White Lady
cocktailginsourstrongcreamy

White Lady

The White Lady cocktail is a simple, elegant and lovely classic that's beautifully garnished with bitters.

5 min
medium
coupe glass

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 shots gin
  • 1 shot triple sec
  • 3/4 shot fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 egg white
  • Several drops of angostura bitters
Garnish: angostura bitters

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add all the ingredients to your shaker. 

  2. 2

    Dry shake first for 10-15 seconds to activate the egg white. 

  3. 3

    Shake hard over ice for 10-15 seconds. 

  4. 4

    Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. 

  5. 5

    Carefully drop several drops of bitters on top & design with a pick.

Pro Tip

For an extra frothy top, make sure to dry shake the ingredients without ice first. This helps the egg white emulsify and gives your White Lady that perfect creamy texture.

The Story Behind the White Lady

The White Lady cocktail is a classic concoction that dates back to the 1920s, believed to have been created by the legendary bartender Harry MacElhone at Ciro's Club in London. Originally made with crème de menthe, the recipe evolved to its current gin-based form, offering a more refined and sophisticated taste. This elegant drink has stood the test of time, becoming a staple in cocktail culture worldwide.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    Oysters Rockefeller

    The briny richness of oysters complements the creamy, citrusy notes of the White Lady.

  • 🍽️
    Lemon Tart

    The tartness of the lemon dessert mirrors the cocktail's citrus profile, creating a harmonious pairing.

  • 🍽️
    Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise

    The creamy hollandaise sauce echoes the cocktail's smooth texture, while asparagus adds a fresh contrast.

Perfect For

  • Art Gallery Opening

    The sophisticated and elegant nature of the White Lady makes it perfect for a classy art event.

  • Jazz Night at Home

    The smooth, creamy notes of the cocktail pair beautifully with the soulful sounds of jazz.

  • Brunch with Friends

    Its refreshing citrus profile makes it a delightful addition to a leisurely brunch.

  • Celebrating a Promotion

    Raise a glass of this classic cocktail to toast your success in style.

Fun Facts

  • The White Lady was originally made with crème de menthe before evolving into its current gin-based form.

  • This cocktail is often associated with the Roaring Twenties, a time of elegance and sophistication.

  • The use of egg white in the White Lady gives it a silky texture and a beautiful frothy top.

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!