Looking for a classic cocktail recipe that's sure to impress? Look no further than the Old Lady drink! Made with London dry gin, Creme de Cassis, Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch whisky, and a dash of egg, this sophisticated sipper is perfect for aspiring bartenders looking to up their mixology game. Just shake the ingredients together in a shaker with a strainer, and eliminate any unwanted pieces before serving. Cheers!
Old Lady Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz London dry gin
- 3/4 oz Creme de Cassis
- 1/2 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch whisky
- 1 dash egg
Old Lady Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
Old Lady Recipe
- fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
- shake till perfectly chilled
- fill glass
The Old Lady Cocktail: A Classic Drink with Modern Variations
If you're looking for a classic cocktail that's been around for decades, the Old Lady should be on your list. This drink has a rich history, a unique combination of ingredients, and can be easily adapted to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. As a professional bartender and blog editor, I'm excited to share everything you need to know about the Old Lady cocktail, from its popularity to its variations.
Popularity
History and Origins
The Old Lady cocktail originated around the early 1900s, and it's been a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts ever since. The cocktail is believed to have been created by a bartender named Hugo Ensslin, who published the recipe in his book, "Recipes for Mixed Drinks," in 1916.
Famous For
The Old Lady cocktail is famous for its unique blend of ingredients, which includes London dry gin, Creme de Cassis, Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch whisky, and a dash of egg. These ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful cocktail that has stood the test of time.
Geographic
The Old Lady cocktail is popular all over the world, but it's especially popular in the United States, where it has been a staple in many bars and restaurants for decades.
Appearance
The Old Lady cocktail has a deep, dark color, thanks to the Creme de Cassis and Scotch whisky. It's typically served in a martini glass and garnished with a slice of lemon or a cherry.
Ingredient Roles
Each ingredient in the Old Lady cocktail plays an important role in creating the unique flavor profile of this classic drink.
London Dry Gin
The gin is the base spirit for the Old Lady cocktail, and it provides the drink with its signature juniper flavor.
Creme de Cassis
Creme de Cassis is a sweet, dark liqueur made from blackcurrants. It adds a fruity sweetness to the cocktail and balances out the strong flavor of the gin and Scotch whisky.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky
The Scotch whisky adds a smoky, peaty flavor to the Old Lady cocktail. It also has a slightly sweet, honey-like taste that complements the other ingredients in the drink.
Egg
The egg is an optional ingredient in the Old Lady cocktail, but it adds a creamy texture and a subtle flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
How to Garnish
The garnish for the Old Lady cocktail is simple but effective. A slice of lemon or a cherry is all you need to add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the drink. To garnish the cocktail, simply place a slice of lemon or a cherry on the rim of the glass.
Variations
The Old Lady cocktail is a versatile drink that can be easily adapted to suit individual tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations to try:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a non-alcoholic version of the Old Lady cocktail, simply leave out the gin and Scotch whisky and replace them with soda water. You can also add a splash of grape juice or blackcurrant juice to mimic the flavor of the Creme de Cassis.
Gluten-Free Version and Ingredients
The Old Lady cocktail is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, if you're using a pre-made Creme de Cassis, make sure to check the label to ensure it's gluten-free.
Vegan Version
The Old Lady cocktail is already vegan, as none of the ingredients come from animal sources.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Old Lady cocktail, replace the Creme de Cassis with a sugar-free blackcurrant syrup, and skip the egg.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a lower-calorie version of the Old Lady cocktail, skip the egg and use a sugar-free blackcurrant syrup instead of Creme de Cassis. You can also use a low-calorie gin and Scotch whisky.
Common Mistakes When Making
To ensure that your Old Lady cocktail turns out perfectly every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using the Wrong Type of Gin
Make sure to use a London dry gin when making the Old Lady cocktail. Other types of gin may have a different flavor profile that could overpower the other ingredients in the drink.
Not Straining the Cocktail
The Old Lady cocktail contains small pieces of ingredients like fruit parts and seeds. Make sure to use a shaker with a strainer to remove these larger pieces before serving the cocktail.
Over-Shaking the Cocktail
Shaking the cocktail too vigorously can cause the egg to foam up and create an unpleasant texture in the drink. Shake the cocktail just enough to combine the ingredients without creating too much foam.
In conclusion, the Old Lady cocktail is a classic drink that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of ingredients and adaptability make it a popular choice for cocktail enthusiasts all over the world. Whether you're looking for a traditional recipe or a modern variation, the Old Lady cocktail is sure to please.
If you are going to order Old Lady in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Old Lady can be served with different ingredients in different places.