This Concord Grape Gin Fizz recipe is a festive and vegan cocktail! It's easily made with aquafaba (the water from a can of chickpeas!) and a few simple ingredients. It's ready in 5 minutes, so try it tonight!
Ingredients Needed for Concord Grape Gin Fizz
- 20 concord or Thomcord grapes
- 3 oz. (2 shots) of gin
- 2 TBS maple syrup
- 4 TBS aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)*
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Sparkling or soda water to top
Aquafaba and Cocktails: FAQs
What is aquafaba?
Aquafaba is the common name for the cooking liquid of beans and other legumes, like chickpeas. You may be most familiar with it as the discarded liquid found in retail cans and boxes of beans. It is also the water left over when you cook beans from dried. The term itself was coined just a few years ago; it's literal translation is aqua (water) faba (bean).
Aquafaba is very useful in a variety of vegan dishes because it is thick with proteins from the bean cooking process. This means it works as an incredibly versatile substitute for egg whites in dishes like meringues or cakes.
How can I store aquafaba?
Every time you drain a can of chickpeas, reserve the bean water in a small container in the freezer, where it will last for many months. Alternatively, if you cook beans from dried, reserve this water once cooled. You do want the mixture to be relatively thick, so feel free to reduce it down by simmering on the stovetop if needed.
What does aquafaba do in cocktails?
Aquafaba takes the place of egg white in cocktails. Egg white often is used in bartending to help create a foamy effect on top of drinks. Aquafaba contains a lot of natural starches and will "whip up" in a very similar way.
Is aquafaba healthy?
There is limited information around the health impacts of aquafaba. It is not meant to be consumed in large quantities, so I do not have any problem enjoying it in a cocktail every now and then. If you are concerned about BPA or sodium from a can, feel free to cook your own beans and use this water as a substitute.
Will I taste beans if I use aquafaba in a cocktail recipe?
Nope! Adding fruit and maple syrup balances out any residual "bean" flavor from this recipe. Aquafaba is also naturally odorless.
How to Make a Vegan Gin Fizz without an Egg White
- Add concord grapes to a shaker and use a muddler or wooden spoon to mash them, releasing their juices. Add gin, maple syrup, aquafaba, and lemon juice. Place the lid on the shaker and shake for 15 seconds.
- Remove the lid and add a cup of ice cubes. Shake for 30 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into two short glasses. Top with sparkling or soda water to serve immediately.
An easy way to remember this recipe to replicate when experimenting on your own is to add ingredients to shaker, shake for a bit, add ice, shake again, and serve. I like topping with sparkling water, but feel free to use something like soda, tonic, ginger beer, or even kombucha.
Can I substitute the aquafaba in this recipe?
Yes. As clarified above, one or two egg whites work as an easy substitute for the aquafaba in this recipe (if you are not looking for a vegan cocktail).
Other Tips for Making this Concord Grape Gin Fizz
- Add a splash of grape juice to really achieve a bright purple color (if your grapes are on the dull side).
- Don't have access to concord grapes in your region? Sub any other grape you like! Frozen berries would also be delicious.
- Make this recipe immediately before serving - the fizz will dissipate over time.
Other Gin Cocktail Ideas:
I hope you enjoy this concord grape gin fizz recipe - please be sure to leave a rating + review if you try it!
Concord Grape Gin Fizz
Ingredients
- 20 concord or Thomcord grapes
- 3 oz. 2 shots of gin, see notes for nonalcoholic version
- 2 TBS maple syrup
- 4 TBS aquafaba liquid from a can of chickpeas*
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Sparkling or soda water to top
Instructions
- Add concord grapes to a shaker and use a muddler or wooden spoon to mash them, releasing their juices. Add gin, maple syrup, aquafaba, and lemon juice. Place the lid on the shaker and shake for 15 seconds.
- Remove the lid and add a cup of ice cubes. Shake for 30 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into two short glasses, using a fine mesh strainer if you are concerned about grape seeds. Top cocktails with sparkling or soda water to serve immediately.
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