the gin fizz because the Imperial Cabinet — their first café, was owned by both brothers. Nevertheless, Henry Charles Ramos is hailed as the cocktail’s formulator. To successfully make the Ramos Gin Fizz, the right ingredients are required, including the ability to shake the mixture for as long as necessary. The significance of the intensive shaking was highlighted when ‘shaker boys’ were employed to shake the cocktail during Mardi Gras in 1915.The Prohibition Act on the production, sales, importation and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States began around the late 1910s. This new law brought an end to Ramos’ Gin Fizz until his death a few years later. Stories have it that Huey Pierce Long Jr.0 made Ramos Gin Fizz popular by traveling to New York on a business trip with the drink. He called it his ‘gift to New York.’ Today, many retain the classic formula of Ramos Gin Fizz, adding flavors, fresh fruits, and liquors to give a different version of the drink.
National Henry C. Ramos Day timeline
Ramos and his brother buy their first salon — the Imperial Cabinet.
Ramos' magic hands formulate the famous Gin Fizz.
Ramos serves his last Gin Fizz.
The United States bans all activities with alcoholic beverages.
Ramos dies in September after a short illness.
National Henry C. Ramos Day FAQs
What does a Ramos Gin Fizz taste like?
The Ramos Gin Fizz cocktail drink tastes more like a sweet lemon pie. This taste is attributed to the lemon and orange ingredients.
What is the difference between a gin fizz and a Ramos Gin Fizz?
The Ramos Gin Fizz differs from a normal gin fizz in the taste and its characteristic foamy appearance when poured in a tumbler.
Where was the Ramos Gin Fizz invented?
The Ramos Gin Fizz was invented in Henry C. Ramos’ Imperial Cabinet in New Orleans.
National Henry C. Ramos Day Activities
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Raise a toast to Henry C. Ramos
Call on friends to join you in toasting the famous Henry C. Ramos with a Gin Fizz. You can do this either at a bar or your place of choice.
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Create your own cocktail
Become a mixologist and formulate a cocktail with your favorite ingredients. Don’t forget to add garnishes. Who knows? Your formula might become popular.
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Try your hand at making one
Make your own Ramos Gin Fizz and see how close you get to matching its unique characteristics. Not only is it fun, but also delicious!
5 Facts About Alcohol You Should Know
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It’s used daily
Many household cleaning products contain a certain amount of alcohol.
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It is a depressant
Alcohol slows down the brain's activities.
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Gender bias
Men take part in drinking alcohol more often than women.
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Negativity effects preference
Alcohol has more negative effects on women than men, regardless of long women spend drinking.
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Beer was currency
Archaeological evidence suggests that the builders of the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt were paid in beer.
Why We Love National Henry C. Ramos Day
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It’s a chance to try something new
The Ramos Gin Fizz offers drinkers a unique taste and an alternative to taking it the usual way. Try it out today!
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It is a celebration of creativity
We love celebrating National Henry C. Ramos Day because it honors the insight of a person who left a legacy worth applauding. Do some extra research about this inventive individual.
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It’s a social occasion
How about a day in the bar toasting the Ramos Gin Fizz alongside your friends or colleagues? Make this a social occasion to remember!
National Henry C. Ramos Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 27 | Thursday |
| 2023 | October 27 | Friday |
| 2024 | October 27 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 27 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 27 | Tuesday |
