Here’s a summer cooler that’s just in time for the heat that we all know is coming.
Invented in 1936 at the ultra-posh Grosvenor House in London, this concoction harks back to the era when being a “perfect lady” meant being quiet, yet commanding, alluring, yet a bit distant, and never ever ruffled or sweaty. And that’s exactly what we have here.
Blending gin – of course – with the seemingly contradictory flavors of lemon and peach, the result is luscious. Crisp, yet soothing. Semisweet, but not cloying. It packs a punch of course, but it’s a subtle punch – like getting slugged by a small, gloved fist.
Mix up a couple of these and you’ll want to stand and bow to the perfect lady when she walks into the room.
Perfect Lady
1.5 oz. gin
0.75 oz. lemon
0.5 oz. simple syrup
0.5 oz. peach liqueur
Optional:
1 egg white. I’m not a big fan of egg white in cocktails. It’s used to add body and froth when the drink is shaken, but it also adds a slippery texture that I don’t like. Plus who wants to stand there and separate an egg? As an alternative, several brands of bitters, Fee Brothers among them, make a foamer that adds the froth on top without the egg texture and hassle. That's what I used for the drink in the photo above.
Shake it with lots of ice and serve straight up.