White Linen Cocktail Recipe

White Linen Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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 White Linen is a refreshing, gin-based cocktail that was created in California. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy a light, crisp drink with a hint of sweetness. The cocktail is a modern creation, and it's often enjoyed during the warmer months due to its refreshing qualities.

  • The White Linen is a modern cocktail, with origins in California.
  • It's a popular choice for those who enjoy light, refreshing drinks.
  • The cocktail is often enjoyed during the warmer months, thanks to its crisp, refreshing qualities.

How White Linen Tastes?

The White Linen is a light, crisp cocktail with a subtle sweetness. The gin provides a botanical backdrop, while the elderflower liqueur adds a hint of floral sweetness. The lemon juice adds a tart, refreshing edge, making it a perfect balance of flavors.

Interesting facts about White Linen

  • The White Linen is a modern cocktail, and its exact origins are unknown.
  • Despite its name, the cocktail is not actually white, but a pale, clear color.
  • The cocktail is often garnished with a slice of cucumber, which adds a refreshing crunch.

Ingredients

A few good options for White Linen are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the backbone of the White Linen, providing a complex botanical base that ties together the other ingredients. At 2 oz, it delivers the right kick without overpowering the delicate elderflower. If you skimp on the gin, you'll miss the depth it brings, and the cocktail may become too sweet or flat. If you're feeling adventurous, try swapping it for vodka for a less herbal profile.

Alex Green

Elderflower Liqueur

Elderflower liqueur adds a sweet, floral note that makes this cocktail unique. 1 oz is the sweet spot that complements the gin without turning the drink into a flower garden. Remove it, and you lose the signature flavor, risking a rather plain gin spritz. A potential alternative? A splash of violet liqueur for a different floral twist!

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice cuts through the sweetness with a zesty punch. 1 oz is the ideal amount to balance the drink without turning it into a mouth-puckering experience. Without it, your cocktail might be too cloying. A lime juice swap could add an exotic edge if you're out of lemons.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

At 0.5 oz, simple syrup sweetens the deal just enough to harmonize the flavors. Too much, and you'll have a sugar bomb; too little, and you might find the drink too sharp. For a twist, use honey syrup for a richer sweetness with a floral hint.

Alex Green

Soda Water

Soda water is the effervescent topper that brings lightness and fizz to your drink, making it more refreshing. You top up to taste, but don't drown the other ingredients in bubbly! For a change, try tonic water for an added bitter edge or a flavored soda for a subtle new profile.

Emma Rose

Cucumber Slice

The cucumber slice is the cool crunch that gives the White Linen its garden-fresh finish. It's a garnish, but don't you dare forget it—it's like leaving your collar unironed! No cucumber? Try a sprig of fresh mint or basil for an aromatic garnish.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make White Linen Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
  5. Top up with soda water.
  6. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Be sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • The cucumber garnish adds a refreshing touch, don't skip it!

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese boards: A selection of mild, creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie complement the floral and fresh flavors of the cocktail.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as shrimp cocktail or ceviche, pair nicely with the White Linen's crispness.
  • Finger Foods: Cucumber sandwiches or vegetable spring rolls would be lovely alongside this refreshing drink.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken with herbs brings out the botanical notes in the gin.
  • Pasta Dishes: Opt for pasta with a light lemon butter sauce to echo the citrus in the cocktail.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tarts: The sweetness of a fruit tart would balance well with the tartness of the cocktail.
  • Sorbet: A lemon or elderflower sorbet would cleanse the palate between sips.

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What you could change in White Linen

  • Gin can be substituted with vodka for a smoother taste.
  • Elderflower liqueur can be replaced with St. Germain if it's not available.
  • If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving sugar in hot water.

Explore all drinks starting with W here

And of course - twists🍹

Rose Linen

  • Swap the gin for a rose-infused gin
  • Add a teaspoon of rose water
  • Garnish with rose petals Rose Linen offers a romantic twist to the classic White Linen. The use of rose-infused gin and a hint of rose water brings a floral bouquet that will make your heart flutter. Topped with delicate rose petals, it's a cocktail that feels like receiving a love letter in a glass.

Green Tea Linen

  • Use a green tea-infused simple syrup
  • Add a splash of matcha powder
  • Garnish with a lemon twist With Green Tea Linen, you're bringing an Asian flare to the mix. Green tea-infused syrup and a dusting of matcha powder add earthy tones that complement the botanicals of gin. A lemon twist ensures the citrus notes are not lost in this verdant variation.

Spicy Linen

  • Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the shaker
  • Use a chili-infused simple syrup
  • Garnish with a slice of chili pepper Spicy Linen turns up the heat for those who like a kick. Muddled jalapeño and a chili-infused syrup introduce a warm spice that contrasts with the cool cucumber and zesty lemon. It's a bold, daring take on the classic that's not for the faint of heart.

In case you forgot basics how to make White Linen

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

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 White Linen

What type of gin is best for this cocktail?

While any type of gin can work, using a high-quality, botanical forward gin such as Bombay Sapphire or Hendrick's gin will enhance the flavour of the cocktail.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute the gin and elderflower liqueur with non-alcoholic versions or with tonic water and elderflower cordial.

What is the flavor profile of elderflower liqueur?

Elderflower liqueur has a sweet, floral flavour with subtle citrus notes. It gives the cocktail a refreshing and unique taste.

Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?

Yes, lime juice can be used instead of lemon juice but it will give a slight variation in the flavour of the drink.

How can I make this cocktail stronger?

The alcohol content can be increased by adding more gin or elderflower liqueur, but be careful not to overpower the other flavors.

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