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Here are the best classic egg white cocktails to try! The trick to that perfect frothy egg white foam is easier than you think.

Egg white cocktails

What’s makes a more classic cocktail than an egg white foam topping? Bartenders have been adding egg whites to cocktails since the 1860’s. Why? Not only do they add a frothy texture to the surface of the drink, they also add a creamy rich flavor. You can taste the difference! Alex and I have tasted the same cocktail with and without foam, and we always opt for foam every time. Here’s how to make the perfect egg white foam layer, and then our favorite egg white cocktails!

A “dry shake” makes the best egg white foam

How to get the perfect foam? The best frothy egg white form is achieved by doing something called a Dry Shake. (Use that bartender term when you want to impress!) If you don’t do a dry shake, you’ll end up with a loose, wimpy foam layer. Here’s how the Dry Shake works:

  • The first shake without ice lets the protein in the egg begin to form foam, instead of being diluted by the ice.
  • The second shake with ice cools the drink and strengthens the foam. Strain it into the glass and you’ll get a thick, white frothy layer.

Note: There’s also a technique called a Reverse Shake, where you shake the drink with ice first, then shake without it. It gets an even larger amount of foam, but for most drinks we find the classic Dry Shake works just fine.

And now…the best classic egg white cocktails to make!

Is it safe to drink egg white cocktails?

If you’re worried about the safety of raw egg whites in cocktails, don’t worry: the risk of salmonella is very low. In fact: melons, salad, and peanuts, have more of a threat for salmonella than eggs! Here’s how to safely store and use eggs to minimize risk (via Food & Wine).

What can I use instead of egg whites in cocktails?

Can’t eat eggs and want to make an egg white foam? Don’t worry: you can use aquafaba! Aquafaba is the liquid that’s in a can of chickpeas. Because it’s starchy, it can work as a binder similar to an egg. Use the following formula: Two tablespoons of aquafaba equals one egg white.

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Amaretto sour

Classic Amaretto Sour


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x

Description

Here’s one of the most iconic egg white cocktails: the amaretto sour! It’s got just the right balance of amaretto with bourbon and lemon, and a creamy rich egg white foam.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) amaretto
  • ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) bourbon whiskey
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup or maple syrup
  • 1 egg white (optional)*
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • For the garnish: Cocktail cherry or Luxardo cherry, lemon slice

Instructions

  1. Add the amaretto, bourbon, lemon juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake for 15 seconds.
  2. Add the ice to the cocktail shaker. Shake again for 30 seconds.
  3. Strain the drink into a glass; the foam will collect at the top. Garnish with a cocktail cherry.

Notes

*Substitute 2 tablespoons aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a vegan variation.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Egg White Cocktails

More types of cocktails

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About the authors

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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