White Lady
The White Lady is a sophisticated and refreshing classic cocktail, belonging to the Sidecar family. It blends the botanical notes of gin with the bright citrus of Cointreau and lemon juice, often softened with egg white for a smooth, frothy texture. Elegant and timeless, it's a perfect choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced sour.
Ingredients
- 4 cl gin
- 2 cl cointreau
- 2 cl lemon juice
- 1 piece egg white
- 1 piece lemon peel
- 5 pieces ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
Combine the gin, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and egg white in a shaker *without* ice (this is a 'dry shake').
Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
Add ice cubes to the shaker.
Shake again vigorously for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled (this is the 'wet shake').
Discard the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture into the chilled coupe glass (use both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to catch ice shards and any egg white bits).
Express the oils from the lemon peel over the drink by twisting it, then use it as a garnish.
Trivia
- What does a White Lady cocktail taste like?
A White Lady offers a bright, citrus-forward taste profile. The gin provides a botanical backbone, Cointreau adds a sweet orange complexity, and the lemon juice brings a sharp, refreshing tartness. When made with egg white, it has a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly muted sourness.
- Is a White Lady a strong cocktail?
Yes, the White Lady is generally considered a moderately strong cocktail. Its primary ingredients are gin (typically 40% ABV) and Cointreau (also 40% ABV), balanced by non-alcoholic lemon juice and egg white. It packs a punch but is well-balanced.
- What is the difference between a White Lady and a Sidecar?
The White Lady and Sidecar are closely related 'sour' cocktails. The main difference is the base spirit: a White Lady uses Gin, while a Sidecar uses Cognac or Brandy. Both typically feature Cointreau (or Triple Sec) and lemon juice.
- Why do you dry shake a White Lady?
Dry shaking (shaking without ice first) is essential when using egg white in a White Lady. It allows the egg white proteins to denature and emulsify properly with the other ingredients, creating a stable, rich foam without being overly diluted by melting ice.
- Can I make a White Lady without egg white?
Absolutely! While the egg white adds a signature silky texture and foam, you can omit it entirely. The drink will be sharper and less creamy, but still a delicious and classic gin sour. Some prefer it this way.
- What type of gin is best for a White Lady?
A London Dry Gin is the traditional and often preferred choice for a White Lady, as its classic juniper-forward profile complements the citrus notes beautifully. However, you can experiment with other gin styles depending on your preference.