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Here are the best classic egg white cocktails to try! The trick to that perfect frothy egg white foam is easier than you think.
What’s makes a more classic cocktail than an egg white foam topping? Bartenders have been adding egg whites to cocktails since the 1860’s. Not only do they add a frothy texture to the surface of the drink, they also add a creamy rich flavor.
Alex and I have are certified mixologists, and as part our training we did taste testing of the same cocktail with and without foam. It really does make a difference, not only in texture but it mellows out the acidity of the citrus! Here’s how to make the perfect egg white foam layer, and then recipes for a few of our favorite classic egg white cocktails.
A “dry shake” makes the best egg white foam
How to get the perfect foam? The best frothy egg white form is achieved by doing something called a dry shake. If you skip this step, you’ll end up with a loose, wimpy foam layer. Here’s how the dry shake works:
- The first shake without ice lets the protein in the egg begin to form foam, instead of being diluted by the ice.
- The second shake with ice cools the drink and strengthens the foam. Strain it into the glass and you’ll get a thick, white frothy layer.
Pro tip: the reverse shake
There’s also a technique called a Reverse Shake. This involves shaking the drink with ice first, then shaking without it. This gets an even larger amount of frothy foam topping! But for most drinks, we find the classic dry shake works just fine.
The recipes: 12 classic egg white cocktails
Here's a classic egg white cocktail: the amaretto sour! It's nothing like those syrupy versions with sour mix. Made correctly, this drink can be one of the best cocktails out there. It’s tangy and sweet tart, with a hint of almond from the amaretto that’s toned down by the secret ingredient: bourbon. Add that smooth, creamy egg white foam, and it's pretty darn perfect.
The Gin Fizz is one of the most iconic egg white cocktails! Check out the frothy foam on this one. It's got that classic foam layer, and is topped off with soda water which adds even greater height. It's a tangy drink made with gin and lemon.
The whiskey sour is another classic egg white cocktail! The whiskey sour can be made with and without the egg white foam: with the foam it's sometimes called a Boston Sour. This drink goes back centuries, and it's flavor is perfectly balanced between sweet, tart, and boozy.
Here's a sophisticated classic cocktail that steals the show: the Clover Club! This bright pink drink stems back before Prohibition, but it's just as en vogue today. Sweet raspberry or grenadine syrup combine with zingy lemon and gin to make a perfectly balanced sweet tart drink. A classic egg white foam gives a creamy body and frothy texture to each sip! This one's a unique gin cocktail that's just plain fun.
There’s truly no drink like it. Meet the classic pisco sour! This sour cocktail from Peru is mega popular for a reason. It’s just that good. There’s really nothing like a pisco sour. The way the pisco melds with the lime makes it bright, mellow, and distinctly magical. Decorate the egg white foam with a pattern using bitters to be ultra classic.
This spin on the classic Gin Fizz is fruity, unique, and even more refreshing than the original. Meet the Sloe Gin Fizz! Sloe Gin is neither gin, nor slow, but it’s absolutely worth finding a bottle to make this cocktail! It’s tart and fizzy, with a fruity finish that makes you want to immediately keep sipping.
The tequila sour is a tasty egg white cocktail that's a spinoff of the whiskey sour! It's delightfully refreshing sweet tart drink with a frothy foam topping! Think of it as a mashup of a 1920’s sour cocktail with a margarita.
The White Lady cocktail is a 1920’s style sour is clear and crisp, with a refreshing flavor and a frothy egg white foam topping. It’s super classy, perfect for a cocktail night or just sipping on the porch. It's made with gin and lemon, and served in a martini glass or coupe.
Here’s a cocktail with a long history that inspired a slew of other drinks: the Gin Sour! It’s the lesser known cousin to sours like the Whiskey Sour and Amaretto Sour. But the Gin Sour is just as tasty as its cousins: smooth, tart, balanced, with floral notes from the gin. Top it with a classic egg white foam for a creamy body and frothy finish. It’s a unique sour to remember!
