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White Lady Cocktail Recipe: A Classic Guide

White Lady Cocktail Recipe: A Classic Guide

Intermediate
20 minutes
4 Steps
10 Items

About This Project

To make a White Lady Cocktail, first, combine gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and an optional egg white in a cocktail shaker. Second, dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white. Third, add ice and shake again for 15-20 seconds to chill. Finally, double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

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Tools & Materials

Cocktail Shakers - Weighted

Cocktail Shakers - Weighted

Solid Copper and Brass Japanese-style Jiggers

Solid Copper and Brass Japanese-style Jiggers

Gin

Gin

Curacao

Curacao

Lemon

Lemon

The Home Depot 15 in. L x 10 in. W x 12 in. D Extra-Small Moving Box XSBX

The Home Depot 15 in. L x 10 in. W x 12 in. D Extra-Small Moving Box XSBX

Steps

Common Problems

Using bottled lemon juice results in a dull, less vibrant cocktail.

Solution: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to use two different strainers for this cocktail?

Using both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer (known as 'double straining') is crucial for the White Lady. The Hawthorne catches the large ice chunks, while the fine mesh removes any small ice shards or bits of emulsified egg white, ensuring a perfectly smooth and silky texture in your drink.

For safety, it's recommended to use pasteurized egg whites, which are available bottled in most grocery stores. If using fresh eggs, ensure they are very fresh from a reputable source, or consider omitting the egg white entirely if you're concerned. While rare, there is a risk of salmonella with raw eggs.

The key to a good foam is the 'dry shake' – shaking vigorously without ice for 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white. Ensure your egg white is fresh and you're shaking hard enough to truly whip it. Also, make sure there's no fat (like from residual oils) in your shaker that could inhibit the foam.

While dedicated tools are best, you can improvise by using a sturdy jar with a tight-fitting lid as a shaker. For measuring, standard kitchen spoons (e.g., 1 tablespoon = 0.5 oz, 1.5 tablespoons = 0.75 oz) or a small measuring cup can work in place of jiggers. Just strive for accuracy in your measurements for the best result.

Omitting the egg white will result in a drink that's still delicious, essentially a gin sour, but it will lack the characteristic silky texture and frothy head. The egg white adds a luxurious mouthfeel and visual appeal, transforming it into the classic White Lady.

To achieve optimal chill without excessive dilution, use plenty of fresh, solid ice for your second shake. Shake vigorously until the exterior of your shaker is frosty cold, usually about 15-20 seconds. This rapid chilling minimizes ice melt, keeping your cocktail strong and cold.