Perfect Lady Cocktail Recipe

Perfect Lady Nutrition Facts

Calories:~170

Fat:0g

Protein:~2g

Carbohydrates:~11g

Alcohol:~14%

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 Perfect Lady cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It's a variation of the White Lady, which was created by Harry MacElhone in 1919 at Ciro’s Club in London. The Perfect Lady became popular for its smooth, fruity flavor and creamy texture, provided by the addition of egg white.

  • Who Would Like It: This cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate a balance of citrus and sweet flavors, with a silky mouthfeel. It's often enjoyed by gin enthusiasts looking for a refreshing yet complex beverage.

How Perfect Lady Tastes?

The Perfect Lady is a harmonious blend of sweet and sour with a strong gin foundation. The peach liqueur adds a fruity sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon juice. The simple syrup provides a subtle sweetness, while the egg white creates a smooth and frothy texture, making the drink rich and velvety.

Interesting facts about Perfect Lady

  • The Perfect Lady can be considered a 'forgotten classic' as it's less commonly found on modern cocktail menus.
  • The cocktail's name suggests a certain elegance and refinement, which is reflected in its smooth taste and presentation.
  • The use of egg white in cocktails dates back to the 19th century and is used to add texture and a frothy head to the drink.

Ingredients

  • Gin: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Peach liqueur: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Simple syrup: 1tsp
  • Egg white: 1 oz(30ml)

A few good options for Perfect Lady are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

  • A base of 1.5 oz of gin is perfect not to overpower the delicate peach and citrus flavors. Less gin could make the drink too sweet, while more might be too boozy, overshadowing the cocktail's complexity. If you're adventurous, try a floral gin to add another layer of flavor!

Mary Mitkina

Peach Liqueur

  • 0.75 oz peach liqueur give a sweet, fruity kick that sets this drink apart. Too little and you'll miss that 'perfect' peachy punch; too much could be cloying. An apricot brandy can sometimes step in as a boozy alternative.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

  • The 0.75 oz lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, adding a zesty zing! Skimp and the cocktail could become overly sweet, overdo it and you pull a sour face. No lemons? A lime might do in a pinch, but the flavor profile will surely change.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

  • Just a teaspoon of simple syrup balances the tartness without making the drink syrupy. Fluctuate the amount based on your sweet tooth. A flavored syrup could introduce an unexpected twist!

Mary Mitkina

Egg White

  • 1 oz of egg white creates silky smoothness and a beautiful foamy cap. Without it, you lose texture and the 'wow' factor. Vegan? Aquafaba could do the trick as a frothy substitute.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Perfect Lady Drink

  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. Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass.

Pro Tips

  • Temperature: Make sure your cocktail glass is well-chilled before serving to keep the drink cold longer.
  • Dry-Shake: Don't skip the dry-shake step, as it's crucial for achieving the perfect frothiness from the egg white.
  • Straining: Double-straining is important to ensure a smooth texture without any ice shards or egg remnants.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Fresh seafood: The light and fruity notes of the Perfect Lady cocktail enhance the delicate flavors of fresh oysters or shrimp.
  • Soft cheeses: A creamy brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the smooth texture and peachy notes of the drink.

Desserts

  • Lemon tart: The tartness in both the lemon tart and the cocktail complement each other, providing a harmonious citrus experience.
  • Peach cobbler: Amplify the peachy flavor by pairing with a dessert that echoes this ingredient, such as a warm peach cobbler.

Other Drinks

  • Sparkling water with lemon: A non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate and prepares you for the next sip of your cocktail.

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What you could change in Perfect Lady

  • Gin: You can use any premium dry gin if you don't have a specific brand in mind. Hendrick's or Tanqueray are excellent choices.
  • Peach Liqueur: If you can't find peach liqueur, try substituting with peach schnapps, though it will be sweeter.
  • Egg White: For a vegan option, aquafaba (chickpea water) can be used as a substitute for egg white.

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Peachy Keen Martini

  • Substitute gin with vodka, add a splash of prosecco, and garnish with a peach slice. You'll get a lighter, bubbly twist on the original, perfect for those who prefer vodka over gin.

Rosy Lady

  • Swap out half of the peach liqueur for rose syrup and garnish with a rose petal. This will bring a floral accent to the cocktail, creating a marriage of peach and rose that’s aromatic and elegantly sweet.

Spicy Perfection

  • Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker with the gin (remove seeds to control heat). This version will create a kick that enlivens the senses, bringing a bold twist to the Perfect Lady.

In case you forgot basics how to make Perfect Lady

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Perfect Lady

What type of glass is best for serving the Perfect Lady cocktail?

A chilled cocktail or coupe glass is traditionally used for serving the Perfect Lady to enhance its elegance and maintain its chill.

How important is the quality of gin in the Perfect Lady cocktail?

The quality of gin is quite important as it is the base spirit of the drink. A good quality gin provides a more refined and balanced flavor to the cocktail.

Can I make the Perfect Lady cocktail in advance?

It's best made fresh due to the inclusion of egg white, which can separate or lose its frothiness over time.

What is the purpose of shaking the cocktail with and without ice?

The initial dry shake without ice is to emulsify the egg white, creating a foamy texture, while the second shake with ice chills and dilutes the drink to perfection.

Are there any garnishes recommended for Perfect Lady?

A lemon twist or a thin slice of peach can be used as a garnish to complement the flavors in the cocktail.

Is the Perfect Lady considered a strong cocktail?

The Perfect Lady is moderately strong, with the alcohol content primarily coming from the gin.

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