A Gin Sour is a classic cocktail that is light and refreshing. It is full of citrus and botanical flavors and topped with a thick, silky layer of foam.
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A Classic Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe
A 'sour' is a popular type of cocktail, and so there are many variations of it available. And this gin version is a classic and highly popular option. It is one of the original beverages of its kind and it has been enjoyed since the late 1800s.
The combination of sweet and sour flavors and the creamy texture makes this Gin Sour recipe a must-try. And although it is called a "sour", it is a well-balanced drink that is easy to adapt to your exact taste preferences.
You can include egg white or aquafaba for a luscious body and frothy finish. But if you want to leave this out, the cocktail will still be fantastic.
Looking for more sweet and sour gin cocktail recipes? Check out our BEE'S KNEES GIN COCKTAIL or our GRAPEFRUIT GIN COCKTAIL WITH ROSE WATER!
What is in a Gin Sour?
Sour cocktails are made up of three main elements: liquor, citrus, and sweetener. And this Gin Sour follows that same principle. You will always find gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in Gin Sour recipes.
You will find the list of ingredients that you will need to make this Gin Sour recipe below or you can find a full, detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredients and Notes
- Gin. A London dry gin is a standard choice for a gin sour cocktail. But you can use any kind of gin you like best!
- Lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is always best! And we like to use lemon juice for this recipe but you can also use fresh lime juice or a combination of both.
- Simple syrup. You could use a homemade or store-bought simple syrup for this recipe. We have an easy simple syrup recipe if you want to make your own. Or check out our honey simple syrup for a tasty twist.
- Egg white. To give a sour cocktail its iconic silky finish, egg white is added to the cocktail shaker to create a beautiful frothy finish. You can substitute the egg white for aquafaba (chickpea water) for a vegan alternative.
- Ice cubes. Chills the drink and helps to create the foamy topping.
- Optional garnish. You can serve this cocktail as is or you can add a garnish of your choice. Some traditional Gin Sour garnish options include an orange slice and cocktail cherry, a lemon twist or lemon slice, or a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR MAKING SOUR COCKTAILS
Making sour cocktails, like a Gin Sour, requires a few key tools to ensure that the ingredients are properly mixed and the flavors are balanced. Here are some of the tools that you will need to make a sour cocktail:
- Cocktail Shaker - A cocktail shaker is an essential tool for making sours. It is used to mix the ingredients together and create a frothy texture, which is crucial to the texture and taste of the cocktail. I recommend a three-piece shaker, as it is easy to use and clean.
- Jigger - A jigger is a small measuring cup used to measure the ingredients accurately. Measuring the ingredients precisely is important to ensure that the cocktail has a balanced flavor.
- Strainer - You can use a strainer to separate the liquid from the ice and other solids in the shaker. This ensures that the cocktail has a smooth texture and is free of any impurities.
- Citrus Juicer - A citrus juicer is used to extract fresh juice from lemons and limes. Using fresh juice is essential for a sour cocktail, as it provides a bright and tangy flavor.
- Fine Mesh Strainer - A fine mesh strainer is optional, but it can be used to strain the citrus juice to remove any pulp or seeds that might affect the texture of the cocktail.
Looking for a fruity twist on this classic gin sour? Check out our delicious BLUEBERRY GIN SOUR recipe!
How to make a Gin Sour
The best and traditional way to make a gin sour is by using The Dry Shake technique. This 'sour' making technique requires you to shake your cocktail twice.
The first shake is without ice cubes and the second shake is with ice. This is the best way to create a thick and lasting egg-white foam.
To make a classic gin sour, follow the instructions below, or find a full, detailed recipe at the end of this post
Step-By-Step Instructions
STEP ONE
Add the lemon juice, gin, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker. Shake for about one minute, until frothy.
STEP TWO
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake for an additional minute.
STEP THREE
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving glass. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.
Vegan Gin Sour Variation
A classic Gin Sour can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based ingredient to replace the traditional egg white. Aquafaba is a great substitute for egg whites in cocktails.
Simply drain the liquid from a can of chickpeas and use it in place of the egg white. It provides a similar frothy texture and does not affect the flavor of the cocktail.
RECIPE NOTES AND TIPS
It's all about the strain - Make sure to strain your cocktail well using a fine-mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer. This will ensure that your cocktail is the best texture and will make sure there are no unwanted bits.
Use fresh ingredients - Always use fresh ingredients, such as citrus juice, to get the best flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, which can have a flat taste and may contain preservatives.
Chill your serving glass - To make the cocktail extra frosty, place your cocktail glasses in the freezer 30 minutes before making your Gin Sour. This ensures that your cocktail stays super cold and doesn't quickly come to room temperature.
Handle the eggs carefully - Always crack and separate the egg in a small bowl before adding it to your cocktail shaker. This will help to prevent you from accidentally adding any of the yolk (fat inhibits egg white foaming) or a piece of eggshell.
Best Glasses For Sour Cocktails
The type of glass you choose to serve your cocktail in can not only enhance the overall taste and experience but also has a massive impact on the presentation.
- Old Fashioned Glass - This is a classic sour cocktail serving glass. It is short and sturdy with a heavy base. And it is ideal for a sour as it leaves enough room for both the cocktail as well as the foam. It is also a great option if you want to include multiple garnishes.
- Coupe Glass - A beautiful, elegant serving glass. The coupe glass will enhance any cocktail to give it a more luxurious look and feel. One of the best parts about the coupe glass is that it allows the egg-white foam to be more visible.
- Collins Glass - For something a little taller, the Collins Glass gives a different, refreshing presentation. It provides tons of space for extra ice leaving you sipping on your mezcal sour a little longer.
More Sour Cocktail recipes to try:
Gin Sour
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 serving glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounce gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 1 large egg white
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the lemon juice, gin, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker. Shake for about one minute, until frothy.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake for an additional minute.Â
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving glass. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you love this Gin Sour recipe as much as I do! And if you want to see more of my food adventures, follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
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