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Cracking the Code of Egg Whites in Cocktails
The ultimate guide to egg whites in cocktails, with dos, don’ts and half a dozen cracking recipes.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Egg whites have been used in cocktails for over 200 years. It’s thought that the original use was by British sailors for nutritional value, until they were later used by Jerry Thomas, the so-called godfather of modern mixology, in the world-famous whisky sour.
Why are Egg Whites Used in Cocktails?
There are a few reasons why bartenders use egg whites in cocktails.
- Silky Texture
Egg whites help create a smooth, silky texture because of their ability to foam and emulsify. This creates a uniquely rich mouthfeel to give cocktails a touch of sophistication.
- Flavour Balancing
Using egg whites in your cocktails can add balance to the overall taste. Some spirits can be slightly sharp or acidic, and egg whites can help tone this down and add balance to the overall flavour, resulting in a more harmonious cocktail.
- A Frothy Head
Shaking egg whites creates a creamy, frothy head that can add to the visual appeal and the overall guest experience. Also, the foam is dense enough to trap and concentrate aromas from the cocktail’s liquid for enhanced flavour.
6 Showstopping Egg White Cocktails
Ready to whip up some delicious serves? Here are our top 6 recipes for using egg whites in cocktails.
1. Whiskey Sour
One of the oldest cocktails out there, the Whisky Sour, was first invented by Jerry Thomas in the 19th century and is still a guest favourite on menus around the world today. A timeless combination of whisky, lemon juice and simple syrup, garnished with a fresh cherry and a lemon wedge.
2. Ramos Gin Fizz
French 75 is a sophisticated gin classic that combines the botanical depth of gin with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, topped off with champagne for a celebratory touch. This cocktail gives bartenders an opportunity to show off that perfect balance between sweet and tart flavours, bringing guests a cocktail that really creates a buzz!
3. Jamaica Sour
A true reflection of bartender craftsmanship, the dry martini celebrates simplicity and sophistication. Made with gin and dry vermouth, the cocktail draws out the botanicals for a delicious cocktail, topped off with an olive garnish.
4. Tequila Flower Sour
If you want to try tequila when using egg whites in cocktails, the Tequila Flower Sour is just the ticket. The fresh agave and citrus notes of Don Julio Blanco get a sweet, hibiscus companion for a truly glamourous sour twist.
5. Crystal Maze
Looking to experiment with egg whites in your cocktails and take your menu up a notch? Try the Crystal Maze – a complex serve like no other. Blood orange infused Johnnie Walker, peated whisky, beetroot and lime all brought together with a chocolate (yes chocolate) sauce.
6. Mumbai Fizz
A delicious, Indian-inspired serve with summer written all over it. The Mumbai Fizz blends Tanqueray Rangpur Gin with fresh lemon juice, cream, egg white and orange flower water. This elegant, foamy serve is fizzy, fragrant and phenomenally tasty. Give it a try.
How to Use Egg Whites in Cocktails - Techniques and Tips
Here are some top tips for using egg whites in cocktails to help you get perfect results every time:
- Separate the egg
Crack the egg into the side of your cocktail shaker and carefully separate the egg white (keep the yolks aside as you can use these when making eggnog or flip cocktails) before pouring the egg white into the shaker.
- Keep separate
Add your egg white to one mixing tin while building the rest of the cocktail in a separate tin.
- Dry shake
Shake the egg white without any ice for about 15–20 seconds. This emulsifies it and is what creates that beautiful frothy texture.
- Add ice
Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for 15–20 seconds to fully chill and dilute the liquid.
- Fresh is best
It sounds obvious, but fresh egg whites always work best in cocktails. Make sure you ‘crack to order’ and don’t store egg whites for later use.
- Use a blender
For increased smoothness, you can use a blender to mix cocktails with egg whites.
- Cocktail decoration
The froth provides an ideal canvas for cocktail decoration, using coloured liqueurs or bitters and a toothpick.
Health and Safety Considerations
As with any raw ingredient, there are a few things to consider before using egg whites in your serves.
- Fresh Eggs
Always use fresh eggs, making sure they have clean, uncracked shells
- Clean Work Surface
When using egg whites, make sure your work surface, utensils, and hands are all clean.
- Pasteurised Eggs
Most eggs sold in stores are pasteurised, which reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
- Cocktail Ingredients
If you’re using raw eggs in cocktails, make sure they include both alcohol and citrus, as these act as sterilisers.