Pink Lady Cocktail Recipe: A Refreshing Classic
Pink Lady
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin choose your favorite brand
- 1 oz apple brandy or calvados
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1/2 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling your cocktail glass. You can do this by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, apple brandy, fresh lemon juice, grenadine, and simple syrup.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes, enough to chill the mixture thoroughly.
- Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want the mixture to be well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain: Discard the ice water from your cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist or a cherry on top for a decorative touch.
- Serve: Enjoy your Pink Lady cocktail immediately.
- Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace the gin and apple brandy with sparkling apple juice or non-alcoholic gin alternatives and adjust the grenadine to taste.
- Berry Twist: Add a few muddled raspberries or strawberries to the shaker for a fruity twist.
- Herbal Touch: Infuse the gin with herbs like rosemary or basil for an earthy flavor.
The Pink Lady cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and frothy flavors. This classic drink combines gin, apple brandy, and fresh lemon juice, topped with a lovely pink hue from a splash of grenadine. It’s perfect for gatherings, brunches, or just a relaxing evening at home. Let me go into the recipe and see how easy it is to create this vibrant cocktail.
Notes on What to Expect
When you take your first sip of the Pink Lady, you’ll be greeted with a delightful balance of tartness from the lemon juice and sweetness from the grenadine and simple syrup. The gin adds a botanical depth, while the apple brandy brings a hint of fruitiness that rounds out the drink perfectly. The result is a refreshing cocktail that’s not overly sweet, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Time to Stand: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Cost of Ingredients: $8-$12 (depending on brand and availability)
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Cocktail
- Equipment Needed: Cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, cocktail glass
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #PinkLady cocktail here
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (choose your favorite brand)
- 1 oz apple brandy (or calvados)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)
Method
- Chill the Glass: Begin by chilling your cocktail glass. You can do this by filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, apple brandy, fresh lemon juice, grenadine, and simple syrup.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes, enough to chill the mixture thoroughly.
- Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want the mixture to be well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain: Discard the ice water from your cocktail glass and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon twist or a cherry on top for a decorative touch.
- Serve: Enjoy your Pink Lady cocktail immediately.
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace the gin and apple brandy with sparkling apple juice or non-alcoholic gin alternatives and adjust the grenadine to taste.
- Berry Twist: Add a few muddled raspberries or strawberries to the shaker for a fruity twist.
- Herbal Touch: Infuse the gin with herbs like rosemary or basil for an earthy flavor.
Tips and Substitutions
- Dietary Needs: For a lower-calorie option, use diet grenadine or reduce the amount of simple syrup. You can also use fresh fruit puree for added flavor without extra sugar.
- Simple Syrup: If you don’t have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar in hot water and allowing it to cool.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Sweet: If your cocktail turns out too sweet, add a splash more lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Lacking Flavor: Ensure you’re using fresh lemon juice, as bottled juice can sometimes lack the vibrant flavor you need.
From my own personal experience, the Pink Lady is a cocktail that never fails to impress, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion.