White Lady Classic
The refined gin sour from the Savoy, combining gin with Cointreau, lemon, and egg white for silky texture
- 1½ ozgin
- ¾ oztriple sec
- ¾ ozfresh lemon juice
- 1 wholeegg white
- lemon twistgarnish
Share this page
The White Lady was first created in 1919 by Scottish bartender Harry MacElhone at London's Ciro's Club, though his original version used crème de menthe in place of gin. MacElhone revised the recipe around 1929 at his own Harry's New York Bar in Paris, substituting gin for the mint liqueur to produce a drier, more elegant result. Harry Craddock then published the gin-based White Lady in his landmark 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, cementing its place in history. According to Savoy legend, Craddock sealed a shaker full of freshly prepared White Lady inside the hotel walls during a 1927 renovation — a time capsule never found. Laurel and Hardy were reportedly fond of the drink during their stays at the Savoy. Actress Lilian Harvey's version won a cocktail competition in Berlin in 1930, reflecting the drink's widespread popularity across interwar Europe.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great White Lady Classic at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.