A White Lady cocktail is a classic sour, gin cocktail that is made with gin, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and an egg white. It’s a shaken drink that’s easy to make and perfect for sipping any time of the year!
This classic cocktail is smooth and has a refreshing citrus flavor. The egg white gives it a creamy, foaming topping and makes for smooth sipping.
This drink has been around since the 1920’s! It’s originally believed to have been created by a London bartender, Harry McElhone while working at a club in 1919. This drink is sophisticated, classy and has the perfect citrus, sour flavor.
This is a sour cocktail similar to our classic whiskey sour, the best bees knees and our very popular hibiscus gin sour, which has the most beautiful pink color. All three of these cocktails are absolutely amazing and easy to make.
What’s in a White Lady Cocktail?
We’ve given the classic drink a few modern touches. We added a small amount of simple syrup to sweeten it and an egg white to create a foamy, creamy top. Both of these additions make the cocktail even more flavorful and delicious. The egg white and simple syrup are optional, but highly recommend!
Gin – A good quality gin is key for getting a smooth finish
Triple Sec or Cointreau – Either orange liqueur will work for this recipe.
Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed, always!
Simple Syrup – Optional, however after trying several versions, it taste better with a dash of sweetener.
Egg White – Optional, but gives the cocktail a perfect foamy topping and a smoother taste.
How to Make a White Lady Cocktail (Basic Steps)
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add all of the ingredients into the saker.
- Shake hard for at least 30 seconds to really combine the ingredients.
- Strain into a coupe glass, shaking to get all of the ingredients out. The foam will rise to the top.
What Lady without Egg Whites
You can easily leave the egg whites out of this drink. It won’t have a creamy frothy top, however it will still have a small layer of foam from the shaking. You can also use Aquafaba which is the juice in a can of beans! It can be used as a direct replacement, giving you a frothy, creamy texture.
Another option is Sucrose. We use it in our Salt Air Margarita and it also creates a frothy foam texture!
What Glass to Serve a White Lady Cocktail In
This cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe glass or a martini glass. These glasses are made for sipping and for cocktails that don’t require ice in the glass. These are classic glasses that are perfect for a White Lady cocktail.
White Lady Cocktail Variations
- Leave out the egg white or use a substitute.
- Add more gin for a stronger version.
- Add more or less simple syrup to sweeten the drink.
- Use an infused gin for a fun flavor twist.
When to Serve a White Lady Cocktail
This cocktail can be served year-round! We served it at our ghost Halloween party and added two little sprinkle eyes over the egg white foam. It was adorable. Here are more ideas for when to serve this drink:
- Dinner Parties
- Baby Showers
- Happy Hour
- Spring Garden Parties
More Cocktails You’ll Love
If you love this cocktail, try one of these below. They’re all amazing, we promise!
The Best Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe
Easy Vodka Soda Recipe with Floral Ice Cubes
Let us Know Your Thoughts
If you make this classic White Lady cocktail, let us know by leaving a comment and review below. We’d love to know your thoughts!
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White Lady Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce orange liqueur
- 1 ounce lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add in all of the ingredients.
- Shake for 30 seconds, then strain into a cocktail coupe.
