Blance Spice Up Your Life Recipe

Prepare and Dry Shake (if using egg white)

If using egg white, add gin, blanc vermouth, St-Germain, lemon juice, simple syrup, ginger liqueur/syrup, bitters, and the egg white to a cocktail shaker. Perform a dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify and build foam.

Shake with Ice

Open the shaker, add large ice cubes, then shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is chilled and the exterior becomes frosty.

Double Strain

Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and any solids, producing a smooth, velvety pour.

No-Egg Variation

If omitting egg white, add all liquid ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds, then strain into a chilled glass. Expect less foam and slightly different mouthfeel.

Express the lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail to release essential oils, then wipe the rim of the glass with the twist and drop it into the drink or perch it on the rim.

Lightly clap the thyme sprig between your hands to release aromatics and place it atop the foam or float it on the drink.

Finish with a very light dusting of cracked black (or white) pepper across the foam or surface — just a hint to add the 'spice' element. For a finer presentation, use a microplane to grind a small amount of pepper.