Pink Lady Cocktail Recipe
Pink Lady Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:7g
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
Contents
History
The Pink Lady cocktail is a classic gin-based drink that dates back to the Prohibition era. It is believed to have been created in the 1920s and was a favorite among the flapper crowd. The drink's name is said to be inspired by the popular Broadway musical 'Lady Be Good,' which starred a character named Pink Lady.
- The Pink Lady is often associated with glamour and sophistication
- It was a popular choice among women during the Prohibition era
- The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to the revival of classic cocktails
How Pink Lady Tastes?
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Interesting facts about Pink Lady
- The Pink Lady is sometimes confused with the Clover Club cocktail, which has a similar appearance but uses raspberry syrup instead of grenadine
- The original recipe called for applejack, but it has since been replaced with gin in most modern versions
- The addition of egg white gives the Pink Lady its signature frothy, creamy texture
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Egg white: 1
- Garnish: Maraschino Cherry:1
A few good options for Pink Lady are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
The gin is the backbone of any Pink Lady, providing the botanical spirit that dances with the other ingredients. A 2 oz pour is just enough to assert its flavor without knocking anyone's socks off. If you skimp on the gin, you'll have a bashful Pink Lady; too much and she gets a bit rowdy.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
Grenadine brings a hint of pomegranate sweetness and that signature pink glow. At 0.5 oz, it's like the subtle rouge on the cheeks of your cocktail. Leave it out, and the Pink Lady loses its charm (and color!). Too much can make her overly sweet and sticky.
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
Fresh is best! The 0.5 oz of lemon juice provides a zingy tartness that balances the sweetness, making the cocktail bright and sassy. No lemon juice? The drink would be flat and desperately missing some pep. More than necessary could turn it into a sour puss.
Mary Mitkina
Egg White
Egg white is what gives this cocktail its silky texture and frothy top-hat. Without it, the Pink Lady would feel naked, lacking the smooth body that defines her. Just one egg white does the trick – it's not a scrambled egg, after all.
Emma Rose
Maraschino Cherry
This garnish is the final flourish, the jewel in the crown. It adds a touch of fruitiness and an eye-catching appeal. No cherry? The Pink Lady wouldn't be quite as dressed-up. As they say, it's the cherry on top!
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Pink Lady Drink
- Combine the gin, grenadine, lemon juice, and egg white in a cocktail shaker
- Perform a dry shake (without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute the cocktail
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
- Make sure to shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture
- Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Shrimp Cocktail: The zesty lemon juice complements the seafood while grenadine's sweetness provides a nice counterbalance.
- Cheese Plate with Fresh Fruits: The gin's botanicals and the cocktail's tartness cut through the richness of the cheese.
- Bruschetta: The acidity of lemon juice in the drink pairs well with the tomatoes and the vinegar on the bruschetta.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken Salad: The fresh, herbal notes of the gin and the tangy lemon juice in the Pink Lady will enhance the flavors of a lightly-seasoned chicken.
- Salmon with a Honey Glaze: The sweetness of grenadine will complement the honey glaze while the acidity of the cocktail cuts through the fattiness of the salmon.
Desserts
- Lemon Tart: Mirroring the citrus notes of the cocktail, a lemon tart can be a delightful pairing.
- Berries and Cream: The creamy texture contrasts with the frothiness of the egg white, and the berries echo the fruitiness of the garnish.
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What you could change in Pink Lady
- Gin: Can be substituted with vodka for a less herbal flavor
- Grenadine: Can be substituted with raspberry syrup for a different fruity twist
- Egg White: Can be omitted for those with egg allergies, but this will change the texture of the cocktail
Explore all drinks starting with P here
And of course - twists🍹
Pink Lady Royale
- Ingredients: 2 oz Gin, 0.5 oz Grenadine, 0.5 oz Lemon Juice, 1 Egg White, Sparkling Wine
- Recipe: Follow the original Pink Lady recipe, but top the drink with a splash of sparkling wine after pouring it into the coupe glass. This will add a celebratory fizz and may just tickle the nose.
- Difference: The sparkling wine will add a new dimension of effervescence, making it fit for a festive occasion or a more bougie affair.
Ruby Rose Lady
- Ingredients: 2 oz Gin, 0.5 oz Rose Syrup, 0.5 oz Lime Juice, 1 Egg White, Rose Petals for Garnish
- Recipe: Substitute grenadine with rose syrup and lemon juice with lime juice. The preparation remains similar to the Pink Lady.
- Difference: This variation introduces floral notes and a lime twist, perfect for those who enjoy a more perfumed and exotic sip with their gin.
Sour Apple Lady
- Ingredients: 2 oz Gin, 0.5 oz Sour Apple Liqueur, 0.5 oz Lemon Juice, 1 Egg White, Apple Slice for Garnish
- Recipe: Replace grenadine with sour apple liqueur. Otherwise, mix as usual and garnish with a fresh apple slice instead of a cherry.
- Difference: The sour apple adds a tart, fruity punch that livens up the Pink Lady, creating a more playful and tangy drink with an apple accent.
In case you forgot basics how to make Pink 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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Pink Lady
Is Pink Lady a cocktail for beginners or professionals?
While the Pink Lady cocktail has a rather sophisticated profile, its preparation is quite straightforward and can be undertaken by beginners. However, the use of egg white might need some practice.
What is the best type of gin to use in a Pink Lady cocktail?
Dry gin is the best type to use as it counters the sweetness of other ingredients. However, it ultimately depends on your personal taste.
Aside from maraschino cherries,what other garnishes can be used for the Pink Lady?
Given the cocktail’s pink hue, other vibrant garnishes like a twist of lemon or even a few sprigs of fresh mint may also be used.
What about the type of glassware? Are there alternatives to the recommended?
The elegant coupe glass is typically used due to its shape helping to maintain the froth. That said, you could also use a chilled martini glass.
Are there virgin (non-alcoholic) versions of the Pink Lady cocktail?
Yes,you may create a virgin Pink Lady cocktail by substituting alcohol with non-alcoholic gin or just excluding the gin altogether.
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