📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 22%
Calories 220 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 4g
Carbohydrates 18g
Prep time 2 minutes
Imagine you’re at a party and someone hands you a drink that’s a little bit sour, a little bit sweet, and very smooth. That’s a White Lady cocktail. It’s a classic drink that’s been around for a long time, and we’re going to explore everything from its history to how to make it just right. Let’s dive into the world of this elegant cocktail together! ⬇️
History
The White Lady is a cocktail with a storied past, originally crafted in the roaring 1920s. It was a symbol of sophistication during the Prohibition era, enjoyed in the secret speakeasies. This drink has stood the test of time, still beloved by many for its refreshing taste.
- The White Lady was first created by the famed bartender Harry MacElhone.
- It’s rumored to have been named after Zelda Fitzgerald, who was known as the “first American flapper.”
- The cocktail gained popularity in London after Harry Craddock of The Savoy featured it in his 1930 cocktail book.
The taste of a White Lady?
A sip of a White Lady is like biting into a crisp, juicy apple, followed by a gentle warmth from the spirits. Its citrusy lemon flavor dances with the subtle herbal notes of gin and the sweetness of the triple sec.
I adore the White Lady for its timeless elegance and refreshing zing, perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of class.
Interesting facts about White Lady
- The original White Lady recipe included creme de menthe, but it was later replaced by triple sec for a clearer drink.
- This cocktail was part of the “sidecar” family, a group of drinks defined by their balance of strong, sweet, and sour.
- A perfectly made White Lady should have a delicate froth on top, created by vigorously shaking the egg white.
Ingredients 📃
- Gin: 2 oz (60ml)
- Triple sec: 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Egg white: 1 (from a medium-sized egg)
A coupe glass is the best choice for serving a White Lady because its wide brim beautifully presents the frothy top. An alternative might be a martini glass, which also elegantly showcases the cocktail’s clarity and froth.
Recipe. How to make White Lady 🍹
- Fill a shaker with ice and add 2 oz of gin, 1/2 oz of triple sec, and 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice.
- Add 1 egg white to the shaker for that signature froth.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
While the White Lady is a treat, it’s wise to enjoy it in moderation due to its sugar and alcohol content. For a healthier twist, swap out the triple sec for a dash of natural orange extract and a spoonful of honey.
Food Pairings
The crisp and zesty flavors of a White Lady can elevate any meal, but some pairings are simply sublime. Here are a few combinations that will tantalize your taste buds and complement the cocktail’s character.
Grilled Chicken
The citrus notes in the cocktail cut through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and refreshing dining experience.
Seafood
A White Lady alongside seafood, like oysters or sushi, can highlight the fresh, briny flavors with its bright lemony profile.
Light Salads
The drink’s acidity and sweetness make it a perfect match for a fresh garden salad, enhancing the greens and vinaigrette.
I find the White Lady to be a delightful mix of sweet and sour, which always brings a smile to my face.
🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
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Bartender Advice
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice to ensure the brightest flavor.
- When adding egg white, shake vigorously to achieve the perfect frothy top.
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the cocktail refreshingly cold as you sip.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic White 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 White Lady
- Consider using a different type of citrus like grapefruit for a unique twist.
- Swap gin for vodka if you prefer a less herbal flavor profile.
- Use agave syrup instead of triple sec for a less alcoholic, sweeter version.
White Lady Variations
Pink Lady
- Ingredients: Add a splash of grenadine for a sweet, blush-colored variant.
- Recipe: Follow the White Lady recipe, including the grenadine with the other liquids.
Green Lady
- Ingredients: Include a dash of green chartreuse for a herbaceous take.
- Recipe: Mix as you would a White Lady, adding chartreuse to the shaker.
White Lady Royale
- Ingredients: Top with champagne for a bubbly, celebratory drink.
- Recipe: Prepare the White Lady as usual, then gently pour champagne over the top.
For those preferring a non-alcoholic option, a Virgin White Lady uses lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Shake the first two ingredients, pour into a glass, and top with soda.
Q&A
Can I make a White Lady without egg white?
Absolutely! The egg white is for texture, but the drink is still delicious without it—just less frothy.
What’s the best gin to use for a White Lady?
A dry gin with a balanced botanical profile works best to complement the lemon and triple sec flavors.
How can I make my White Lady less sweet?
Reduce the triple sec slightly, or add a touch more lemon juice for extra tartness.
Is there a specific type of triple sec I should use?
Quality matters, so opt for a high-quality triple sec or even a Cointreau for a more refined taste.
Can I batch make White Ladys for a party?
Sure thing! Mix all ingredients except the egg white in a large pitcher, then shake individual servings with egg white and ice as needed.
What’s the origin of the White Lady’s name?
While we can’t be sure, it’s widely believed to be inspired by the flapper girls of the 1920s, known for their pale, ghostly makeup.
