Egg-white cocktails have always intrigued me. The first time I tried one, I was skeptical—raw egg in a drink? But then I took a sip, and everything made sense. While egg whites don’t change the drink’s flavor, they add body and a soft foam that gives a balanced feel.
Bartenders use egg whites for their foaming power, thanks to proteins that trap air when shaken. The process usually involves a “dry shake” (shaking without ice) to emulsify the egg white first, followed by shaking with ice to chill the drink. The result? A silky, well-blended cocktail with just the right amount of froth.
If you want to avoid using egg whites, substitutes like aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) provide similar foam without changing the flavor. Foaming bitters and vegan foaming agents also create the same frothy texture, making them ideal for vegan or egg-free cocktails.
Whether you’re an egg white fan or just curious, these 14 egg white cocktails are worth a try—they’ve definitely made me a believer!
Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic New Orleans cocktail, famous for its creamy texture and towering foam. Henry C. Ramos created it in the late 1800s, combining gin with citrus, cream, and egg white. Bartenders are known to shake it for a long time to achieve that signature froth.
Rattlesnake
The Rattlesnake cocktail is bold and balanced, mixing whiskey, lemon, absinthe, and egg white for a smooth and slightly edgy drink. This cocktail was originally crafted by Harry Craddock at London’s Savoy Hotel in the 1930s and is said to be “enough to cure a rattlesnake bite”. The egg white adds a creamy texture, making it surprisingly mellow despite its bite of absinthe.
Conquistador
With a name like Conquistador, this cocktail has a rich, adventurous feel. This drink mixes tequila with a touch of citrus and spice, creating a bold, earthy cocktail that captures the spirit of exploration. It’s smooth but with a slight kick.
Boxcar
The Boxcar is a fun, easygoing cocktail that’s a close cousin to the classic Sidecar. Made with gin instead of brandy, it has a bright, citrusy flavor that’s refreshing and approachable. The Boxcar has a casual, vintage feel, like something you’d sip in a jazz club or on a lazy afternoon.
Filibuster
The Filibuster is a cocktail with attitude. Known for its strong, layered flavors, it typically combines rye whiskey with hints of citrus and maple syrup. The name suggests rebellion, and the drink lives up to it with a bold, assertive character. It’s perfect for anyone who loves whiskey-based drinks with a bit of punch and personality.
Suissesse
The Suissesse is a creamy, dreamy cocktail from the New Orleans tradition, often enjoyed as a pre-noon treat. It blends absinthe with almond and cream flavors, creating a smooth, slightly sweet, gentle, and surprisingly refreshing drink. Locals enjoy it for its soft texture and unique combination of flavors.
Bourbon Sour
A true classic, the Bourbon Sour is all about balance, mixing the warm richness of bourbon with fresh lemon juice and a hint of sweetness. With origins tracing back to the late 1800s, it’s one of those timeless classic cocktails.
Pisco Sour
This Peruvian classic is known for its tangy flavor and frothy top. The Pisco Sour combines pisco (a South American grape brandy) with lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white, creating a light, refreshing, and a little exotic cocktail.
Clover Club
The Clover Club is a classic from the pre-Prohibition era, popular with the Philadelphia social scene. It’s made with gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white; it’s light, pink, and perfectly frothy. It’s perfect for those looking to add a bit of elegance to their drink without losing the fun, fruity touch.
White Lady
The White Lady is made with gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice. This cocktail dates back to the 1920s, when it evolved into what we know today at the legendary Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. The White Lady is perfect for those who enjoy a clean, refreshing drink with a touch of old-school glamour.
Pink Lady
The Pink Lady is as charming as it sounds, with its lovely blush color and fruity, creamy taste. It’s made with gin, apple brandy, grenadine, and a touch of egg white and it is smooth and slightly sweet, with a velvety texture. It was popular during the 1930s and 1940s as a go-to for Hollywood starlets looking for a cocktail as stylish as they were.
Million Dollar
Mixing gin, sweet vermouth, pineapple juice, grenadine, and egg white, this drink has a rich, silky texture and a hint of tropical sweetness. It became popular in the early 20th century when it was often seen as an indulgent choice for those looking to add a little luxury to their night.
Baltimore Bracer
The Baltimore Bracer is a bold, bracing drink with brandy and anisette, topped off with egg white for a smooth texture. This cocktail is said to have been a favorite morning pick-me-up back in the day, known for its warming effect and a touch of sweetness from the anisette. It has a slightly licorice-like flavor.
Commodore No.1
The Commodore No.1 is a fruity, vibrant cocktail that blends light rum, lemon juice, grenadine, raspberry syrup, and egg white for a smooth, frothy finish. With its layered flavors of citrus and berry sweetness, this drink has a fresh, uplifting character.
Safety Tips for Using Egg Whites
When making egg white cocktails, it’s essential to keep safety in mind, mainly to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Always use fresh eggs from a trusted source or opt for pasteurized egg whites, which are safe to consume raw. For those concerned about raw eggs, substitutes like aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) or vegan foaming agents offer a safe, reliable foam without altering the texture.
For more detailed guidance, check out our article about handling egg whites in cocktails.
FAQs
Can you use the whole egg in cocktails?
Yes, but whole egg cocktails are called flips, and they have a richer, thicker texture compared to egg white-only drinks.
How long can egg white cocktails keep in the fridge?
Egg white cocktails are best enjoyed fresh for their frothy texture, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container. The froth will collapse over time, and the texture may degrade. Before serving, give it a quick shake (without ice) to revive some foam, though it won’t match the original freshness. Always store in a clean, airtight container and keep chilled to ensure safety.
How can I make egg white cocktails for a large group?
Pre-batch the non-egg-white ingredients and shake them individually to ensure each drink gets the proper foam.
Can I use pre-separated egg whites in a carton?
Yes, pasteurized egg whites from cartons are safe and convenient for cocktails, though they may froth slightly less.
What’s the best tool for separating egg whites?
An egg separator or your hands are the most effective tools to separate whites from yolks.
Do egg white cocktails smell or taste eggy?
No, properly shaken egg white cocktails do not have a noticeable egg smell or taste.
Why do egg white cocktails sometimes have a metallic taste?
The metallic taste can occur if the egg white reacts with poorly maintained cocktail shakers, especially those with scratched interiors.
