Mezcal Sour

A Mezcal Sour is smokey, tangy, and deliciously smooth. This cocktail is a refreshing and silky sip that is easy to make with a creamy foam topping!

Jump to:

• A Classic Mezcal Sour Recipe
• Ingredients and Notes
• EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR MAKING SOUR COCKTAILS
• The "Dry Shake" Technique
• How to Make a Mezcal Sour Cocktail
• Recipe Notes and Tips
• BEST GLASS FOR SERVING SOURS
• Recipe

A Classic Mezcal Sour Recipe

If you are a Mezcal lover, then you are going to love this recipe! And if you are new to the world of Mezcal, this is a great introductory drink that showcases Mezcal's delicious flavor and versatility.

There are so many sour recipes available because it is such a popular type of cocktail - and this Mezcal version is definitely one of my favorites. The foamy top is formed by a two-step shaking process (dry shaking) and the addition of egg white.

A Mezcal sour is well-balanced in flavor with layers of citrus, a touch of sweetness, and some smokey notes at the end. And no matter the season, this sour is a perfect smooth-sipping cocktail for any occasion!

Looking for more classic cocktail sour recipes? Check out our VODKA SOUR RECIPE, TEQUILA SOUR RECIPE, and APEROL GIN SOUR. They are all deliciously smooth and tasty!

Ingredients and Notes

Classic sour cocktails have three parts to them: liquor, citrus, and sweetener. This Mezcal Sour follows that same principle. The ingredients you will need are:

• Mezcal. Mezcal is a type of alcohol that is made from the agave plant. The agave is cooked in pits in the ground and this is where it gets its signature smoky flavor from. You can use any type or brand of Mezcal to make this recipe.
• Lime juice. Freshly squeezed is always best! And we like to use lime juice for this recipe but you can also use fresh lemon juice or a combination of both.
• Angostura bitters. Adds a layer of complexity, intensifies the flavor of other ingredients, counteracts the harshness of acidic contents, and decreases the harshness of spirits. You can also use them as an optional garnish.
• Agave syrup (or simple syrup). Because Mezcal is also derived from the agave plant so we like to use agave syrup in this drink for sweetness, but you could also use simple syrup or even honey syrup.
• Egg white. To give a sour cocktail that silky finish, we add egg white to the cocktail shaker and give it a good shake to create that 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.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR MAKING SOUR COCKTAILS

Making sour cocktails, like a Mezcal 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

The "Dry Shake" Technique

People have been adding egg whites to cocktails since the 1860s to give the drink a frothy texture to the top and a creamy smooth flavor to each sip. The best way to incorporate egg white into a cocktail is by using a method called The Dry Shake.

The Dry Shake 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 an egg white foam because:

• The first shake (without ice) - The first shake mixes the drink and allows the protein in the egg to begin to form foam without being diluted by the ice.
• The second shake (with ice) - This shake chills the drink and strengthens the egg white foam. Strain it into the glass and you’ll get a thick, white frothy layer.

How to Make a Mezcal Sour Cocktail

STEP ONE

Mix the lime juice, mezcal, Angostura bitters, agave syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker and shake for one minute, until frothy.

STEP TWO

Fill the 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.

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.

Double shake it - For the ultimate sour cocktail, start with a dry shake that excludes the ice, then add the ice and shake it again. This will give your sour cocktail the best texture without getting diluted.

Garnish with a citrus twist - A citrus twist is a classic garnish for a sour cocktail. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to cut a long, thin strip of citrus peel and twist it over the cocktail to release the oils and add a fresh aroma.

Chill your serving glass - To make the cocktail extra frosty, place your cocktail glasses in the freezer 30 minutes before making the Mezcal Sour. This ensures that your cocktail stays super cold and doesn't instantly come to room temperature.

BEST GLASS FOR SERVING SOURS

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.

I hope you love this Mezcal Sour recipe as much as I do. And for more delicious recipes, follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

Recipe