Egg white cocktails have made quite the comeback in the last decade. Thanks to the craft cocktail movement, people who were once afraid of the drinking eggs have become emboldened to give egg white cocktails a second look. As a testament to their popularity, you now can find drinks with egg white substitutes for people with allergy or dietary restrictions. Of the numerous pre-prohibition egg white cocktails, one is fairest of them all: the Pink Lady.
COCKTAIL: PINK LADY
Full Ingredients list
- .75oz Vermut Lustau Rosé
- .75oz Plymouth Gin
- .5oz Boulard VSOP Calvados Pays d’Auge
- .75oz Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Grenadine
- 1 Egg White
- Garnish: Maraschino Cherry or an Orange Peel
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHO INVENTED THE PINK LADY COCKTAIL?
Like many pre-prohibition cocktails, the origins of the Pink Lady are a bit muddled. Jacques Straub, a Swiss native who settled in Kentucky in 1913, was a lover and dedicated student of the art of early 20th century cocktails, so much that he published a book in 1913 named Straub’s Manual for Mixed Drinks. His Pink Lady recipe is very similar to what we use today, minus the egg whites and subbing in lime juice for lemon. Another contender for inventor of the Pink Lady goes to Harry McElhone of Harry’s New York Bar. His White Lady cocktail from 1929 is strikingly similar to today’s recipe for the Pink Lady, with a few subtle substitutions. If you look at both the White Lady and Straub’s Pink Lady recipes side by side, you can see where someone might have combined them together to make the current recipe for a Pink Lady. Regardless of its origin, the Pink Lady has been a staple in the cocktail world for more than a century and remains a captivating cocktail that balances tartness and texture. Our twist on a Pink Lady incorporates rose vermouth, which aids in the velvety texture while lowering the ABV, to create a lush rendition of this creamy classic.
WHAT IS THE BEST GIN TO USE IN A PINK LADY COCKTAIL?
The choice of gin for a Pink Lady cocktail depends on personal preference and desired flavor profile. However, a classic London dry gin with juniper-forward notes, complements the cocktail’s delicate balance of sweetness and acidity. Alternatively, using a more floral or citrus-forward one can add complexity to the drink. That being said, any gin with a good amount of citrus will work nicely, so feel free to use what you prefer.
WHAT GLASS IS A PINK LADY SERVED IN?
A Pink Lady is typically served in a coupe glass. This is standard for most egg white cocktails due to its wide rim that allows for easy sipping and showcases the drink’s vibrant color and frothy texture.
WHY USING VERMUT LUSTAU ROSÉ IN A PINK LADY COCKTAIL?
Vermut Lustau Rosé introduces herbal and fruity notes, enhancing the complexity of the cocktail. Its delicate sweetness complements other ingredients, contributing to a balanced and harmonious taste experience. Additionally, this subtle sweetness balances the tartness of the lemon juice and the fruity richness of the grenadine, resulting in a well-balanced cocktail. Through its wine base (fino, moscatel and tintilla de Rota), Vermut Lustau Rosé provides a characteristic nuttiness to the Pink Lady cocktail.
HOW TO PREPARE A SIMPLE PINK LADY COCKTAIL WITH ROSÉ VERMOUTH
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to emulsify the egg white
3. Add ice, shake again, and strain into a chilled old-fashioned glass
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or an orange peel for a more
FAQ
What is the best gin for a Pink Lady?
Any London Dry Gin works well in a Pink Lady
When was the Pink Lady cocktail invented?
Although the exact date is unknown, the Pink Lady appeared in the US a few years before the start of prohibition in 1920.
Why Rosé Vermouth is added to the Pink Lady
Rose vermouth was added to our version of this cocktail because it enhances the velvety texture of the egg white while enhancing the botanicals found in the gin.
