Part-Time Lover

The Part-Time Lover is an elegant and refreshing modern cocktail that has gained acclaim in craft cocktail circles. It beautifully balances the nutty dryness of fino sherry with the botanical notes of gin, the sweet floral character of elderflower liqueur, and the vibrant fruitiness of muddled strawberry. The common inclusion of egg white lends the drink a silky, luxurious mouthfeel and a beautiful foam cap, making it a sophisticated and visually appealing serve.
Part-Time Lover

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It belongs to the "sour" family of drinks but is elevated with contemporary ingredients like fino sherry and elderflower liqueur, placing it firmly in the modern craft cocktail category.

Serving

This drink is served straight up in a chilled coupe glass, presenting an elegant, medium-sized cocktail with a moderate alcohol level.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by bartender Thomas Waugh at The Pool Lounge in New York City around 2017, this cocktail quickly became a modern favorite. It exemplifies the trend of using sherry in cocktails to add complexity and savory notes without significantly increasing the alcohol content. The name itself is evocative, suggesting something sophisticated, alluring, and perhaps fleetingly enjoyed.
Origin
New York City, USA, circa 2017.

Part-Time Lover

The cocktail is consistently known by its original name, "Part-Time Lover," and does not have widely recognized alternative names or translations.
Original name
Part-Time Lover
Alternative name
Part Time Lover Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a delightful hazy pink hue and a luxurious, silky texture from the shaken egg white. Its flavor profile is a complex yet refreshing interplay of fresh strawberry, floral elderflower, and a dry, nutty sherry finish.
Flavor
Fruity (strawberry), floral (elderflower), nutty, botanical, crisp, tart
Aroma
Fresh strawberry, floral, lemon citrus, faint juniper
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour, dry
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering berry and floral notes
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy pale pink, opaque with a white foam head (if using egg white)
Texture
Silky, smooth, frothy, luxurious (with egg white)
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, bright, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense and well-balanced, led by fruitiness and sourness. Floral sweetness and a gentle alcohol presence are complemented by the fino sherry's subtle savory dryness, which adds complexity.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe requires gin and fino sherry as its base, modified with elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a muddled strawberry. An optional egg white is highly recommended for a silky texture.
  • Gin30 ml / 1 oz
    A London Dry Gin works well to provide a botanical backbone.
  • Fino Sherry30 ml / 1 oz
    Provides a dry, nutty, and slightly saline complexity.
  • Elderflower Liqueur15 ml / 0.5 oz
    St-Germain is the most commonly used brand.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Fresh Strawberry1
    One medium, ripe strawberry.
  • Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Adds texture and foam. Can be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version or omitted entirely.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a muddler and a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, pulp-free consistency.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Muddler for crushing the strawberry
  • Jigger for accurate measurement
  • Hawthorne strainer for primary straining
  • Fine mesh strainer for double straining

Instructions

The process involves muddling a strawberry, adding all ingredients, and performing a dry and wet shake to create a foamy texture before double straining into a chilled coupe.
1. Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, gently muddle one fresh strawberry.
3. Add the gin, fino sherry, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and egg white (if using) to the shaker.
4. Perform a 'dry shake' (shaking without ice) for 10-15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
5. Fill the shaker with cubed ice and perform a 'wet shake' vigorously for another 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
6. Double strain the contents through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
7. Garnish with a dehydrated strawberry slice floated on top or a fresh strawberry slice on the rim.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

A simple but elegant garnish of a dehydrated or fresh strawberry slice complements the drink's primary fruit flavor and enhances its visual appeal.
  • Dehydrated strawberry slice, floated on top of the foam.
  • Fresh strawberry slice, placed on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains alcohol and is not vegan due to the common use of egg white. It is typically vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free, though one should always check liqueur labels for specific allergens.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively light cocktail, with moderate calorie and sugar content primarily derived from the liqueur and fresh fruit.
Calories
Approximately 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 8-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is versatile, perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour, a sunny afternoon gathering, or a romantic evening. Its refreshing and elegant profile also makes it a fantastic choice for an upscale brunch.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Summer Party
  • Date Night
  • Brunch

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's bright, dry, and fruity profile pairs excellently with light and fresh fare. It cuts through the richness of soft cheese and complements the brininess of fresh seafood, making it a great aperitif.
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood (oysters, ceviche)
  • Salads with vinaigrette
  • Goat cheese or other soft cheeses

The Alluring Elegance of the Part-Time Lover

The Part-Time Lover is a sophisticated modern classic that showcases a beautiful balance between fruity, floral, botanical, and savory flavors. The unique combination of nutty fino sherry with gin, strawberry, and elderflower creates a multi-layered yet highly refreshing drink. Its silky texture (from the egg white) and elegant presentation make it a perfect choice for discerning drinkers seeking a unique and memorable cocktail experience that is both complex and approachable.

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