White Lotus Cocktail Recipe

White Lotus Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:1g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

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: August 23, 2024

History

The White Lotus is a cocktail that was popularized in the 1990s. It's a fruity, tropical drink that was often served at parties and events. It's a favorite among those who enjoy sweet, fruity cocktails.

  • The name 'White Lotus' is said to be inspired by the flower of the same name, which is often associated with purity and elegance.

  • The cocktail is believed to have originated in the United States, although its exact origins are unclear.

How White Lotus Tastes?

The White Lotus is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a tropical twist. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a refreshing, citrusy finish.

Interesting facts about White Lotus

  • The White Lotus is often served in a martini glass, giving it an elegant, sophisticated look.

  • Despite its sweet, fruity flavor, the White Lotus is a fairly strong cocktail, thanks to the vodka and rum.

  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a slice of pineapple or a cherry, adding to its tropical appeal.

Ingredients

A few good options for White Lotus are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

  • Why 1.5 oz?: This is the base alcohol and main driver of the cocktail's strength. It's enough to give you a kick without making your head spin too early in the night. Too little and you'd be sipping on a fruity mocktail. Too much, and you're in for a topsy-turvy tropical storm.
  • Flavor: Vodka is like the silent ninja of the cocktail world—it sneaks in without overpowering the flavors, letting the other tropical notes shine.
  • Alternatives: Try using flavored vodka, like coconut or pineapple, for an extra boost in the cocktail's island vibe. Just be ready for a flavor party.

Emma Rose

White Rum

  • Why 1 oz?: Rum adds a sweet, sugary backbone to the White Lotus, complementing the tropical theme. It plays second fiddle to vodka, supporting without overshadowing.
  • Flavor: White rum has a lighter, more subtle flavor than its darker cousins, marrying well with the creamy coconut and tangy pineapple.
  • Alternatives: Dark rum could bring a richer, molasses note, but watch out—it might just steal the spotlight from the other ingredients.

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

  • Why 1 oz?: The sour-sweet profile of pineapple juice is like an island melody, important for that vacation in a glass. Too much and your cocktail is a luau, too little and it's lost at sea.
  • Flavor: Pineapple brings a tropical acidity that brightens and balances the cocktail's sweetness.
  • Alternatives: Mango juice could swing in for a slightly different tropical tune, but it may turn the drink into a sweeter serenade.

Mary Mitkina

Cream of Coconut

  • Why 0.5 oz?: Cream of coconut is your sweet, rich, tropical hug in this cocktail. It's just enough to feel the warmth without tipping into suntan lotion territory.
  • Flavor: Adds a velvety texture and sweet coconut flavor, which is essential for that creamy, dreamy island essence.
  • Alternatives: Coconut milk could lighten the cocktail's waistline but might leave the drink wanting in the flavor department.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make White Lotus Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry, if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure that all the ingredients are fully combined.

  • Serve the cocktail immediately after making it to keep it nice and cold.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Tropical Fruit Salad: The sweetness of tropical fruits will complement the fresh and fruity notes of the cocktail.
  • Coconut Shrimp: The coconut breading will echo the cream of coconut, creating a harmonious profile.
  • Spicy Thai Noodles: The cocktail's sweetness will balance the heat from Thai spices.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Fish: A light fish dish would be uplifted by the cocktail's tropical flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Desserts

  • Key Lime Pie: Its tanginess will be a refreshing counter to the cocktail's sweetness.
  • Pineapple Upside Down Cake: Echoes the pineapple juice used, for a consistent tropical taste experience.

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What you could change in White Lotus

  • If you don't have white rum, you can substitute it with another type of rum.

  • If you're not a fan of coconut, you can leave out the cream of coconut and add a bit more pineapple juice instead.

Explore all drinks starting with W here

And of course - twists🍹

Blue Lotus

  • Ingredients: Substitute the vodka with blue curaçao (1 oz), keep the white rum (1 oz), pineapple juice (1 oz), and cream of coconut (0.5 oz).
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe steps, using blue curaçao instead of vodka.
  • Flavor Change: It'll add a vibrant color and slight orange-citrus twist to the cocktail, making it visually and tastefully aquatic.
  • Why Make It?: If your lotus pond was missing a pop of color, this twist is like a splash from a mermaid's tail.

Pink Lotus

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of grenadine to the existing ingredients.
  • Recipe: Shake all original ingredients along with a generous splash of grenadine.
  • Flavor Change: The grenadine adds a touch of pomegranate sweetness and a sunset hue to your glass.
  • Why Make It?: For those who like to watch the sunset with a drink that matches the sky, this one's for you.

Spicy Lotus

  • Ingredients: Muddle a few thin slices of jalapeño with the vodka before adding the other ingredients.
  • Recipe: Same as the original, but muddle jalapeño in the shaker first to infuse some heat into the mix.
  • Flavor Change: The jalapeño brings a spicy kick that'll put some pep in your step and turn the drink into a tropical fire dance.
  • Why Make It?: If your night needs some spice or you're trying to impress your fire-breathing friends, go for the Spicy Lotus.

In case you forgot basics how to make White Lotus

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

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 strain

Garnishing 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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on White Lotus

What type of vodka is recommended for the White Lotus cocktail?

You can use any brand of vodka according to your preference, although higher quality vodkas may give a smoother taste.

Can I adjust the alcohol content of the White Lotus?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of vodka or rum to increase or decrease the cocktail's strength according to your personal preference.

What are other suitable garnishments for the White Lotus cocktail?

Other tropical fruits, such as mango or kiwi, can also be used to garnish the White Lotus cocktail for added flair and flavor.

Is the White Lotus cocktail suitable for vegans?

Yes, as long as the cream of coconut doesn't contain any animal products, the White Lotus cocktail is suitable for vegans.

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