White Lady Cocktail

white lady cocktail
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The White Lady cocktail is a classic and elegant drink that has stood the test of time. Known for its smooth and refreshing taste, it has become a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts around the world. This delightful cocktail is made with gin, lemon juice, and triple sec, resulting in a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile.

The origins of the White Lady cocktail can be traced back to the early 20th century, with various claims to its creation. However, it was Harry MacElhone, the legendary bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, who popularized the drink during the 1920s. He included the White Lady in his famous cocktail book, “Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails,” cementing its place in cocktail history.

The key ingredient in the White Lady is gin, a spirit known for its herbal and botanical notes. The choice of gin can greatly influence the overall taste of the cocktail, ranging from a dry and crisp profile to a more floral and aromatic one. The addition of lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Triple Sec, an orange-flavored liqueur, adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the drink.

The White Lady cocktail is beloved for its versatility. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink. The combination of gin, lemon, and triple sec creates a harmonious blend of flavors that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Over the years, mixologists have experimented with variations of the White Lady, incorporating different ingredients such as egg white or sugar syrup to add texture and sweetness. However, the classic recipe remains a timeless choice that captures the essence of this elegant cocktail.

White Lady Cocktail Recipe

  1. 60 ml Gin
  2. 30 ml Triple sec
  3. 30 ml Lemon juice
  4. Egg white (optional)
  5. Ice
  6. Garnish: lemon twist

How to make a white lady cocktail

  1. Add Gin, Triple sec, Lemon juice, and egg white into a cocktail shaker and dry shake for 15 seconds.
  2. Add ice and shake again for 15 seconds.
  3. Strain the mix into a cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

How to make a white lady without Egg white?

The egg white is not mandatory as said, the cocktail can be prepared without the egg white, it just won’t have a creamy frothy on top.

** Vegans – you can use 2 tablespoons aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg white.

white lady cocktail recipe

The perfect glass for a White Lady Cocktail

Some people believe that this cocktail is served traditionally in a coupe glass or martini glass – We think it’s because the foam looks good in these glasses.

When to serve a White Lady cocktail?

Basically, you can serve the cocktail any time you like, But we think that the White Lady is usually served as an after-dinner cocktail. It goes well with desserts like chocolate cake or tiramisu.