Craft The Murphizz: A Citrus Twist on Gin Classics

Murphizz Fizz cocktail recipe – The Perfect Citrus Gin Cocktail

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavour combinations, and learned a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide. In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets.

I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests. So, grab your shaker, dust off your favourite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!

Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Aussie Derby Fizz cocktail recipe
Murphizz Fizz — Image source @ Dan Murphys

What Is the Murphizz?

The Murphizz cocktail is a modern classic in the making. It blends the crisp botanicals of gin with the delicate sweetness of elderflower liqueur, balanced by fresh lemon juice and lifted by sparkling water or tonic. Think of it as a lighter, brighter alternative to a G&T — still refreshing, but with layers of floral and citrus complexity.

It’s versatile enough to shine at a dinner party, a garden gathering, or a quiet evening at home. Its balance of flavour, aromatic garnishes, and elegant presentation make it a stand-out for both casual drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs.

Ingredients Breakdown

Gin (50ml)

The backbone. Opt for a London Dry gin with bold juniper and citrus, or experiment with Australian craft gins that lean floral or herbaceous.

Elderflower Liqueur (20ml)

The signature element. St-Germain is the most famous, offering honeyed, floral sweetness. Other brands exist, but ensure they have that light, fragrant quality.

Fresh Lemon Juice (15ml)

Provides acidity and brightness. Fresh-squeezed is essential.

Simple Syrup (10ml, optional)

Adds balance if you prefer sweeter drinks. Often unnecessary since elderflower liqueur already provides sweetness.

Sparkling Water or Tonic (to top)

Sparkling water keeps it crisp and clean.
Tonic water adds light bitterness, deepening complexity.

Garnishes

Fresh mint sprig – herbal aroma.
Lemon twist or wheel – citrus oils & elegance.
Optional flair: dehydrated lemon slice + skewered maraschino cherry.

The Murphizz Recipe (AU Measurements)

Ingredients:

50ml gin
20ml elderflower liqueur
15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
10ml simple syrup (optional)
Sparkling water or tonic, to top
Garnish: fresh mint sprig, lemon twist or dehydrated lemon slice

Method:

Add gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and syrup (if using) into a shaker with ice.
Shake until chilled.
Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with sparkling water or tonic.
Garnish with mint and lemon.

Crafting the Perfect Murphizz

Choose your gin wisely: A juniper-forward gin makes it classic, while citrus-forward gins give it a summery twist.
Always use fresh citrus: Bottled juice dulls the balance. Freshly squeezed elevates the drink.
Balance sweetness: Taste test before topping. Add syrup sparingly if needed.
Effervescence choice: Sparkling water for crispness, tonic for depth.
Garnish intentionally: Slap mint sprigs before garnishing to release oils.

Variations on the Murphizz

Herbal Murphizz – swap mint garnish for basil or rosemary.
Berry Murphizz – muddle fresh raspberries before shaking.
Sparkling Wine Murphizz – replace soda/tonic with prosecco for extra celebration vibes.
Low-Alcohol Murphizz – reduce gin to 30ml, increase sparkling water for a lighter version.

Food Pairings

The Murphizz loves light, fresh flavours. Try pairing with:

Seafood: Oysters, prawn cocktails, or scallops with lemon butter.
Cheese boards: Brie, goat’s cheese, nuts, and figs.
Herb-forward dishes: Salads with rocket, dill, or basil vinaigrette.
Desserts: Lemon tart, elderflower panna cotta, or fruit pavlova.

When to Serve the Murphizz

Summer afternoons: Its effervescence keeps it refreshing.
Brunches & garden parties: A stylish alternative to Mimosas.
Pre-dinner aperitif: Prepares the palate with citrus and botanicals.

⚠️ RSA Reminder: Enjoy in moderation. Perfect for social occasions, not weekday hydration!

Why the Murphizz Works

The genius of the Murphizz lies in its simplicity + sophistication. With just a few ingredients, it achieves balance: sweet, sour, bitter, and aromatic. It’s refreshing but layered enough to feel special.

For a deeper dive into creative cocktails, check out my Coffee Wake Up Cocktail – another inventive blend of caffeine, liqueurs, and modern mixology.

The Legacy of the Murphizz

While not as established as the Martini or Negroni, the Murphizz is already gaining traction among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. Its versatility makes it a future classic – one you’ll want in your repertoire.

The Final Sip

Next time you’re after a cocktail that’s bright, floral, and refreshing, shake up a Murphizz. It’s simple to make, elegant in presentation, and guaranteed to impress.

Raise your glass to innovation, balance, and the joy of discovering new flavours.

The bartending community…

The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.
What are you shaking up these days?
What topics would you like to see covered in future posts?

Let’s connect and continue the conversation!

Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW