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From pickle Martinis to miso cider spritzes, we embrace innovative cocktails. However, incorporating an egg might not be the first thought that comes to mind when ordering or concocting a drink. But frothy egg whites truly have a place in cocktails; they provide a smooth and rich mouthfeel that softens the sharp, tangy notes often found in citrus-based drinks. Though it may sound odd, this practice has historical roots. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Whiskey Sour, you’ve likely savored a creamy, flavorless layer of egg white that enhances the overall drinking experience.

A Whiskey Sour combines bourbon with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and sometimes bitters. Initially, the blend has a tangy bite — but the smoothness of egg white mitigates the tartness without introducing any undesirable flavors. The egg white technique isn’t exclusive to Whiskey Sours; it’s a superb flavor-enhancing trick for any robust, citrus-heavy cocktail. For tips on achieving the perfect foam, discover the best methods to foam egg whites for cocktails. A reliable cocktail shaker can be utilized for a dry shake. This technique, done without ice, mixes and aerates the egg white proteins while blending them seamlessly with the cocktail ingredients, yielding a wonderfully silky finish.

For more details, check out this article: The 40 Absolute Best Cocktails That Feature Only 2 Ingredients.

It’s common to wonder about the safety of eating raw eggs. Most of us aren’t professional athletes trying to mimic Rocky Balboa’s intense training. To reduce potential risks, use fresh eggs or consider pasteurized egg whites, which help decrease the likelihood of Salmonella infections. If safety is a concern or you follow a plant-based diet, you might try aquafaba or other substitutes for egg whites in cocktails to achieve a similar frothy texture. Once you’ve acquired your egg whites — typically just one per cocktail — it’s time to get creative. Avoid pairing frothed egg whites with overly sweet drinks that lack acidity.

In such instances, the egg white will overpower the other flavors, resulting in a bland taste. Instead, choose cocktails that are nearly too sour, such as a Pisco Sour, which combines lemon and lime juice, Angostura bitters, simple syrup, and pisco — a spirit from Peru and Chile. A classic Tom Collins — consisting of gin, soda water, simple syrup, and lemon juice — can also benefit from a frothy egg white. The Brown Derby, made with bourbon, fresh grapefruit juice, and honey, is another excellent choice.

Consider reducing the honey slightly to allow the grapefruit to shine through, complementing the egg white beautifully. Another advantage of cocktails made with whipped egg whites is the lovely foam they produce, providing a visually appealing touch to your drink. If you’re eager to impress friends or treat yourself to something sophisticated, consider garnishing your frothed drink with citrus zest, candied lemon peel, or a touch of Himalayan pink salt.

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