Blue Lady Cocktail Recipe

The Blue Lady is a variation of the classic White Lady cocktail, which itself is a twist on the Sidecar. The White Lady was created in the 1920s, and the Blue Lady followed as a colorful sibling, gaining popularity for its vibrant hue and refreshing taste.

• Origins: The Blue Lady is believed to have emerged during the mid-20th century.
• Popularity: It became a hit in upscale bars, especially among those who enjoyed a visually appealing drink with a citrus kick.
• Patrons: This cocktail is often favored by those who appreciate a balance of tart and sweet flavors, combined with the botanical notes of gin.

The Blue Lady cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet and sour with a creamy texture. The citrus tang from the lemon juice is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the blue curaçao, while the gin provides a complex botanical backdrop. The egg white adds a smooth, frothy finish that rounds out the drink.

• The Blue Lady is a visually striking cocktail due to its vivid blue color.
• It's a popular choice for themed parties and events that require a touch of elegance.
• The inclusion of egg white is a classic technique used to create a silky texture and a frothy top layer in cocktails.

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously (dry shake) to emulsify the egg white.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Optionally, garnish with a twist of lemon peel or a cherry for a pop of color.

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Chill the cocktail glass beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer.
• When dry shaking, shake for at least 15 seconds to ensure a good froth.

Appetizers

Light appetizers like calamari, shrimp cocktail, or ceviche typically pair well with citrus-forward cocktails like the Blue Lady due to the brightness of the lemon. The sharp gin notes can cut through the fried exterior of calamari and complements the seafood flavors.

Entrees

For those who like to sip along with their meal, think of dishes with a herby or citrus basis. A grilled chicken with herb seasoning or a lemony risotto can go great with the botanicals in the gin and zesty lemon juice in your Blue Lady.

Desserts

As for desserts, balance the Blue Lady's citric tang with a vanilla bean panna cotta or a slice of light lemon chiffon cake. Steer clear from overly sweet or chocolate-intensive desserts, as they might clash with the cocktail's flavor profile.

• Gin: A botanical-forward gin like Hendrick's can enhance the flavor profile.
• Blue Curacao: In a pinch, you can use another orange-flavored liqueur with a drop of blue food coloring.
• Egg White: For a vegan option, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can be used as a substitute.

Green Fairy Lady

Switch the gin for absinthe to introduce a mysterious anise flavor, making it less dry and more aromatic. Replace the egg white with a dash of cream to give it a more velvety, though slightly heavier, feel.

Pink Lady Redux

Experiment with pomegranate syrup and pink grapefruit juice to give the Blue Lady a blush, offering a fruitier, slightly tart alternative. Gin maintains its role; float a rose petal on top to seduce the eyes before the first sip.

Tropical Blue Dame

Add a splash of coconut cream and a dollop of pineapple juice for an escape to the tropics. A lighter rum can substitute gin for a more laid-back island vibe. Serve with a tiny umbrella, because why not?