Cornell Cocktail – Gin, Cherry Liqueur & Lemon Sour with Egg White
The Cornell Cocktail is a gin sour layered with cherry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a silky egg white foam. Bright, slightly tart, and elegantly textured, it’s a refined classic that balances botanicals with a subtle cherry depth.
Bright citrus, botanical gin, and a velvety foam cap make the Cornell Cocktail a standout sour. This classic-style drink pairs tart lemon with cherry liqueur for a crisp yet rounded profile, finished with a smooth egg white texture that feels polished without being heavy.
Background
Though not as widely documented as other pre-Prohibition sours, the Cornell Cocktail follows the traditional gin sour structure popular in the early 1900s. The addition of egg white reflects the era’s love of frothy, elegant drinks served up in cocktail glasses.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – the botanical backbone that defines the drink’s structure.
- Lemon Juice – fresh acidity that sharpens and brightens the profile.
- Cherry Liqueur – subtle sweetness and stone-fruit depth.
- Egg White – creates the signature silky foam and soft mouthfeel.
Substitution ideas:
- No cherry liqueur? Try maraschino liqueur or 1/2 oz cherry syrup.
- Avoiding raw egg? Use aquafaba for a similar froth.
- Want it drier? Reduce cherry liqueur slightly and add a dash of orange bitters.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine strainer
- Jigger
- Cocktail glass or coupe
Why This Sour Works
The Cornell Cocktail keeps things clean and focused. The gin provides crisp botanicals, lemon delivers structure, and cherry liqueur rounds the edges without overpowering. The egg white binds it all together into a smooth, unified sip.
It’s tart enough to feel lively, but polished enough to feel intentional.
Variations to Try
- Herbal twist: Add a small basil leaf to the shaker.
- Richer cherry note: Float a few drops of cherry liqueur on top of the foam.
- Holiday version: Add a dash of aromatic bitters for warmth.
Helpful Tips
- Always dry shake first to build stable foam.
- Fine strain to remove ice shards and keep the texture silky.
- Chill the glass beforehand for better presentation.
- Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or a lemon twist for contrast.
Cornell Cocktail Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1/2 oz. Cherry Liqueur
- 1
Directions
- Add Gin, Lemon Juice, Cherry Liqueur, and Egg White to a shaker without ice and dry shake vigorously.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled and frothy.
- Fine strain into a chilled Cocktail Glass.
Cornell Cocktail proves that a simple gin sour can feel refined with just the right touch of cherry and foam.
