Also known as a White Lady, the Delilah is a classic dating back to the first decades of the 20th century.
It belongs to the vast family of “sours” – cocktails that start with a slug of a base spirit and add a lesser quantity of something sweet and something sour, usually in equal or nearly-equal amounts.
Other popular cocktails like the Sidecar, Margarita, and Daiquiri are also sours. It’s a great basic concept which is no doubt why is has endured so long – not unlike the fabulous architecture in Central West End St. Louis.
What’s extra fun about this drink is the potential for experimenting with various gins to find the perfect flavor note for yourself. I’d start with a basic London Dry style – Bombay, Beefeaters, etc. – and branch out from there. There are so many new and interesting gins on the shelf these days, you could sip and savor a different gin daily for months. What a delightful prospect!
This cocktail, like my all-time favorite, the Sidecar, is simple to make and so very refreshing. It works year-round – cooling in hot weather and warming in the winter.
A few of these and you’ll understand the value of preserving the best of the past.
Delilah
Two parts gin – sip around until you find your favorite
One part orange liqueur like Combier or Cointreau – be sure it’s clear so the drink is a pale color
One part lemon juice – and you know by now, it’s gotta be fresh
Mix, shake with ice, and serve straight up.