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White Lion Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:4g
Alcohol:22%
Created by
Nic PolotniankoI fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of co*cktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
Contents
- 1History
- 2How White Lion Tastes?
- 3Interesting facts about White Lion
- 4Ingredients 🍾
- 5Recipe. How to make White Lion Drink 🍸
- 6Pro Tips
- 7Perfect Pairings
- 8What you could change in White Lion
- 9Twists
- 10Additional Information
- 11Frequently Asked Questions
- 12More Similar Recipes!
History
The White Lion co*cktail 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 co*cktail 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 co*cktail.
- The White Lion was created in the early 20th century
- Harry MacElhone, the owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris, is credited with its creation
- This co*cktail was popular among high society and enjoyed at fancy parties and gatherings
How White Lion Tastes?
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 co*cktail, while the orange liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and citrusy brightness. The vermouth and bitters round out the flavor, adding depth and complexity.
Interesting facts about White Lion
- The White Lion is sometimes referred to as the 'King of co*cktails' due to its elegant and sophisticated taste
- This co*cktail is often served in a chilled martini glass, adding to its air of refinement
- The White Lion is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or as a nightcap
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Dry vermouth: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange bitters: 2dashes
- Lemon twist: 1
A few good options for White Lion are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
GIN
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.
Alex Green
ORANGE LIQUEUR
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.
Mary Mitkina
DRY VERMOUTH
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 co*cktail 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.
Emma Rose
ORANGE BITTERS
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 co*cktail loses a layer of citrus complexity. Substitute with Angostura bitters for a spicier kick, changing the lion's roar to a growl.
Alex Green
LEMON TWIST
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.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make White Lion Drink
- Fill a mixing glass with ice
- Add the gin, orange liqueur, dry vermouth, and orange bitters
- Stir well until chilled and properly diluted
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist
Pro Tips
- Always use fresh ice for the best taste
- Stir the co*cktail for at least 30 seconds to ensure it's properly diluted
- Use a high-quality gin for a smoother taste
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese plates: The herbal notes of gin and the citrus from the orange liqueur complement the richness of cheeses, especially those with a creamy texture.
- Seafood: Light seafood dishes, such as shrimp co*cktail or oysters, pair beautifully with the White Lion's crisp and refreshing profile.
Main Dishes
- Lemon Chicken: The citrus from the co*cktail enhances the lemon flavor in the chicken.
- Grilled White Fish: A simple grilled fish with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs makes a lovely match for this zesty co*cktail.
Desserts
- Fruit Tarts: A fruit tart with a buttery crust can mirror the citrusy and botanical notes of the White Lion.
- Macarons: Specifically lemon or orange-flavored macarons would tie in delightfully with the co*cktail's flavors.
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What you could change in White Lion
- Vodka can be used instead of gin for a different flavor profile
- Lime twist can be used as a garnish instead of lemon twist
- Sweet Vermouth can be used instead of dry vermouth for a sweeter taste
Explore all drinks starting with W here
And of course - twists🍹
The Sapphire Lion
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 co*cktail a fruity, floral edge, transforming your lion into something a bit more mysterious and enchanting.
The Pink Lioness
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 co*cktail a flirtatious note with herbal undertones - perfect for when your drink needs to wear a little pink.
The Golden Roar
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.
In case you forgot basics how to make White Lion
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the co*cktail 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 co*cktail. 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 garnishingFind the co*cktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on White Lion
What is the primary effect of a White Lion?
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.
What type of glass is best for serving a White Lion?
While a martini glass is commonly used, you can also serve a White Lion in a co*cktail glass or even a highball glass.
What type of gin ideally suits the White Lion co*cktail?
A London dry gin works best with the White Lion's recipe, but feel free to experiment with other variations to suit your taste.
Can I skip the orange liqueur if I don’t have it?
While the orange liqueur definitely contributes to the distinctive flavor of White Lion, you could consider substituting it with other citrus-flavored liqueurs.
What are some good food pairings with the White Lion co*cktail?
Sharp cheeses, smoked salmon, and grilled vegetables are all excellent choices to pair with a White Lion co*cktail.
