Cocktail Art
White Lady
The White Lady is a classic sour cocktail featuring gin, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice. It is a crisp, elegant drink with a bright citrus profile and a dry, refreshing finish. Perfect as an aperitif or a sophisticated evening drink, this cocktail was popularized in the 1920s and remains a staple of vintage mixology.
- GlassCocktail glass
- MethodShake
- Time3 min
- Strength≈ 20% ABV
How to make a White Lady
Shake it in a cocktail glass with ice cubes. About 3 minutes.
- Chill your cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
- Combine the gin, triple sec liqueur, and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
Bartender’s tips
- If you do not have triple sec, you can substitute it with Cointreau or another dry orange liqueur for a similar citrus profile.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled juice to ensure the crisp, bright sourness that defines this cocktail.
- To get a beautiful, frosty finish, make sure your cocktail glass is thoroughly chilled before straining the drink into it.
You may also like
If you enjoy the crisp, sour profile of the White Lady, you might also like these similar cocktails: Long Island Ice Tea, Gin Fizz, John Collins, and Orange Fizz.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsWhite Lady questions
What is the best gin to use in a White Lady?
A standard London Dry gin works best, as its dry, botanical notes complement the crisp citrus flavors of the triple sec and lemon juice.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, though it will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile of the cocktail.
How strong is a White Lady cocktail?
The White Lady has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of about 20%, making it a moderately strong, spirit-forward drink.