The vodka sour is another classic egg white cocktail that's a spin-off on the whiskey sour! This one is refreshingly sweet tart and the frothy egg white foam adds creaminess and richness. Add a few drops of bitters to add intrigue to the flavor.
Calling all Mezcal lovers! This spin on the classic Pisco Sour is smoky and nuanced. It’s balanced with a light, sweet tart body and a frothy egg white foam top. Top it with a shake of bitters and it’s the perfect drink for anyone who loves a bit of smoke!
Swap white, anejo or dark rum into a classic sour cocktail and it's delightfully sweet tart, pairing perfectly with lemon juice and simple syrup. Top it off with an egg white foam topping, which gives it a creamy mouthfeel.
Is it safe to drink egg white cocktails?
If you’re worried about the safety of raw egg whites in cocktails, keep in mind that the risk of salmonella is very low. In fact, melons, salad, and peanuts, have more of a threat for salmonella than eggs! Here’s how to safely store and use eggs to minimize risk.
Older adults and those with a compromised immune system are at greater risk of salmonella, so these populations may want to evaluate the risk before using raw egg whites in drinks.
What can I use instead of egg whites in cocktails?
Can’t eat eggs and want to make an egg white foam? Don’t worry: you can use aquafaba! Aquafaba is the liquid that’s in a can of chickpeas. Because it’s starchy, it can work as a binder similar to an egg. Two tablespoons of aquafaba equals one egg white, so use two tablespoons of egg white in each drink.
💡 Tip: For an egg-free alternative to egg white foams, this Fee Brothers Cocktail Foamer has become a popular alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Egg white creates a luxurious foam in cocktails, adding a smooth, creamy texture and a delightful mouthfeel. It can also mellow harsh citrus and alcohol flavors in drinks.
Yes, when using fresh, clean eggs and proper handling techniques. If you’re concerned about raw egg consumption, there are vegan alternatives (see above).
Use the freshest eggs possible for optimal flavor and safety. Opt for pasteurized eggs if desired for added peace of mind.
No, but a dry shake (shaking without ice first) can help achieve a thicker and frothier foam. A clean shaker is essential for optimal results.
Separate the egg white carefully, ensuring no yolk gets in. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds in a dry shaker to create a thick and foamy layer. You can then add ice and other cocktail ingredients for a final shake.
Yes! Aquafaba, the leftover liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped into a similar froth as egg white. Use the same technique as you would for egg white.
The most famous egg white cocktails include the Whiskey Sour, Ramos Gin Fizz, and classic sours like the Vodka Sour or Pisco Sour.
Not at all! The egg enhances the texture and mouthfeel without adding a flavor.
Classic Amaretto Sour
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Here’s one of the most iconic egg white cocktails: the amaretto sour! It’s got just the right balance of amaretto with bourbon and lemon, and a creamy rich egg white foam.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) amaretto
- ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup or maple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)*
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- For the garnish: Cocktail cherry or Luxardo cherry, lemon slice
Instructions
- Add the amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake for 15 seconds.
- Add the ice to the cocktail shaker. Shake again for 30 seconds.
- Strain the drink into a glass; the foam will collect at the top. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.
Notes
*Make sure to use fresh, clean eggs for optimal safety. Substitute 2 tablespoons aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a vegan variation, or try this Fee Brothers Cocktail Foamer.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegetarian
More types of cocktails
We’ve got lots more great cocktail recipes for you! Here are some of our best cocktail collections:
- Sour Cocktails All the very best sours: Whiskey Sour, Sidecar, even the Margarita and Mojito.
- Gin Cocktails All the classics: Gin Fizz, Gin and Tonic, and more!
- Bourbon Cocktails Try these bourbon greats: the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and more.
- Champagne Cocktails These cocktails are light and bubbly! Perfect for celebration.
- Cranberry Cocktails Vibrant cranberry cocktails are so refreshing, like Vodka Cranberry and Sea Breeze.
- Frozen Alcoholic Drinks Cool off with Frose or Frozen Sangria.
