The Pink Lady: A Sophisticated Sip of History

There’s something undeniably charming about the Pink Lady, a cocktail that manages to be both elegant and playful at the same time. Think of it as the cocktail equivalent of Audrey Hepburn – classic, sophisticated, but with a delightful hint of whimsy.

A Touch of History

The Pink Lady emerged during the Prohibition era, when adding egg whites and grenadine to cocktails was a popular way to soften the harsh edges of bootlegged gin. While some dismissed it as a “lady’s drink” in the mid-20th century (oh, how times have changed!), this cocktail has proven its staying power and is now celebrated as a true classic that demands respect.

Getting to Know Your Pink Lady

At first glance, you might mistake this for a simple gin sour with a rosy blush, but there’s more complexity here than meets the eye. The gin provides a sturdy backbone, while applejack (or apple brandy) adds depth and character. The egg white creates that luxurious, silky texture that makes you feel like you’re drinking liquid velvet, while the grenadine brings both color and a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.

The Recipe

The perfect Pink Lady requires attention to detail and a gentle touch.

Ingredients:

1½ oz London Dry gin
½ oz applejack (or apple brandy)
½ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz grenadine
1 fresh egg white
Ice for shaking

Instructions:

Start with a dry shake: Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
No garnish is traditionally required, but if you’re feeling fancy, a small rose petal won’t hurt.

Tasting Notes

The first sip greets you with a velvety smoothness that’s simply remarkable. The gin’s botanical notes play nicely with the apple hints from the applejack, while the lemon juice provides brightness and structure. The grenadine isn’t just for color – it adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the drink’s edges. The egg white brings everything together with a luxurious mouthfeel that makes each sip feel special.

Making It Perfect

A few insider tips to elevate your Pink Lady:

Use fresh egg whites – the carton stuff just isn’t the same
Don’t skip the dry shake – it’s essential for that perfect foam
Choose a quality grenadine (homemade or premium store-bought) rather than the bright red artificial stuff
A London Dry gin works best here; save your fancy craft gins for martinis

When to Serve

The Pink Lady shines as a pre-dinner cocktail, but don’t let that limit you. It’s perfect for spring gatherings, sophisticated brunches, or any occasion that calls for something elegant with a touch of whimsy. It’s also a wonderful choice when you want to introduce gin cocktails to someone who claims they “don’t like gin.”

Remember, making a Pink Lady is a bit like performing a small ballet – it requires precision and grace, but the result is absolutely worth the extra effort. When done right, it’s a drink that proves sophistication doesn’t have to be serious, and pink can indeed be powerful.