21st Century Pink Lady

21st Century Pink Lady Recipe: Vodka, Chambord, Cranberry Juice & Heavy Cream

Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

The 21st Century Pink Lady is a modern twist on the classic Pink Lady cocktail, known for its delightful pink hue and creamy texture. This version incorporates a blend of vodka, Chambord liqueur, cranberry juice, and heavy cream, creating a luxurious and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, the 21st Century Pink Lady is sure to impress with its elegant appearance and exquisite taste.

History

The original Pink Lady cocktail dates back to the early 20th century, gaining popularity in the 1930s. Traditionally made with gin, applejack, lemon juice, and grenadine, it was known for its unique pink color, derived from the grenadine. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with bartenders experimenting with different ingredients to create variations of the classic. The 21st Century Pink Lady is a contemporary version that maintains the signature pink color and creamy texture while introducing modern flavors through vodka and Chambord liqueur.

Ingredients

2 oz (57 g) of vanilla vodka
1 oz (28 g) of chambord liqueur
0.5 cup of chilled cranberry juice
1 oz (28 g) of heavy cream

How to prepare

In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with cracked ice, combine vodka, Chambord, cranberry juice, and cream.
Vigorously shake the mixture and strain it into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
Garnish with a raspberry.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free creamer. To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and Chambord with non-alcoholic substitutes or fruit syrups.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. To adjust the sweetness, play with the amount of cranberry juice or Chambord according to taste.
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or coconut milk. To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and Chambord with non-alcoholic substitutes or additional cranberry juice.
For a lighter version of the 21st Century Pink Lady, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free milk alternative such as almond or coconut milk. To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and Chambord with non-alcoholic substitutes or additional cranberry juice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect 21st Century Pink Lady, ensure all ingredients are well chilled before use. This will help maintain a cold temperature when shaking and serving. Use a high-quality vodka and Chambord liqueur for the best flavor. When shaking the cocktail, do so vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to ensure the heavy cream is well incorporated, creating a smooth and frothy texture. Finally, garnishing with a fresh raspberry not only adds a touch of elegance but also complements the flavors of the drink.

Serving Suggestions

The 21st Century Pink Lady is best served chilled in a cocktail or martini glass. It is an excellent choice for a pre-dinner aperitif or as a sophisticated drink to enjoy on a special evening. Pair it with light appetizers or desserts that complement its rich and creamy texture.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing the 21st Century Pink Lady is the vigorous shaking of the ingredients with cracked ice. This not only chills the cocktail but also ensures that the heavy cream is fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth and frothy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Chambord liqueur is not available, raspberry liqueur or a raspberry-flavored syrup can be used as a substitute. Similarly, if cranberry juice is not on hand, pomegranate juice can offer a similar tartness and color.

Make Ahead Tips

While the 21st Century Pink Lady is best enjoyed freshly shaken, the vodka, Chambord, and cranberry juice mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Add the heavy cream and shake just before serving to ensure the cocktail retains its creamy texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the 21st Century Pink Lady with a fresh raspberry or a twist of lemon peel for an elegant finish. Serving the cocktail in a chilled glass will enhance its appearance and keep it cold longer.

Pairing Recommendations

The rich and creamy texture of the 21st Century Pink Lady pairs well with light appetizers, such as smoked salmon canapés or cheese platters. It also complements desserts, particularly those featuring chocolate or raspberry flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

As a mixed cocktail, the 21st Century Pink Lady is not suitable for storage or reheating. It should be prepared fresh and enjoyed immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of the 21st Century Pink Lady contains approximately 220 calories. The calories are primarily derived from the alcohol content, heavy cream, and sugars in the cranberry juice and Chambord liqueur.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of the 21st Century Pink Lady contains approximately 14 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from the cranberry juice and Chambord liqueur, both of which contribute natural sugars to the cocktail.

Fats

The heavy cream used in the 21st Century Pink Lady contributes to the fat content of the cocktail. A single serving contains about 5 grams of fat, most of which is saturated fat from the cream.

Proteins

This cocktail contains a minimal amount of protein, with less than 1 gram per serving. The protein present is primarily from the heavy cream.

Vitamins and minerals

While the 21st Century Pink Lady is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, the cranberry juice provides a small amount of vitamin C and other micronutrients. However, these are present in minimal amounts and should not be relied upon for nutritional value.

Alergens

The main allergen present in the 21st Century Pink Lady is dairy, due to the heavy cream. Individuals with a dairy allergy or intolerance should avoid this cocktail or consider a dairy-free alternative for the cream.

Summary

The 21st Century Pink Lady is a decadent cocktail that offers a balance of flavors and textures. While it is not a significant source of nutrients, it is a delightful choice for special occasions. It is relatively high in calories and contains fats and sugars, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

The 21st Century Pink Lady is a luxurious and modern take on a classic cocktail, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With its elegant appearance and exquisite taste, it is an ideal choice for special occasions or as a sophisticated treat. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the cocktail to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for the 21st Century Pink Lady. It was a warm summer day, and I had ventured into a quaint little café in the heart of Paris. The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter from the bustling crowd. As I sat down at a small table by the window, I noticed a group of elegant ladies sipping on the most delightful looking cocktail I had ever seen.

Intrigued, I waved down the waiter and asked him about the drink they were enjoying. With a smile, he leaned in and whispered the secret recipe to me. It was a mix of pink gin, apple juice, grenadine, and a splash of lemon juice, topped off with a sprig of fresh mint. He called it the 21st Century Pink Lady, a modern twist on the classic cocktail that had been passed down through generations.

I was captivated by the simplicity and elegance of the recipe, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. I spent the rest of the afternoon savoring every sip of that delicious cocktail, savoring the flavors and trying to commit the recipe to memory.

As soon as I returned home, I set to work recreating the 21st Century Pink Lady in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and carefully measured out each one, following the instructions I had been given by the waiter in Paris. The scent of gin and apples filled the air as I mixed the liquids together, adding a touch of grenadine for sweetness and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing zing.

Once everything was perfectly blended, I poured the cocktail into a chilled glass and garnished it with a sprig of mint. As I took my first sip, I was transported back to that bustling café in Paris, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of elegant ladies enjoying their drinks.

From that moment on, the 21st Century Pink Lady became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would serve it at dinner parties and gatherings, always receiving compliments on its refreshing taste and beautiful presentation. It became a symbol of my travels and culinary adventures, a reminder of that magical day in Paris when I first learned the secret behind this exquisite cocktail.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for the 21st Century Pink Lady with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this modern twist on a classic cocktail. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Paris, and the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a beloved favorite.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking, I am grateful for the chance encounter that led me to the 21st Century Pink Lady. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to places and people, and the magic of creating something delicious and beautiful to share with others. And so, I raise my glass to the 21st Century Pink Lady, a cocktail that will always hold a special place in my heart and my kitchen. Santé!