White Lady
An elegant, sophisticated, and all-white sour, the White Lady is a classic gin cocktail that balances the botanical notes of gin with the bright citrus of Cointreau and lemon. The optional egg white gives it a beautiful, silky texture.
Ingredients
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- ¾ oz Cointreau
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Egg White (optional)
- Garnish: Lemon Twist
Instructions
- Dry Shake: If using egg white, combine the gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and egg white in a shaker without ice. Shake hard for about 15 seconds to create a rich foam.
- Wet Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds until the drink is well-chilled.
- Strain: Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh lemon twist.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Egg White Question: Adding an egg white is optional but highly recommended. It doesn't add flavor but transforms the drink's texture, giving it a rich, creamy mouthfeel and a beautiful, silky foam on top. Always use the "dry shake" method when including it.
Cointreau vs. Triple Sec: While any orange liqueur will work, a high-quality one like Cointreau is traditional for a White Lady. It provides a cleaner, more refined orange flavor that perfectly complements the gin and lemon without being overly sweet.