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Thisclassic White Lady co*cktaildates back to the early 1900s and is sometimes referred to as a Delilah orChelsea Sidecar. Made with gin,triple sec, lemon juice,simple syrup, and an egg white, this shaken drink just takes a few minutes to make and delights gin lovers everywhere!
Thisclassicco*cktailfalls into the sour co*cktail family. I’m a very big fan of these co*cktails so if you also like theseclassic sourco*cktail recipes, then you’ll also want to check out myMidori Sour,Hazelnut Sour, andChambordSourco*cktails.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- History of the White Lady co*cktail
- Ingredient Notes
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- FAQ
- Related Recipes
- White Lady co*cktail Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It only requiressimple ingredientsthat you can find at any grocery and/or liquor store.
- Itssweetness can be tailoredto your preferences by adjusting thesimple syrup.
- It’sbeautiful and feels very fancy, especially when it’s served inacoupe glass.
History of the White Lady co*cktail
Thisclassic gin co*cktailis thought to be created bybartenderHarry MacElhone, of the famedHarry’s New York Barin Paris, France.Ginsourco*cktailsare a member of the sidecar family, so it is often referred to as agin sidecarorChelsea Sidecar(BTW, I have a greatPassion FruitChelsea Sidecarthat you should also check out). A White Lady co*cktail is a bit drier than your averagegin sour.
The original White Lady recipe that MacElhone created when he was working atCiro’s Club, hadcrème de mentheinstead ofgin. There isn’t a clear explanation as to why he changed the original recipe later.
As with most co*cktail origin stories, there are varied stories thatclaim thatHarry Craddock,another prohibition-era bartender and author of the 1930TheSavoy co*cktail Book, was actually the creator of the White Lady co*cktail.
Many recipes also omit the egg white, but I’m a huge fan of egg whites in co*cktails. It’ssafest when you use pasteurized egg whites from a carton.Egg white co*cktails have a smooth andcreamy textureand don’t give off an off odor.
If the use of egg white doesn’t sit well with you orwant a vegan version, you can always substitute 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba(liquid from canned chickpeas), which gives a similar feel.
Ingredient Notes
Gin– I usedBombay Sapphire, but I also like to use gins that is locally distilled in my area. Of course, useyourfavorite gin here.
Triple sec(orange liqueur)– Hands down I will always recommend abottle ofCointreauover any othertriple sec. Trust me, once you go with Cointreau as yourorange-based liqueur, you never go back.
Lemon juice–Fresh lemon juicewill always taste best in any co*cktail. Thistart citrusflavor helps provide balance to the overall co*cktail.
Simple syrup– You can buy store bought simple syrup, but I make my own by adding equal parts sugar and water and heat until the sugar is dissolved. I let it cool and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. I like using theselittle bottlesto store it in.
Egg whites– As I mentioned before, I recommend using pasteurized egg whites from a carton instead of using a regular raw egg. The co*cktail gets it smooth texture thanks to thesilky egg white.
Lemon peel– Alemon twistgarnish is technically optional, but I think it gives a nice extra lemon aroma that is nice while you’re sipping. I like to roll mine into a little rose and skewer it with a co*cktail pick for a simple, yet pretty, garnish.
Pro tip–Dry shakeyour co*cktails with egg whites.
When making co*cktails that include egg whites, alwaysshake everything in theco*cktail shakerwithout ice first. Thenadd ice, and shake again until well chilled.
The ice-less first shake iscalled adry shake, which results in afluffierwhite foamon top when it is poured into the co*cktail glass.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:Add the gin andtriple secto an emptyco*cktail shaker.
Step 2:Then add your lemon juice,simple syrup, and egg white.
Step 3: Shake in the co*cktail shaker without ice (“dry shaking”).
Step 4: Add ice to the co*cktail shaker and put the lid back on.
Step 5: Shake again with the ice until well chilled.
Step 6: Strain the co*cktail into a coupe or other co*cktail glass.
Step 7: Garnish with a lemon peel.
FAQ
Why is the co*cktail called a White Lady?
It’s thought to be in honor ofEveline Alice Wander Gorkiewicz, who dressed up in white as a Turkish wash lady that helped smuggle British soldiers out of Turkey during WWI.
Other sourcespoint to being named after famed author, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda for her platinum blonde hair. If you love co*cktails inspired by this era, make sure to check out the Fitzgerald co*cktail, which is another variation of thegin sournamed in honor of the author.
Whatever its history, it seems to be mentioned in several literary works by famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie.
What type of gin should I use?
Since this co*cktail is a variation of aChelsea Sidecar, a Londondry ginworks really well here. Ultimately, I’m a proponent of picking your favorite gin or whatyoulike.
Can I skip the egg white?
I advise against it as it gives such a distinctive smooth texture to the drink, but it’s your co*cktail so if the thought of an eggless co*cktail is more appealing, go for it. If the use of egg white doesn’t sit well with you or want a vegan version, you can always substitute 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas), which gives a similar feel.
Istriple secand Cointreau the same thing?
Cointreau is a specific brand oforange liqueurthat isconsidered atriple sec,which originated in France. Cointreau boasts a clearer, more refined, and strongersweet orangeflavor than your averagetriple sec.
It’s a little pricey, but a little goes a long way, and it is totally worth it if the wallet allows. To sum it up, all Cointreaus can be considered triple secs, not all triple secs are Cointreau.
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White Lady co*cktail Recipe
Melissa
This classic White Lady co*cktail dates back to the early 1900s and is sometimes referred to as a Delilah or Chelsea Sidecar. Made with gin, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white, this easy drink is super simple and delights gin lovers everywhere!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course co*cktails, Drinks and co*cktails, Sour co*cktails
Cuisine American, British, French
Servings 1 co*cktail
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces gin (recommend a London dry gin)
- 1 ounce triple sec (recommend Cointreau)
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (store bought or homemade – see notes)
- 1 egg white (recommend pasteurized carton egg whites)
- Lemon peel twist for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Add the gin, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a co*cktail shaker.
Shake well, then add ice, and shake again until well chilled.
Strain into a coupe or co*cktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist, if using.
Video
Notes
To make homemade simple syrup:
Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk the sugar until full dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Keeps in fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Tips on using egg whites in co*cktails:
- It’ssafest when you use pasteurized egg whites from a carton.
- If you don’t want to use an egg white or want a vegan version, you can always substitute 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba(liquid from canned chickpeas), which gives a similar feel.
CLICK TO DISPLAY NUTRITION INFO
Nutrition
Calories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 66mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg
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