The White Lady is a cocktail that's anything but pale and uninteresting. This gin-based beauty has been turning heads and tantalizing taste buds for nearly a century, proving that sometimes, the simplest combinations are the most enduring.
This cocktail is a study in elegant simplicity. At first glance, you'll be struck by its pristine, cloudy appearance, reminiscent of fine pearls. But don't let its delicate look fool you this drink packs a punch.
Take a sip, and all is balanced. Juniper-forward notes of Gin charge in at the front, closely followed by the bright, zesty kick of fresh Lemon Juice. Orange Liqueur provides subtle sweetness and depth, while Egg White s adds a silky smooth texture that makes this drink feel positively luxurious on the palate.
This concoction is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, but it truly shines as a refreshing summer sipper. It's an ideal aperitif, stimulating the appetite with its citrusy profile. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself craving one long after the sun has set.
Typically served in a chilled coupe glass, the drink is best enjoyed slowly, allowing the flavors to evolve as it gradually warms. It's a sophisticated choice for cocktail parties, but equally at home as a nightcap after a long day.
Labeled as one of the 'Unforgettables' by the International Bartenders Association, this is a classic that has stood the test of time for itsappealing, evergreen recipes. Its elegance and perfect balance make it a delight for both professional mixologists and those just starting to learn about craft cocktails.
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A delicious mix of gin, citrus, and herbal notes that dances on the palate
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Did you know that White Lady...
was featured in the 1982 film 'Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid' starring Steve Martin, cementing its place in pop culture?
Who invented this cocktail
This elegant cocktail was created in 1919 by Harry MacElhone at Ciro's Club in London. He later perfected the recipe at his own Harry's New York Bar in Paris in the 1920s.
The origin and history of "White Lady"
The White Lady's journey began in the roaring twenties, a time when gin cocktails were all the rage. Its creation is credited to Harry MacElhone, a legendary bartender who left his mark on cocktail culture on both sides of the Atlantic.
Originally, MacElhone's recipe called for Crème de Menthe, to which he later refined, replacing the mint liqueur with Gin. This changed the drink from a novelty into a classic. It gained popularity during Prohibition; its pale color perhaps helped it appear innocuous in a time of speakeasies and bathtub gin.
The name of the drink has generated a number of theories: that it was named for a ghostly apparition, that it was a toast to Zelda Fitzgerald novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife and one of the most famous 'flappers' of the day.
In the 1930s, the cocktail received a boost in popularity when it became a favorite of Laurel and Hardy, the famous comedy duo. This celebrity endorsement helped cement its status as a cocktail classic.
Over the years, this cocktail has undergone many transformations: adding a dash of Egg White to give it that silky feel or using different types of citrus. None of these changes really altered the basic recipe, and just goes to show how well balanced it is.
Today, this drink remains a darling in bars across the world's top cocktail destinations. And its enduring appeal is part of the unstated truism: classic, balanced cocktails will always be in style.
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Bartender Tips for making the perfect "White Lady"
To make the perfect version of White Lady, try these tips:
Chill your cocktail glass beforehand to keep the drink crisp and refreshing
Use fresh Lemon Juice for the best flavor always squeeze it just before mixing
When using Egg White, try a 'dry shake' (without ice) first to create a silky foam
Experiment with different styles of Gin to find your preferred flavor profile
Garnish with a thin Lemon twist to add an extra burst of citrus aroma
White Lady recipe
Prep: 4 minTotal: 6 min
Ingredients
60 ml GIN
30 ml TRIPLE SEC
20 ml FRESH LEMON JUICE
1 EGG WHITE
2 oz GIN
1 oz TRIPLE SEC
⅔ oz FRESH LEMON JUICE
1 EGG WHITE
Preparation
Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass
Stir well till all the ingredients are fully blended
Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
Shake well until it feels cold
Strain into the glass
Nutritional Info
Calories:227 kcal
Alcohol units:3.6 units
ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~33%
Dietary Info
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Country of origin: United Kingdom
"White Lady" Variations
Try a Pink Lady by adding a dash of Grenadine for a rosy hue and subtle fruity note
Create a Blue Lady by substituting Blue Curaçao for the traditional Orange Liqueur
Make a Green Lady using Green Chartreuse instead of Orange Liqueur for an herbal twist
Try making a Prohibition Lady with Bathtub Gin or a higher proof Gin for extra kick
This classic stands as a shining example of how a few quality ingredients, when perfectly balanced, can create cocktail magic. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic gin cocktails.
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Current Comments: 2
Olivie45
Sep 25, 2024
The egg white gives it a nice frothy texture. Perfect for a classy evening.
Grace Martin
Sep 18, 2024
Creamy and smooth with a good balance of gin and lemon.
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Current Comments: 2