White Linen recipe
A crisp, botanical craft highball balancing fresh cucumber, elderflower, and gin.
Method: Shake and strain ·
Glass: Collins glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: Modern Classics
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin (Botanical or London dry)
- 3/4 oz Elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 3-4 slices Fresh cucumber (Plus a ribbon for garnish)
- 2 oz Club soda (To top)
How to make a White Linen
- Muddle the cucumber slices gently in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds until chilled.
- Fine-strain the mixture into an ice-filled Collins glass.
- Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a long cucumber ribbon pressed against the inside of the glass.
Garnish
Long cucumber ribbon
Pro tip
Muddle the cucumber only lightly to extract fresh green flavor without releasing bitter seed pulp.
History of the White Linen
Created in 2008 by bartender Rene Dominguez in Sacramento, California, the White Linen quickly rose to prominence as a modern craft cocktail staple, celebrating the botanical pairing of gin and elderflower. Modern bartenders still keep White Linen in circulation because the recipe shows a clear point of view without needless decoration.
Flavour profile
Floral, Crisp, Refreshing
Variations
- Vodka Linen — Substitute cucumber-infused vodka in place of gin for a smoother grain profile.
- Botanical Spritz — Swap club soda for dry prosecco to add effervescent wine acidity.
- Garden Smash — Muddle fresh mint leaves alongside the cucumber for an herbaceous finish.
Practise making the White Linen in the free Virtual Bar game.