The time between the 1860s and Prohibition is often called the Golden Age of Cocktails. It’s also around the same time that Joseph Magnus entered the world of whiskey making. Egg whites appeared in cocktail recipes as early as the 1860s and, although the popularity of egg white cocktails has changed over the years, many of these recipes have stood the test of time.
Egg whites have brought us our beloved fizzes and, of course, the many variations on the whiskey sour.
Egg whites were first introduced to cocktails to soften the acid of both citrus and spirit. The result was a frothy and rich, yet mellow drink. Egg white cocktails don’t taste “eggy” because they are neither cooked, nor contain the yolk – where most of the “eggy” flavor comes from.
Most cocktails with egg white utilize the “dry shake method,” which is simply shaking the ingredients without ice in order to create a fluffy and silky cocktail. Craft egg white cocktails safely below by using a fresh egg with a clean shell. Or, for extra ease of mind, consider using pasteurized egg white.
The 5 Egg White Cocktails We Love
Joe’s Vacation Fizz
A variation on the classic Gin Fizz.
- 1.5 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- .75 oz agave syrup
- .5 oz lemon juice
- .5 oz lime juice
- 1 egg white
- 2 oz soda water
- Dehydrated lime wheel, garnish
In a cocktail shaker, add Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin, pineapple juice, agave syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, and egg white and dry shake. Add ice and shake until well blended and chilled. Double strain into a highball with fresh ice. Top with soda water and dehydrated lime wheel.
The White Lady
A crisp sour from the 1920s, often found at a Gatsby party.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Lemon twist or lemon slice, garnish
Add the Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Add the ice to the cocktail shaker. Shake again for 30 seconds. Strain into a martini or cocktail glass; the foam will collect at the top. Garnish with a lemon twist or lemon wedge.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Amaretto Sour
A vividly colored whiskey sour variation, and a disco era staple.
- 1.5 oz amaretto liqueur
- .75 oz Joseph Magnus Bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- .25 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white, whisked
- Lemon twist, brandied cherry, garnish
Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and brandied cherry.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Gin Fizz
Creamy and citrusy, the gin fizz recipe originally appeared in print in 1876 and was made famous by bar owner Henry C. Ramos’ version in 1888. Thankfully, the modern variation is a little less labor intensive than the Ramos-required 12 minutes of mix time.
- 2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant Navy Strength Gin
- 1 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- .75 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Club soda, to top
Add the Joseph Magnus Vigilant Navy Strength Gin , lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds. Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled. Double-strain into a chilled Collins glass and top with club soda.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Clover Club
Named after the men’s club where it was invented in the late 19th century, the Clover Club is recognized by its soft pink shade.
- 1.75 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
- .5 oz dry vermouth
- .5 oz raspberry syrup
- .5 oz lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Raspberries, garnish
Add the Joseph Magnus Vigilant Navy Strength Gin , vermouth, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a shaker without ice and shake for about 10 seconds. Add ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with raspberries.
See the full recipe and instructions here.
Whether replicating a classic, or crafting your own egg white cocktails, find the award-winning Joseph Magnus spirits at a retailer near you. Share your frothy cocktails using #josamagnus on social. Join our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest from Jos. A. Magnus. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.
