Ace Cocktail

The Ace Cocktail is a beautifully balanced gin drink that highlights the spirit's botanical notes against sharp lemon juice and a whisper of crème de menthe. The inclusion of egg white is key, lending the cocktail a rich, creamy texture and a velvety foam head that softens the acidity. It's a sophisticated yet approachable drink, offering a more complex flavor profile than a standard Gin Sour, making it a hidden gem for gin lovers.
Ace Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Ace is classified as a classic cocktail, originating from the pre-Prohibition era. It belongs to the 'sour' family of drinks, characterized by a base spirit, a sour element (citrus), and a sweet element, often with the addition of egg white for texture.

Serving

The Ace is served 'straight up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or cocktail glass. It is a moderately strong cocktail with a smooth, chilled character.
Serving size
Approximately 4-5 oz / 120-150 ml
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Ace first appeared in cocktail recipe books in the early 20th century, such as Harry Craddock's 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book". Its name is thought to be a tribute to the heroic flying "aces" of World War I, who were celebrated figures of the era. The drink captures a sense of classic elegance and daring from that time, a forgotten classic worthy of rediscovery.
Origin
United States, early 1920s. The exact creator is unknown, but it gained popularity during the Prohibition era and was documented in prominent cocktail guides of the time.

Ace Cocktail

The Ace Cocktail is most commonly known by its full name, though it is sometimes shortened to simply 'The Ace'. There are no other widely recognized alternative names for this classic gin sour.
Original name
Ace Cocktail
Alternative name
The Ace

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a beautiful pale, hazy appearance with a creamy foam, offering an aroma of juniper and mint. The flavor is a refreshing balance of tart citrus and botanical gin, with a silky smooth texture.
Flavor
Gin-forward, citrusy, subtly minty, herbal, creamy
Aroma
Juniper, fresh mint, lemon zest, botanical
Taste balance
Sour, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, herbal, crisp
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale greenish-yellow, hazy, topped with a thick white foam
Texture
Silky, smooth, velvety, creamy
Seasonality
Refreshing, Spring, Summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Ace has a moderate flavor intensity, led by a pleasant sourness and noticeable alcohol strength. It is lightly sweet and creamy, with no bitterness, saltiness, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires London Dry Gin as its base, complemented by fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a hint of white crème de menthe. An egg white is crucial for its characteristic velvety texture.
  • London Dry Gin2 oz / 60 ml
    A classic, juniper-forward London Dry Gin works best.
  • Lemon Juice0.75 oz / 22.5 ml
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup0.5 oz / 15 ml
    1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Some recipes use grenadine instead for a different flavor and color profile.
  • White Crème de Menthe1 Bar Spoon (approx. 0.17 oz / 5 ml)
    Use white (clear) crème de menthe to maintain the pale color. It adds a subtle minty coolness.
  • Egg White0.5 oz / 15 ml (approx. half a large egg)
    Creates the signature silky texture and foam. Pasteurized egg white is recommended for safety.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and two types of strainers to ensure a smooth, ice-free texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Jigger for accurate measurement
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker
  • Fine mesh strainer for double straining

Instructions

The key to this drink's texture is a two-step shaking process: first a dry shake without ice to build foam, then a wet shake with ice to chill and dilute. Double straining ensures a perfectly smooth finish.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Combine the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, crème de menthe, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.
3. Perform a 'dry shake': seal the shaker without ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
4. Open the shaker, fill it with cubed ice, and seal it again.
5. Perform a 'wet shake': shake hard for another 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted and the drink is well-chilled.
6. Discard the ice from your chilled glass. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the glass.
7. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig placed on the foam and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh mint sprig enhances the drink's aroma, echoing the crème de menthe in the recipe and adding a touch of green color.
  • Mint sprig: Slap one fresh mint sprig between your palms to release its oils and place it on top of the foam.

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains egg white, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with an egg allergy. A vegan version can be made by substituting aquafaba for the egg white.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low compared to more fruit-heavy or liqueur-driven drinks.
Calories
Averagely 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 11g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 10g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Its elegant presentation and refreshing nature make it perfect for cocktail parties, social gatherings, or a sophisticated summer evening drink.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Summer Evening
  • Celebratory Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Ace Cocktail's bright, herbal, and citrus-forward profile pairs well with light and fresh appetizers. It cuts through the richness of creamy cheeses and complements the clean flavors of fresh seafood and salads, making it a versatile pre-dinner drink.
  • Oysters or other fresh seafood
  • Light salads with vinaigrette dressing
  • Goat cheese or other mild, creamy cheeses
  • Cucumber sandwiches

The Ace Cocktail: A Winning Hand of Gin, Mint, and Citrus

The Ace Cocktail is a delightful throwback to the golden age of cocktails, offering a sophisticated twist on the classic Gin Sour. Its core of gin and lemon is elevated by a subtle touch of mint and the luxurious, silky texture imparted by egg white. While not as famous as some of its contemporaries, the Ace is a perfectly balanced and refreshing drink that showcases the art of classic cocktail construction. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the deeper cuts of gin's history.

Similar Cocktails

White Lady

Very similar template, but it uses an orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec instead of crème de menthe for its modifying flavor.

Southside

Features the same gin, citrus, and mint combination, but uses fresh muddled mint leaves instead of crème de menthe and typically omits the egg white.

Clover Club

Another classic gin sour with egg white, but it uses raspberry syrup as the primary sweetener and flavoring agent instead of mint.

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