The History of the White Lady

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The White Lady cocktail, with its ethereal name and equally enchanting appearance, has retained its elegance and timeless appeal throughout its history. The current classic formulation includes Cointreau, lemon juice, gin, sugar syrup, and an optional egg white, which contributes to its characteristic frothy, cloudy white texture. The journey of the White Lady cocktail is as intriguing as its flavor profile. Let’s delve deeper into its origins, evolution, and various monikers.

TL;DR

• Originated by Harry McElhone in London in 1919.
• Refined in Paris with gin replacing crème de menthe.
• Perfected by Harry Craddock and Peter Dorelli with added egg white.
• Has several nicknames like Delilah and Chelsea Sidecar.

Who Invented the White Lady?

While many cocktails boast convoluted origin stories, the White Lady's genesis can be traced back with a fair degree of certainty. The drink is widely attributed to Harry McElhone, who first crafted it in 1919 while working as a bartender at the Ciro Club in London. The original concoction was a mix of crème de menthe, triple sec, and lemon juice—an unusual combination that nonetheless found popularity among the club's patrons.

In 1923, McElhone embarked on a new venture by opening his own establishment: Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. It was here that he revised the White Lady, replacing the crème de menthe with gin, thus giving birth to the dry, sophisticated version that we are familiar with today. This adaptation not only altered the drink's flavor profile but also cemented its status as a distinguished cocktail.

The White Lady didn’t stop evolving with McElhone’s adjustments. In 1930, another legendary bartender named Harry Craddock took the cocktail's refinement to new heights. Craddock included the White Lady in his iconic publication, The Savoy Cocktail Book, increasing the gin proportion in the recipe and solidifying the drink’s place in mixology history. Craddock's version became a mainstay at the American Bar in the Savoy Hotel, where it garnered a dedicated following.

The saga of the White Lady saw yet another transformation at the hands of Peter Dorelli, a future manager of the American Bar. He introduced the idea of adding a small amount of egg white to the drink. This subtle inclusion lent the cocktail a luxurious, silky texture while enhancing its visual appeal. While the addition of egg white remains optional, many connoisseurs swear by it for the added smoothness it brings.

White Lady Monikers

Despite its relatively brief history compared to other classic cocktails, the White Lady has accumulated a variety of monikers over the years. Depending on where you find yourself, ordering a Delilah, a Kiernander, or a Janikedevence will invariably result in a White Lady appearing before you. The cocktail has also been named Lillian Forever and the Chelsea Sidecar, echoing its multifaceted character and storied past.

Interestingly, there are few modern variations of the White Lady that diverge significantly from the recipe refined by Dorelli. Some bartenders, however, opt to substitute cream for the egg white, resulting in an equally smooth but slightly richer beverage. When using either egg white or cream, it is crucial to employ a dry shake (shaking the ingredients without ice) before adding ice for the final shake. This method ensures that the mixture emulsifies properly, creating a cohesively smooth and frothy texture without any risk of curdling.

The White Lady in Context

The White Lady cocktail belongs to a venerable collection of beverages commonly referred to as "gin and juice cocktails." This category typically combines gin with a sweet juice—usually citrus—and at least one other ingredient to balance and enhance the flavors. The gin and juice family includes venerable cocktails like the Sidecar, the Corpse Reviver, and the Aviation, all of which share a common penchant for balance and complexity.

Understanding where the White Lady fits within this pantheon of gin-forward drinks can offer greater insight into its continued popularity. The drink’s precise balance of tart lemon juice, the herbal nuances of gin, and the aromatic sweetness of Cointreau exemplifies the art of crafting a well-rounded cocktail. Each ingredient not only complements but elevates the others, creating a harmonious blend that delights the palate with every sip.

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White Lady

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Invented

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(1919)

Base ingredient

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Gin

Calories

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173 calories

Alcohol content

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31.11% | 2.8 units of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

Shaken

The White Lady cocktail dates back to the 1920s and has remained a beloved classic ever since. It is believed to have been created by bartender Harry MacElhone at his famous Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The cocktail gets its name from the pale, frothy appearance which resembles a white lady's dress. The triple sec adds a hint of sweetness and orange flavor, while the lemon juice provides a zesty and tangy kick. The star ingredient, gin, gives the cocktail a strong herbal and juniper flavor, making it a favorite among gin lovers. The combination of these ingredients creates a well-balanced and refreshing drink with a smooth and crisp finish. This elegant and timeless cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast.

Ingredients

Triple Sec

Lemon Juice

Gin

Method

How to make a White Lady

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice

Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve

Makers mode

View the full recipe

The Cultural Footprint of the White Lady

Beyond its sterling reputation in the cocktail world, the White Lady has permeated various aspects of culture and society. It has appeared in literature, film, and even music, often symbolizing refinement and sophistication. Bartenders and enthusiasts alike consider the White Lady a benchmark for testing their mixology skills. The precision required to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and the meticulous technique needed for the ideal frothy finish make it a true connoisseur’s cocktail.

From its inception in the bustling atmosphere of early 20th-century London to its heyday in the iconic American Bar at the Savoy Hotel, the White Lady has earned a permanent place in the annals of cocktail history. Its journey through time is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the bartenders who have lovingly refined and adapted it. Much like the timeless elegance she exudes, the White Lady continues to captivate new generations of cocktail aficionados.

So, the next time you find yourself in a sophisticated bar or hosting a tasteful gathering, consider stepping into a storied tradition by ordering or making a White Lady. With each sip, you’ll be savoring a piece of liquid history, an embodiment of elegance that has gracefully stood the test of time.