Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:4g
Alcohol:22%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The White Lion cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first created by Harry MacElhone, the owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris. This cocktail was popular among the high society of the time and was often enjoyed at fancy parties and gatherings. The White Lion is a sophisticated and elegant drink that appeals to those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail.
The White Lion has a complex and well-balanced taste profile. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of citrus and a touch of herbal bitterness. The gin provides a strong, yet smooth, base for the cocktail, while the orange liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and citrusy brightness. The vermouth and bitters round out the flavor, adding depth and complexity.
A few good options for White Lion are:
For the botanical ballet in your glass, we'll start with 2oz of gin - enough to lead the dance but not tread on anyone's toes. Gin infuses the drink with complex herbal notes, and skipping it would be like turning a lion into a kitten - harmless and meek. If you swap for vodka, you'll get a White Tiger - strong and silent without the botanical roar.
A sweet whisper behind the gin's loud cry, 0.5oz of orange liqueur offers a citrusy zest, acting as gin's best buddy. Too much will turn your lion into a sugary cub, while too little makes for a forgetful encounter. Triple sec could play its role but without the same flair.
Half an ounce of dry vermouth brings sophistication to your soirée, like a bow tie at a black-tie event. It bridges the gin and the citrus, creating harmony without overpowering. Miss it out, and the cocktail would miss its middle man; too much, and it overpowers the mix. If you have no dry vermouth, a splash of white wine could grace the glass, albeit less dry and defined.
Two dashes of orange bitters deliver the finesse - like a squeeze of lemon on a fish - it's barely noted but sorely missed. Without it, the cocktail loses a layer of citrus complexity. Substitute with Angostura bitters for a spicier kick, changing the lion's roar to a growl.
Finally, a lemon twist to garnish is the ribbon on the lion's mane. It adds an aromatic allure and zesty oil to the drink's surface. Without it, you lose the citrus crown that adorns our White Lion. Lime could be a stand-in, but with a slightly more tart remark.
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Swap the gin for a blue gin, add a splash of peach schnapps instead of orange liqueur, and replace the dry vermouth with a splash of elderflower cordial. This twist will give your cocktail a fruity, floral edge, transforming your lion into something a bit more mysterious and enchanting.
Introduce a rosé vermouth in place of dry vermouth, add a dash of grapefruit bitters along with the orange bitters, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary instead of a lemon twist. This iteration would give your cocktail a flirtatious note with herbal undertones - perfect for when your drink needs to wear a little pink.
Use an aged gin for more depth, substitute the orange liqueur with honey syrup, and add a few drops of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. You'll garnish this version with an orange wheel. The Golden Roar is a heartier take on the White Lion, with a richer, more complex flavor profile to savor on a cool, cozy evening.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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The primary alcohol in a White Lion is gin, which is known for its stimulating effect. However, due to its high alcohol content concentration, consumption should be moderate.
While a martini glass is commonly used, you can also serve a White Lion in a cocktail glass or even a highball glass.
A London dry gin works best with the White Lion's recipe, but feel free to experiment with other variations to suit your taste.
While the orange liqueur definitely contributes to the distinctive flavor of White Lion, you could consider substituting it with other citrus-flavored liqueurs.
Sharp cheeses, smoked salmon, and grilled vegetables are all excellent choices to pair with a White Lion cocktail.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
The Bamboo cocktail has a delicate, balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of dryness. It is light, refreshing, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated afternoon drink.
The Gibson cocktail is crisp, clean, and slightly savory, with a strong gin-forward flavor. The dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal and floral note, while the cocktail onions provide a briny, tangy contrast.
The Rose cocktail has a delicate and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness from the raspberry syrup. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle complexity from the combination of vermouth and cherry brandy. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
El Presidente is a smooth, well-balanced cocktail with a hint of sweetness and a touch of tartness. The combination of rum, orange curaçao, and vermouth creates a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
The French Martini has a rich, velvety texture with a sweet and fruity taste. The combination of pineapple juice, Chambord, and vodka creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
The Brandy Crusta has a balanced, complex taste with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The brandy provides a rich, warming base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The orange liqueur and maraschino liqueur contribute a subtle sweetness, and the aromatic bitters bring a hint of spice.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Gin and Tonic is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly bitter cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The botanical flavors of the gin are complemented by the sharpness of the tonic water, creating a balanced and invigorating drink.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
