Pink Lady Cocktail: History, Recipe, and Why It Still Matters

When you hear Pink Lady, a classic gin-based cocktail with apple brandy, grenadine, and egg white that’s been shaking its way through bars since the 1920s. Also known as Pink Lady cocktail, it’s not just pink because it looks pretty—it’s built on balance, technique, and a touch of old-school flair. This isn’t some trendy mocktail slapped together with food coloring. The Pink Lady is a real cocktail, with real ingredients, and a real story.

It’s built on three core spirits: gin, a botanical spirit that gives the drink its backbone and herbal lift, apple brandy, the fruity, slightly sweet heart of the drink that ties everything together, and grenadine, a pomegranate syrup that adds color, sweetness, and a touch of tartness. The egg white? That’s the secret. It’s not for show—it creates a silky texture and a soft foam that makes each sip feel luxurious. You don’t need fancy gear to make it. A shaker, ice, and a little patience are all it takes.

People think cocktails are new. But the Pink Lady was already a staple in 1920s speakeasies, long before vodka sodas and canned margaritas showed up. It survived Prohibition, fell out of favor in the 90s, and came back because people realized it’s not just a pretty drink—it’s a well-made one. It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you slow down. You don’t gulp it. You taste it. You notice the apple, the citrus, the quiet spice from the gin. It pairs well with cheese boards, charcuterie, or just a quiet evening after work.

There’s no single "best" Pink Lady recipe. Some use applejack instead of apple brandy. Others skip the egg white. Some add a dash of lemon juice for more brightness. But the core stays the same: gin, apple, sweetness, and texture. That’s why it still shows up in bar menus across the UK and beyond. It’s not about being the loudest drink on the list. It’s about being the one that sticks with you.

Below, you’ll find posts that dig into the history of classic cocktails, how to make drinks with egg white, and what makes a gin-based drink truly special. Whether you’re trying the Pink Lady for the first time or you’ve been shaking one for years, there’s something here for you.