Essential Sour Cocktails for Every Home Bartender
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT
Sour cocktails, or simply “Sours” as they’re more commonly known, are not just a family of drinks but one of the most beloved and oldest of all drink families.
Sours follow a classic 2:1:1 formula. That is, 2 parts base spirit, (e.g. Gin, Vodka, Whiskey), 1 part sour (e.g. Lemon Juice, Lime Juice), and 1 part sweet (e.g. Simple Syrup, Honey). If you keep those ratios in mind you can riff on Sours as much as you like.
Bitters and Egg White (or Aquafaba as an Egg White substitute) are optional but very common. Egg Whites/Aquafaba will add mouthfeel as well as a wonderful foam to your drink, while Bitters are great if you want to add aromatics and a deeper flavor.
Regardless of the base spirit, the fundamental formula for a Sour remains the same, with the primary difference being the flavor of the chosen base spirit.
Hosting dinner or throwing a cocktail party? Below are the essential Sours that every home bartender needs to know.
Whiskey Sour
Let’s begin with the one that started it all. “The Whiskey Sour is considered the Monarch of the Sours cocktail family, with a rich history and countless variations,” says Michael Bergström, Drinks Expert from Bartenders’ Choice Awards.
An incredible and unique mix of sour, bitter, and sweet, the Whiskey Sour is one of the most popular cocktails, not only because it’s an originator but because “It’s one of the best,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. Discover the recipe for a Whiskey Sour.
Sours are shaken drinks and may be served straight-up or on the rocks.
White Lady
The White Lady was invented in London in 1919. This timeless cocktail mixes Gin, Lemon Juice, and Triple Sec together with Egg White. Garnished with a Lemon Twist, it’s every bit the classic sour. Discover how to make a White Lady.
New York Sour
When we asked Rico about the New York Sour, he described it as “possibly one of the best cocktails ever invented.”
The New York Sour is very similar to the Whiskey Sour but uses Rye Whiskey and adds a float of Dry Red Wine. It’s also sweeter, combining the rich, slightly sweet and oh-so smooth flavors of Rye Whiskey, balanced by the Lemon and Sugar.
Unlike the Whiskey Sour, however, the New York Sour is then topped with fruity Claret Red Wine, which adds a whole other dimension. Here’s how to make a classic New York Sour.
Amaretto Sour
This is a wonderfully smooth and decadent Sour that’s often enjoyed as a digestif. Its rich Marzipan-like taste comes from the Amaretto (Almond Liqueur), which blends incredibly well with tart Lemon Juice and the sweetness of Simple Syrup.
Its frothy head and velvety texture from the Egg White (or Aquafaba) cap off what is a perfect after-dinner cocktail. Learn how to make an Amaretto Sour.
Vodka Sour
The Vodka Sour is a go-to for many Vodka enthusiasts, and for good reason – it’s absolutely delicious. It follows the same recipe as a Whiskey Sour but substitutes Whiskey with Vodka.
Mixed with Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, a touch of Simple Syrup, Egg White (or Aquafaba), then topped off with a few dashes of Bitters, and garnished with a Cherry and a Lemon Wedge, there’s no other way to say it – it’s a perfect drink. Learn how to make a Vodka Sour.
Kahlúa Sour
Although the thought of Coffee and Lemon together might initially seem odd (hey, there ain’t nothing wrong with odd!), the Kahlúa Sour is a testament to the fact that some pairings are just meant to be together.
The Kahlúa Sour masterfully balances the sweet and bitter notes of Coffee and Citrus, while a touch of Sugar Syrup rounds out the flavors for a smooth finish. Here’s how to make a Kahlúa Sour.
The first printed mention of this sweet and sour delight was in a cocktail book in 1909. The Clover Club mixes Gin, Raspberry Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and Egg White. For this drink, we recommend doing the reverse dry shake to get the velvety texture on your drink.
Garnish with three Fresh Raspberries on a cocktail stick and you’ve got a drink that is as delicious as it is stunning. Discover the recipe for the Clover Club.
Pisco Sour
The beloved and ever-popular Pisco Sour, believed to have been invented in Peru in 1903 (although this is debated and changes from source to source), is a staple of both Peruvian and Chilean cuisine.
Pisco, an unaged brandy distilled from Peruvian Grape Musts and Juices, serves as a perfect base for a sour. Pisco is sweet with the taste of Grapes and hints of citrus and when combined with Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, a dash of Simple Syrup, Egg Whites, and Bitters, the end result is a cocktail that’s utterly delicious. Discover the recipe for a Pisco Sour.
Cosmopolitan
Although the Cosmo can be rightfully seen as unique as it bends the rules of a traditional Sour, nonetheless, it fits firmly into the family of Sours.
It adheres to the essential mix of spirit, sour, and sweet but in different measures and very much its own way, celebrating the spirit of doing things differently, which we love.
“It’s a citrus phenomenon,” says Rico. He’s right – the Cosmo has got all the citrus flavors going on – Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Lemon-Flavored Vodka, and Orange Zest.
So, if you love tart and sour, you can’t beat the Cosmopolitan. Here’s how to make a classic Cosmopolitan cocktail.
Cocktail recipes by ingredient
Top ten drinks for any occasion
Lemon Drop Shot
Absolut Citron, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon, Sugar, Superfine, Ice Cubes
Cosmopolitan
Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice (sweetened), Orange Zest, Ice Cubes
Bloody Mary
Absolut Vodka, Tomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Salt, Lemon, Celery
Appletini
Absolut Vodka, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Apple Liqueur, Apple Juice, Ice Cubes
Long Island Iced Tea
Absolut Vodka, Light Rum, Gin, Tequila Blanco, Lemon Juice, Triple Sec, Cola, Lemon, Ice Cubes
Amaretto Sour
Amaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Maraschino, Orange, Ice Cubes
