The Fair Lady is an elegant Gin Sour, which acquires a velvety texture thanks to the egg white and gains a slightly sweet depth with a touch of strawberry liqueur. The drink tastes fresh and effervescent on the first sip, but the egg white mellows the acidity and makes it surprisingly smooth. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a classic Sour with a fruity nuance – without becoming too sweet.
Here’s what you need for the Fair Lady
4 cl London Dry Gin
2 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
2 cl freshly squeezed lime juice
1 egg white (fresh, pasteurised)
1 splash of strawberry liqueur (approx. 0.2 cl)
Ice cubes
Key points
The egg white must be truly fresh – pasteurised liquid egg products will work, but fresh egg gives the best texture. If you want to avoid raw egg, you can blanch the egg white briefly in boiling water (30 seconds at 60°C) without it coagulating. The strawberry liqueur should only be a hint: a single splash is enough, otherwise the sweetness will dominate and the gin will lose its spice. For an even more aromatic finish, you can rub a thin strip of orange zest over the glass before straining – the oil will give a citrusy freshness without adding extra acidity.
Variations
- Fair Lady with raspberry — Replace the strawberry liqueur with 0.3 cl raspberry syrup and garnish with a fresh raspberry. Particularly well-suited if the gin has a subtle citrus note.
- Fair Lady without egg — For a vegan version, omit the egg white and instead use 0.5 cl aquafaba (chickpea water). The drink will be less creamy but remains fruity and refreshing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the egg white shaken first without ice?
The dry shake allows the egg white to develop better and form a more stable foam. If you shake it directly with ice, the cold would impede foaming, and the drink would appear less creamy.
Can I replace the orange juice with almond syrup?
No, that would change the drink’s character. The orange juice provides natural sweetness and acidity that the gin needs to achieve balance. Almond syrup would be too dominant and would overpower the strawberry liqueur.
How long does the drink keep in the glass?
The foam from the egg white will start to settle after about 10 minutes. The drink should therefore be consumed immediately after mixing to enjoy the texture.
