Bearded Lady Cocktail Recipe

Bearded Lady Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:4g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Bearded Lady cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the circus performers of the past. It is a playful and whimsical drink that is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of mystery and intrigue. This cocktail is popular among those who appreciate a well-balanced and flavorful drink.

  • Originated in the 21st century
  • Inspired by circus performers
  • Popular among adventurous drinkers

How Bearded Lady Tastes?

The Bearded Lady cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of gin, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice creates a refreshing and zesty base, while the raspberry syrup adds a touch of sweetness. The egg white gives the drink a smooth and creamy texture, making it a well-rounded and satisfying cocktail.

Interesting facts about Bearded Lady

  • The name 'Bearded Lady' is a nod to the circus performers who were known for their unusual appearance
  • The use of egg white in cocktails dates back to the 19th century and is used to create a frothy and creamy texture
  • Elderflower liqueur is made from the flowers of the elder tree, which is native to Europe and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries

Ingredients

A few good options for Bearded Lady are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the canvas of our cocktail art. It brings a complex botanical flavor that plays well with the lighter notes of elderflower and lemon. With 2oz, you're getting just enough to say hello to juniper without it crashing the berry party. Less gin? The drink becomes a tipsy fruit punch. More gin? You get a botanical bash with less room for the nuanced sweetness and floral tones.

Mary Mitkina

Elderflower Liqueur

Elderflower liqueur is the magic that whispers flowers into your drink. At 0.75oz, it's sharing the spotlight without stealing the show. Skip it, and you might as well be drinking a gin lemonade—that elderflower is the secret ingredient that elevates this from good to 'where have you been all my life?' Swap it with another floral liqueur, like crème de violette, and you'll get a different kind of garden party in your glass.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is here to add a zesty spark to our bearded mix. The 0.75oz is precisely what we need to balance the sweet and the strong, lifting the cocktail to refreshing peaks. No lemon juice? Things could go flat - like a joke without a punchline. Too much lemon, and you'll pucker up more than intended.

Alex Green

Raspberry Syrup

Raspberry syrup is our sweet, fruity charmer that ties everything together. At just 0.5oz, it's a whisper of sweet berry love without turning the drink into a raspberry swamp. Ditch the syrup, and you'll be missing a key player. A different syrup, like blackberry, could still work but you'd be venturing into uncharted berry territory.

Mary Mitkina

Egg White

The egg white is the bartender's frothy wand, turning the cocktail into a silky potion. One egg white provides the perfect ratio for that creamy head and velvety mouthfeel. Omitting it is like refusing a hug; the drink loses its comforting touch. Vegan or allergic? Try aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, for a similar effect.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish: Fresh Raspberry

Three raspberries are not just a pretty face; they're an aromatic invitation and a hint of what's to come. They also add texture and an occasional fruity nibble. Without them, you might not miss the boat, but you'll definitely be a few berries short of a full punnet.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Bearded Lady Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup
  2. Add the egg white and perform a dry shake (without ice) for 10-15 seconds to emulsify the egg white
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled
  4. Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Garnish with three fresh raspberries on a cocktail pick

Pro Tips

  • Dry Shake: This technique is crucial for emulsifying the egg white and creating a frothy texture. Don't skip this step!
  • Garnish: Use fresh raspberries for the best taste and presentation.
  • Elderflower Liqueur: This unique ingredient adds a floral note to the cocktail. It's worth investing in a bottle.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese plate: A variety of cheeses, particularly goat cheese or brie, can complement the floral and fruity notes of the cocktail.
  • Smoked salmon: The richness of the salmon will be balanced by the acidity of the lemon juice.

Desserts

  • Lemon tart: The citrus in the cocktail will echo the flavors in the dessert.
  • White chocolate raspberry cheesecake: A decadent cheesecake will pair nicely with the raspberry and elderflower flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

  • Sparkling water with a twist of lemon: To cleanse the palate between sips.
  • Iced hibiscus tea: The floral notes would resonate with the elderflower liqueur.

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What you could change in Bearded Lady

  • Gin: You can substitute gin with vodka for a less botanical flavor.
  • Elderflower Liqueur: If you can't find elderflower liqueur, St. Germain is a good substitute.
  • Raspberry Syrup: You can use grenadine or a simple syrup if raspberry syrup is not available.

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Bearded Black Lady

Changes: Substitute raspberry syrup with blackcurrant syrup. Recipe: Follow the original recipe but use blackcurrant syrup in place of the raspberry syrup. Description: This twist offers a deeper berry flavor, with the blackcurrant adding an earthy touch. Perfect when you fancy a darker shade of berry-licious

Cotton Candy Lady

Changes: Add a small tuft of cotton candy as an additional garnish. Recipe: Use the original recipe but place a small piece of cotton candy atop the drink before serving. Description: The cotton candy will add a whimsical sweetness and dissolve into the cocktail, creating a dynamic flavor show. It'll charm even those who usually dread the beard.

Elderbearded Gentleman

Changes: Add 0.5 oz of bourbon and use thyme as a garnish. Recipe: Mix original ingredients with an extra 0.5 oz of bourbon and shake well. Garnish with a sprig of thyme. Description: Bourbon brings a smoky sophistication, while thyme lends an herbaceous note, creating a dance of flavors that feels more like meeting a worldly gentleman than a bearded lady.

In case you forgot basics how to make Bearded Lady

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Bearded Lady

What is the best glassware to serve the Bearded Lady cocktail in?

The Bearded Lady cocktail is best served in a coupe glass, although it can also be served in a martini glass.

What type of gin works best for a Bearded Lady cocktail?

A London Dry Gin is most often used, but other botanical gins could be used for a different flavor profile.

Can a Bearded Lady cocktail be served on the rocks?

While the typical presentation is without ice in a coupe glass, some might prefer it on the rocks to dilute the intense flavors a bit.

What are some other unique garnishes that could work with a Bearded Lady cocktail?

In addition to raspberries, blackberries or a twist of lemon peel could also complement the flavors of this cocktail.

Where is the ideal setting to enjoy a Bearded Lady cocktail?

This cocktail is perfect for a cocktail party or dinner party, as its intriguing blend of flavors can be a great conversation starter.

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