Sours

Sours are a family of cocktails known for their balanced blend of tart citrus, sweet syrup, and a base spirit. The core of any sour cocktail typically includes a spirit like whiskey, gin, rum, or amaretto, mixed with lemon or lime juice and sweetened with simple syrup. Some sours also include egg white, which adds a frothy texture and smooth finish. These cocktails are vibrant, refreshing, and offer the perfect harmony between sweet and sour, making them a popular choice for those who love a drink with a citrusy kick.

Popular Sour Flavors

Check out these popular sour flavors and see how each one can bring a unique twist to your cocktails:

If you’re looking to mix up a sour cocktail but are missing a key ingredient, here are some great substitutes:

• Lime Juice for Lemon Juice: If you’re out of lemon juice, lime juice can stand in for that zesty, sour flavor in most sours, adding a slightly different citrus twist.
• Honey Syrup for Simple Syrup: Want a more natural sweetness? Honey syrup (honey mixed with warm water) brings a richer, more complex sweetness to sours.
• Agave Syrup: A great alternative to simple syrup, agave syrup adds a subtle sweetness, especially in tequila-based sours.
• Maple Syrup: For a deeper, more robust sweetness, try swapping simple syrup for maple syrup, which works particularly well in whiskey or bourbon sours.
• Orange Juice for a Citrus Mix: Add a splash of orange juice for extra depth and sweetness in your sour, perfect for amaretto or rum-based sours.

• Fresh Citrus Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice is key for creating the best sours. Bottled juice just doesn’t deliver the same brightness and punch.
• Balance Sweetness and Sourness: Start with equal parts citrus and simple syrup, and adjust to taste to find the right balance between sweet and tart for your palate.
• Add Egg White: For a frothy, velvety texture, add a dash of egg white and shake vigorously before adding ice. It adds a creamy layer that elevates the drink.
• Shake It Hard: Sours are best shaken, not stirred! Shaking chills the drink while also blending and aerating the ingredients for a smooth, refreshing cocktail.
• Experiment with Spirits: Don’t be afraid to switch up the base spirit. Whiskey, gin, rum, and even tequila all create amazing sour cocktails with their unique flavors.