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Epicurious

White Lady

Image may contain Cutlery Fork and Plant
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

This Prohibition-era cocktail is not very ladylike on the surface. On paper, it looks like a Sidecar made with gin, but nothing could be farther from the truth. We tasted this cocktail at the Savoy in London where it was invented, according to Harry Craddock, author of The Savoy Cocktail Book, which was published in 1930. Three high-quality ingredients and a master technique make this cocktail a high point of everyone’s evening. We suggest you pack your freezer full of large ice cubes, squeeze a lot of fresh lemon juice, and get going. Play some slapstick movies while you drink it—it is said that this cocktail was the favorite of Laurel and Hardy.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 drink

Ingredients

1 3/4 ounces Plymouth gin
1 1/4 ounces Cointreau
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 orange twist, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour the gin, Cointreau, and juice into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the orange twist.

  2. tasting notes

    Step 2

    Dominant Flavors: lemon and juniper

    Step 3

    Body: light

    Step 4

    Dryness: crisp and acidic with balanced sweetness

    Step 5

    Complexity: simple

    Step 6

    Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: orange oils

    Step 7

    Finish: short, sharp citrus overtones

  3. Step 8

    Glass: cocktail

Cover of Speakeasy by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric featuring a coupe glass with a brown cocktail and lemon wheel garnish.
Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesCointreauTriple SecLiqueurGinLemonCitrusFruitOrangeQuickEasyCookbooks
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