The Best White Lady Cocktail Recipe
The White Lady might sound like the name of a ghost story your uncle tells after a few too many, but trust us, this classic cocktail is very much alive and kicking. Born in the 1910s and reimagined in the Roaring Twenties by the legendary Harry Craddock at The Savoy Hotel in London, the White Lady has held her place in cocktail royalty for over a century.
Originally made with crème de menthe (yeah, nah), the modern White Lady is a clean, citrusy mix of gin, lemon juice, and orange liqueur, with or without a silky touch of egg white. It’s bright, sharp, and unapologetically classy.
If you're into cocktails that are zesty, crisp, and pack a bit of a punch without being overly sweet, this one’s for you. Easy to whip up at home, it'll impress your mates, your date, or just yourself on a Friday night in.
What is a White Lady?
The White Lady is a gin-based sour cocktail that hits the sweet spot between sharp citrus and smooth botanicals. It’s dry, zingy, and a little bit bitter — kind of like your wittiest friend. Think of it as a more refined cousin of the Sidecar.
The main trio: gin, triple sec (or Cointreau), and lemon juice. Optional egg white gives it that smooth, frothy top. But here’s the trick — the better the gin, the better the drink.
👉 Check out our gin range to get started.
This cocktail fits right in at a classy dinner party, date night, or just when you feel like levelling up your evening with something timeless.
Why the White Lady is Back in Style
Old school is cool again, and the White Lady is leading the charge. As modern gin continues to boom, folks are rediscovering the magic of sharp, citrus-forward cocktails with just a few ingredients and a whole lot of flavour.
It’s easy to make at home (no bartender degree needed), and feels fancy without being faffy. What more could you want?
Do You Need Egg White for a White Lady Cocktail?
Traditionally, yes, but it’s your drink, your rules.
Egg white adds a rich, velvety texture and gives the cocktail that lush, foamy cap. If you’re keen on that silky mouthfeel, go for it.
Not a fan of raw egg? No worries. Try aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) or a splash of cocktail foamer, both work a treat without affecting the taste. Or leave it out entirely for a leaner, sharper sip.
White Lady Cocktail Variations
Feeling creative? There’s more than one way to shake up a White Lady:
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Sabot – Swap out gin for brandy for a warmer, deeper base
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Boxcar – A slightly sweeter, more mellow riff with grenadine and sugar syrup
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Grapefruit Lady – Use grapefruit juice instead of lemon for a bitter citrus twist
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Herbal Lady – Add a few drops of bitters or infuse your gin with herbs like rosemary or basil
No rules here, just follow your taste buds.
White Lady Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
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50ml gin
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25ml triple sec or Cointreau
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25ml fresh lemon juice
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1 egg white (optional)
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Ice
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Garnish: lemon twist or dehydrated citrus wheel (optional)
Instructions
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Add gin, triple sec, lemon juice, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker
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Shake vigorously without ice (dry shake) to emulsify the egg white
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Add ice and shake again until well chilled
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Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass
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Garnish with a lemon twist or citrus wheel
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Notes
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Adjust lemon juice or triple sec to balance sweetness and acidity
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Chill your glass beforehand for extra sharpness
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Want it extra foamy? Shake the egg white twice (dry then wet)
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Great for summer evenings, cocktail nights, or impressing that one mate who thinks they’ve “tried everything”
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Scale up the ingredients to make a batch, just shake in smaller portions so it chills properly
Give the White Lady Cocktail a Go
Time to bring a bit of timeless elegance to your drinks trolley. Whether you're after something citrusy and bold, or just want to impress your guests with a classic cocktail done right, the White Lady delivers.
👉 Explore our range of gins here. Start with the good stuff.
