The White Lady Cocktail: A Classic Refreshment
A Smooth, Elegant Classic
The White Lady cocktail is a sophisticated blend of botanical gin, tart citrus, and silky egg whites. Perfect as a pre-dinner drink or a brunch companion, its sweet-tart flavor ensures easy sipping.
The History of the White Lady Cocktail
Invented by Harry MacElhone at London’s Ciro’s Club in 1919, the earliest version of the White Lady was quite different from today’s cocktail, featuring equal parts creme de menthe, triple sec, and lemon juice. Moving to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris in the 1920s, MacElhone revamped it using gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice. The recipe was later refined in Harry Craddock’s 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book," with the addition of egg white to enhance the drink’s texture.
The cocktail’s name origin is debatable, possibly inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald’s blonde hair or simply a catchy title.
Selecting the Right Ingredients
For this cocktail, a London dry gin is recommended to keep flavors clean, though a citrusy variety can work too. Any sweet orange liqueur, such as Cointreau, triple sec, or dry orange curaçao, is suitable. Choose a sour lemon like Eureka to balance the cocktail’s sweetness.
Don’t Skip the Egg White (or Aquafaba)
The egg white is key for achieving the cocktail’s smooth texture. A pasteurized egg white is an option for those concerned about raw eggs. Aquafaba makes a perfect substitute for vegans. It can be frozen in portions for future use, while chickpeas can be frozen separately for up to six months.
No-Mess Dry Shaking Tip
For a perfect froth, dry shake the ingredients without ice first. To avoid spills when opening the shaker, use a handheld frother before adding ice, though a regular dry shake will also suffice.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces London dry gin
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur
- 1/2 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 egg white or 2 tablespoons aquafaba, optional
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions
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Dry Shake: Combine gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and egg white in a shaker. Shake without ice until frothy (~30 seconds). Skip this step if omitting the egg white.
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Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker, close, and shake for another 20 seconds.
- Strain and Serve: Pour into a coupe glass and garnish with lemon peel.
Nutrition Details
- Calories: 199
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 7g
- Protein: 0g
This cocktail is delightful for its rich history and refreshing taste, adapted gracefully for modern preferences. Give it a try for a sip of the past with a contemporary twist.
