Is This All is a modern Sour, made with lemon vodka and Triple Sec for a light, almost translucent base. The egg white lends a silky texture, softening the drink without overpowering it with sweetness. The name plays with the question of whether that’s all there is – the answer is: yes, but that’s exactly what makes it perfect. A drink that surprises with the first sip and convinces with the second.
And this is what you need for the Is This All
4 cl lemon vodka
2 cl Triple Sec
2 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 egg white (fresh, room temperature)
crushed ice (for the shaker)
Key points
The egg white must be at room temperature – straight from the fridge it becomes too viscous and won’t foam properly. If you want to avoid raw egg, you can use pasteurized liquid egg white, but the texture will never be quite as velvety. The trick to straining: lift the sieve slightly once the first rush has passed – this keeps the foam in the glass and prevents it from dripping back into the sieve. If you like, you can finish the drink with a spritz of lemon oil from the peel for a subtle freshness without extra acidity.
Variations
- Is This All – Grapefruit Edition — Replace the lemon juice with 1.5 cl grapefruit juice and 0.5 cl lemon juice. The drink becomes more tart and acquires a slightly bitter note that pairs well with the Triple Sec.
- Is This All – Spiced — Add 1 dash of Angostura Bitters. The spice of the bitters rounds off the acidity and gives the drink an unexpected depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the drink without egg white?
Yes, but the texture will be thinner and less creamy. Alternatively, you can add 1 cl of cream or coconut milk to achieve a similar softness – though the flavour will change as a result.
Why isn’t my egg white foaming?
Either it was too cold or you didn’t shake it dry for long enough. 10 seconds is the minimum, with older eggs it can take up to 15 seconds. If the foam still doesn’t hold, a pinch of salt can help – it stabilizes the proteins.
Can I pre-mix the drink?
Not recommended. The egg white separates over time and the drink loses its creamy consistency. If you need to make it quickly, you can prepare the ingredients without ice and shake just before serving.
