Justin’s Cocktails

Gin

White Lady

Spirit-Based · 1 serving · Serve: Cocktail glass (coupe or martini glass)

gincointreaueggwhiteclassicsour

StrengthGentle Boozy
TasteSweet Dry / Sour

The White Lady is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1920s, with its creation often attributed to Harry MacElhone, first at Ciro's Club in London and later at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. This elegant, pale cocktail is essentially a gin-based sidecar with the addition of egg white for a silky texture and frothy top. The combination of gin, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and egg white creates a perfectly balanced drink that is simultaneously strong, citrusy, and smooth. The White Lady has stood the test of time as a sophisticated classic that showcases the art of proper cocktail technique, particularly the dry shake method that creates its signature foam.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Gin
  • 0.75 oz Cointreau
  • 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 oz Simple syrup
  • 1 Egg white from one small egg (or 0.75 oz aquafaba)
  • Garnish: Lemon zest

Directions

  1. Combine gin, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) in a cocktail shaker without ice.
  2. Dry shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 10 seconds until well-chilled.
  4. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass to ensure a smooth texture.
  5. Express lemon zest over the top of the drink and lightly rim the edge of the glass with the zest.
  6. Discard the zest or place it on the rim of the glass as garnish.

Simple Syrup

  1. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Allow to cool before using.
  4. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes/Tips

When working with raw egg white, always use the freshest eggs possible and be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming raw eggs.

Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) makes an excellent vegan substitute for egg white in this cocktail, providing similar foaming properties.

The double strain (using both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer) is important for achieving the silky smooth texture that is characteristic of this cocktail.

Video tutorial

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