White Lady Cocktail Recipe – A Beautiful Classic Cocktail

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The White Lady cocktail is a delicious gin cocktail that is a timeless classic enjoyed by cocktail lovers for decades. Its elegant appearance and refreshing taste make it a popular choice for those looking for a sophisticated drink with a touch of citrus. In this blog post, I will explore the origins of the White Lady cocktail. Then I will go over the white lady cocktail recipe and how to make this delicious drink at home.

I am always on the lookout to find classic cocktails to up my bartending skills for our little backyard pub – The Grain Shed.  Bartending is not one of my best skills. Once we decided to turn our log shed into a backyard pub, I started looking for easy, classic cocktail recipes with simple ingredients. 

Most of my cocktail creations are mixed and tested in The Grain Shed, our rustic backyard pub — the heart of our homestead gatherings.

This cocktail definitely hits all the marks.   Classic, simple to make with just a few ingredients.  I enjoy that it has a citrusy, sour taste that can be sweetened with a little simple syrup, making a cocktail that many can enjoy.  The egg white is optional, some do not like the idea of raw eggs in their cocktails.    I actually do enjoy the egg white. It gives the cocktail that nice frothy layer, creamy texture and makes this cocktail whiter in color. 

This classic gin cocktail has a citrusy ingredient that varies from Triple Sec or an orange-based liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, depending on the recipe.

Let’s review the differences of Triple Sec, Cointreau Liquor and Grand Marier Liquor.

Triple Sec

This orange-flavored liqueur is a staple in many classic cocktails like Margaritas and Cosmopolitans. Triple Sec is known for its sweet and strong citrus flavor, which adds a bright and zesty element to drinks. It is typically made from dried orange peels and has a clear appearance. One of the main differences between Triple Sec and other orange liqueurs is its lower alcohol content, making it a good choice for mixing into various cocktails without overpowering other flavors.

Cointreau Liquor

Cointreau is a premium French orange liqueur that has been around since the 19th century. It is made from sweet and bitter orange peels, resulting in a more complex flavor profile compared to Triple Sec. Cointreau has a higher alcohol content than Triple Sec but still maintains a sweetness that enhances the overall taste of cocktails. Its smooth texture and intense orange aroma make it a favorite among bartenders.

Grand Marnier Liquor

Grand Marnier Liquor combines elements of both Triple Sec and Cognac. This orange liqueur is made from cognac blended with bitter oranges and sugar, giving it a rich taste. Grand Marnier has a higher alcohol content than both Triple Sec and Cointreau. It also has a deeper amber color due to its aging process in oak barrels. Its flavor profile includes notes of vanilla, spices, and warm citrus.

When deciding which orange liqueur to use in your cocktails, consider the specific flavors you want to highlight. Then, also how they will complement other ingredients in your drink. If you prefer a citrus flavor with lower alcohol content, use Triple Sec. For cocktails that require a touch of sweetness and complexity, use Cointreau Liquor. And if you’re looking to add depth to your drinks with hints of cognac and spices, Grand Marnier Liquor is the perfect choice.

The International Bartenders Association‘s recipe calls for Triple Sec and actually does not use egg white or garnish.   From the list of official cocktails the IBA lists on their website, the white lady has only the following ingredients: 40ml Gin, 30ml Triple Sec, and 20ml fresh Lemon juice.

Here is a fun little history of the white lady cocktail. 

The iconic ‘White Lady’ cocktail, born in 1919 at ‘Ciro’s Club’ in London by Harry MacElhone. At this time its ingredients were white crème de menthe, triple sec and lemon juice.  Sometime in the 1920’s Harry MacElhone started making this cocktail at his bar, Harry’s New York Bar in Paris where he swapped the crème de menthe for gin. This refreshing mix of gin, triple sec, and lemon juice has evolved into the classic recipe we enjoy today.  In 1930, bartender Harry Craddock published ‘The Savory Cocktail Book,’ where he is said to have named the cocktail after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, Zelda, at London’s Savory Hotel.

It is said that the egg white was added to this elegant cocktail by The Savory Hotel’s head bartender, Peter Dorelli.  He was the head bartender at the Savory Hotel from 1984 to 2003.

White Lady Cocktail Recipe

Here are the ingredients for my version of the white lady cocktail recipe.

• 2 ounces  Dry Gin
• 3/4 Ounce Grand Marnier –  can substitute with Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 3/4 Ounce Lemon Juice
• 1/2 Ounce Simple Syrup – Optional 
• 1 Raw Egg White – Optional

To make this cocktail.

1. Add the gin, orange liquor, lemon juice, optional egg white, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
2. Give the cocktail a dry shake, meaning shake the ingredients without ice, this will create the white foam.
3. Add to the cocktail shaker some ice, and shake again until nice and cold. 
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or, if preferred, a martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice of lemon.

The classic white lady cocktail is delicious and beautiful with its pale color and frothy top. Its timeless appeal makes it suitable for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or enjoying cocktails with friends in your own backyard bar. So next time you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, why not enjoy making the simple elegance of your own white lady cocktail?

Cheers!?

Yvonne♥

Try some of my other favorite cocktails to serve at The Grain Shed.

Irish Coffee

Hot Buttered Rum

Fall and Winter Mojitos

Honey Rosemary Bourbon Cocktail

Maple Bourbon Aperol 

Ranch Water Cocktail

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