Pink Lady

Pro tips

• Perform a dry shake first: vigorously shake egg white, lemon juice, and grenadine without ice for 10–15 seconds to create proper foam before adding spirits and ice.
• Use fresh lemon juice—bottled juice flattens the drink's balance and makes the grenadine taste cloying.
• Chill your coupe glass beforehand; a cold glass preserves the foam head and keeps the drink silky longer.
• Applejack can be hard to find; if unavailable, substitute with Calvados (apple brandy) or a blend of rye and apple liqueur to maintain the apple note.

Substitutions

• Applejack → Calvados (lighter, more refined apple character)
• Applejack → Rye whiskey + splash of apple liqueur (if applejack is unavailable)
• Grenadine → Pomegranate juice + simple syrup at 1:1 (fresher taste, requires slight adjustment to balance)
• Egg white → Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) for vegan option (use 1 oz)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately after preparation. Do not store mixed drinks.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring tool · coupe glass or cocktail glass · barspoon (optional, for stirring)

Can I skip the egg white in a Pink Lady?

You can, but the egg white creates the signature silky texture and foam head. For safety, use pasteurized egg whites if concerned about raw eggs.

What does applejack add to this cocktail?

Applejack brings apple brandy character and subtle sweetness that balances the gin's botanicals and lemon's acidity, adding complexity beyond simple gin-citrus drinks.

Should I use real grenadine or bottled?

Real grenadine (pomegranate syrup) yields better flavor and less artificial sweetness. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup brands for a more balanced cocktail.

How do I get a proper foam head on a Pink Lady?

Dry shake the egg white with lemon juice and grenadine first (without ice) for 10–15 seconds, then add gin, applejack, and ice for a wet shake. This aerates the white fully.