📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 14%
Calories 180 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 3 minutes
Embark on a delightful journey to discover the Pink Lady, a cocktail that’s as charming as its name suggests. This elegant drink is a symphony of gin, a touch of apple brandy, and a whisper of lemon, all draped in the silkiness of egg white and the blush of grenadine. It’s a story in a glass, unfolding with each sip, taking us through its vibrant history, its refreshing taste, and its timeless allure. Join us as we peel back the layers of the Pink Lady, and let’s unravel the magic together. ⬇️
History
The Pink Lady cocktail hails from the roaring twenties, an era of jazz and newfound freedoms. It gained popularity among the social elite, enchanting drinkers with its rosy hue and sophisticated flavor. This cocktail not only quenched thirsts but also became a symbol of the vibrant cocktail culture of its time.
- The Pink Lady was named for its distinct color, reminiscent of a blushing cheek.
- It’s rumored to have been a favorite among Broadway stars, which helped cement its place in cocktail history.
- Some say the drink was named after the hit 1911 musical “The Pink Lady,” although this connection remains part of its mystique.
The taste of a Pink Lady?
When you take a sip of a Pink Lady, it’s like biting into a crisp, sweet apple with a zesty lemon twist. The drink is smooth and creamy, thanks to the egg white, with just enough sweetness from the grenadine to make it utterly sippable.
I find the Pink Lady to be an exquisite delight with its harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate, leaving a refreshing and slightly tart aftertaste that beckons for another sip.
Interesting facts about Pink Lady
- The Pink Lady is often associated with the feminist movement, as it was one of the first cocktails embraced by women drinkers.
- Its creamy texture is achieved by a technique called ‘dry shaking,’ where the egg whites are shaken without ice to create a frothy consistency.
- Despite its delicate appearance, the Pink Lady packs a punch with its gin base, making it both potent and graceful.
Ingredients
- Gin: 1.5 oz (45ml)
- Applejack or Calvados: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Grenadine: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Egg white: 1 (about 1 oz or 30ml)
Cocktail glass is the vessel of choice for a Pink Lady; its stemmed design allows the drink to stay cool while showcasing its beauty. Alternatively, a martini glass also serves the purpose, cradling the drink’s frothy top elegantly.
Recipe. How to make Pink Lady
- Add gin, applejack or calvados, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine into a shaker.
- Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake again until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Pink Lady’s sweet charm comes with a dollop of sugar and calories, just like any good story has its twists. But, you can easily swap in natural sweeteners or reduce the grenadine to write a healthier tale. Plus, the egg white gives you a tiny protein boost, just like a hidden treasure.
Food Pairings
Imagine savoring a Pink Lady with the perfect food companion, each enhancing the other’s flavors. Here are some delightful duos that create a culinary romance worthy of any palate.
Light Appetizers
The effervescent character of a Pink Lady complements the subtlety of light appetizers like melon and prosciutto or a fresh goat cheese tart.
Seafood
The cocktail’s crisp apple notes and citrus zest are an ideal match for the briny sweetness of seafood dishes such as seared scallops or a classic shrimp cocktail.
Spicy Asian Cuisine
Pink Lady’s sweetness and acidity cut through the heat of spicy dishes, making it a refreshing partner for Thai or Szechuan flavors.
I adore Pink Ladys for their ability to transport me to a springtime garden party with every sip, where the air is filled with laughter and the promise of a good time.
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Bartender Advice
- Balance is key; ensure your lemon juice and grenadine are in harmony to avoid tipping the scales towards too tart or too sweet.
- For a silky texture, give the drink a good dry shake to fully integrate the egg white.
- Personalize your Pink Lady with a garnish; a cherry or a twist of lemon peel adds a final touch of elegance.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Pink Lady, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Pink Lady
- Gin: Swap for vodka if you prefer a lighter spirit that lets the other flavors shine.
- Grenadine: Use pomegranate syrup for a more natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice can offer a more tropical twist to the classic recipe.
Pink Lady Variations
Ruby Rose
- Ingredients: Substitute grenadine with rose syrup.
- Recipe: Follow the classic Pink Lady recipe, adding a touch of rose water for a floral twist.
Blushing Peach
- Ingredients: Add peach schnapps along with the other ingredients.
- Recipe: Adjust the amount of grenadine and lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the peach schnapps.
Green Lady
- Ingredients: Mix in a splash of green Chartreuse with the gin.
- Recipe: Complement the herbal notes of Chartreuse by garnishing with a fresh sprig of mint.
For a non-alcoholic version, the Virgin Pink Lady is a treat. Just blend lemon juice, grenadine, and a splash of soda water, then shake with egg white for that classic froth.
Q&A
Can I make a Pink Lady without egg white?
Sure, you can! While the egg white adds creaminess, leaving it out will still give you a delightful, albeit less frothy, drink.
Is there a specific type of gin I should use?
A classic London dry gin works wonders, but feel free to experiment with different botanicals to find your perfect match.
What’s the best time to serve a Pink Lady?
She’s a versatile one, perfect for a sunny brunch or as an elegant pre-dinner tipple.
How can I make a Pink Lady if I don’t have applejack?
Calvados or a splash of apple juice can step in as a substitute, though they’ll each bring their own twist to the story.
Can I prepare a Pink Lady in advance?
Cocktails are like conversations; they’re best fresh. Mix your Pink Lady just before serving to maintain its charm.
What’s the origin of grenadine, and can I make it at home?
Grenadine’s roots trace back to pomegranates, and yes, you can concoct your own by reducing pomegranate juice with sugar and a hint of lemon.
