Pink Lady Recipe

Looking to whip up a cocktail that’s a little glamorous and a lot delicious? You’re in for a treat with the Pink Lady cocktail. This classic drink brings together gin, applejack, lemon juice, grenadine, and egg white to create a fruity yet sophisticated flavor that’s bound to impress. With its origins in the Prohibition era, the Pink Lady was a favorite among those looking to enjoy a discreet tipple with a bit of flair.

Making a Pink Lady is all about balance. You’ll need 1.5 ounces of gin, 0.5 ounces of applejack, and just a slight tartness from 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice. The sweetness comes from adding 0.5 ounces of grenadine. An egg white gives it that signature creamy texture, something that can be a bit tricky but well worth the effort.

When I first experimented with making this cocktail at home, I found that shaking the ingredients without ice initially (a “dry shake”) really helped incorporate the egg white. Then, add ice and shake again for that perfect frothy top. The result was a cocktail that looked stunning and tasted even better, a true highlight at any gathering.

Ingredients and Tools

A Pink Lady cocktail is known for its attractive blush color and delightful balance of flavors. To craft this cocktail to perfection, you’ll need specific ingredients and essential bar tools.

Required Ingredients

To create a classic Pink Lady, gather these ingredients:

1.5 oz Gin: Choose a middle-range gin for balanced flavor.

0.5 oz Applejack: Gives a hint of tartness to the cocktail.
0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, ensuring bright citrus notes.
0.5 oz Grenadine: Provides sweetness and the characteristic pink hue.

1 Egg White: Adds a smooth, frothy texture.

It’s vital to use fresh ingredients for the best results. Fresh lemon juice elevates the overall flavor, and using a high-quality grenadine ensures the cocktail’s sweetness isn’t overpowering. The egg white is optional but recommended for a luxurious mouthfeel.

Bar Tools Needed

Equip your bar with the following tools to ensure you can mix a perfect Pink Lady:

Cocktail Shaker: Essential for shaking the ingredients with ice and achieving the right blend.
Strainer: Use it to pour the cocktail without the ice shards.
Measuring Jigger: Accurate measurements are crucial; a jigger helps maintain consistency.

Citrus Juicer: A hand-held juicer ensures you get the most juice from your lemons.
Fine Mesh Sieve: Useful if you want to remove any egg white bits post-shaking for a smoother texture.

Having these tools at your disposal makes preparation smooth and efficient. Once, at a home mixer, I found using two shakers sped up the process, allowing me to serve multiple guests quickly. These tools not only make the job easier but also help produce a professional-quality cocktail.

Mix up your Pink Lady with confidence using these ingredients and tools, ensuring your drink is both visually stunning and delicious.

Preparation and Serving

Creating the Pink Lady cocktail involves precise measurements, mixing techniques, and thoughtful garnishing to elevate your experience. Prepare by gathering your ingredients and tools to ensure a smooth process.

Mixing the Cocktail

First, get your ingredients ready:

1.5 oz gin
0.5 oz applejack
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice

0.25 oz grenadine
1 fresh egg white

Start by pouring all the liquids into a cocktail shaker. Add the egg white for that beautiful, foamy texture that makes this drink stand out. Make sure your egg is fresh to get the best results. Next, dry-shake (shake without ice) the mixture for about 15 seconds. This helps emulsify the egg white and creates a rich foam.

Then, add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 20 seconds. You want to make sure everything is well-chilled and mixed thoroughly. Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass. This ensures that the drink is smooth and free of ice shards, making your Pink Lady look as spectacular as it tastes.

Garnishing Your Drink

Garnishing your Pink Lady adds that final touch of elegance. A brandied cherry is a classic choice and adds rich, sweet notes to your drink. If you want to make it at home, you can use maraschino cherries soaked in a bit of brandy for a few hours.

Place the cherry gently on a cocktail pick and lay it across the top of the glass. You can also drop it directly into the drink if you prefer. A thin lemon twist can add a nice citrus aroma to complement the tartness of the cocktail.

In my own bartending experience, I love adding a touch of gold leaf for special occasions. It gives the cocktail an extra bit of sparkle and makes it feel luxurious. Remember, the garnish is not just for looks; it enhances the overall sensory experience of your cocktail. Enjoy your beautifully crafted Pink Lady!