Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe

What makes this gin sour cocktail recipe so special is the way the gin’s flavors mix perfectly with the tartness of fresh lemon juice. A little bit of simple syrup gives it just the right amount of sweetness. Some of us like to add egg white to make it extra smooth, while others prefer it clear and straightforward. However you make it, it’s a great drink to enjoy, whether you’re having friends over or just relaxing at home.

The best part about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily switch things up by using aquafaba instead of egg white to make it vegan or trying different gins to play with the flavors. No matter how you make it, whether you keep it classic or put your own spin on it, the Gin Sour is one of those drinks you can always count on to hit the spot.

Ingredients for a Perfect Gin Sour

Making a great gin sour is all about a few simple ingredients that come together perfectly. Each one has its own part to play, from the gin you choose to whether you decide to add bitters for an extra touch.

Gin

Most people use a London Dry Gin because it has a clean, classic flavor that works well with the other ingredients. But if you want to mix things up, you can try Old Tom gin for something a little sweeter, or Genever if you’re in the mood for a richer, maltier taste. Every type of gin brings its own flavor to the drink, giving you a different experience each time. Whether you stick with the traditional or try something new, gin is what makes the cocktail shine.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is a must. It gives the drink that bright, fresh flavor that bottled juice just can’t. The lemon is what makes the drink so refreshing, adding the sour note that balances out the sweetness of the syrup. Using fresh lemons really makes a difference, so it’s always worth the extra effort.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup adds the sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon. It’s super easy to make at home. You just need equal parts sugar and water, heat it until the sugar dissolves, and you’re good to go. This lets you control how sweet you want your drink to be, making sure your gin sour is just the way you like it. Plus, having some simple syrup around makes it easy to whip up cocktails anytime.

Optional Egg White or Aquafaba

Adding egg white gives your gin sour a nice, silky texture and creates a frothy top. It’s a little touch that makes the drink feel more luxurious. If you prefer a vegan option, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) to get that same frothiness. Both options give the drink a smooth, velvety feel without changing the taste.

Bitters

Bitters are optional, but they can take your gin sour to the next level. Just a few drops on top of the foam can make the drink look and smell even better. Bitters add a little depth to the flavor, and they are an easy way to give your cocktail a polished finish. Even though you don’t have to use them, they’re a great touch if you want to impress.

How to Make Gin Sour Cocktail

Making a great gin sour is all about having the right ingredients and getting the technique down. Here’s an easy way to make this classic drink with a little extra flair.

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) to a cocktail shaker. This forms the base of your drink. The egg white is optional, but it gives the cocktail a smooth, silky texture.
2. Dry Shake (if using egg white):
   If you’re using egg white, start by shaking everything without ice. This is called a dry shake and helps create that nice froth on top.
3. Shake with Ice:
   Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 10 to 15 seconds to chill the drink. Be careful not to over-shake, or it might get watered down.
4. Double Strain:
   Strain the mixture using both a cocktail strainer and a fine mesh sieve to remove any ice shards or foam chunks. This gives you a smooth, clean drink.
5. Garnish:
   Add a twist of lemon or a few drops of Angostura bitters on top of the froth. For a little extra flair, you can use a toothpick to swirl the bitters into a design.

Related: Cocktail Shaking Techniques

Variations of the Gin Sour

If you are looking to mix things up, here are some fun and easy ways to put a twist on the classic Gin Sour. These variations are simple to make and bring new flavors into the mix.

Elderflower Gin Sour
Try adding a splash of elderflower liqueur to your Gin Sour. It gives the drink a sweet, floral touch that pairs beautifully with the gin's botanical flavors. The elderflower adds just the right amount of sweetness, making every sip smooth and enjoyable.

Hibiscus Gin Sour
For a colorful twist, hibiscus syrup is a great addition. It not only turns the drink a lovely pink color, but it also adds a floral and slightly tart flavor that works really well with gin. This variation is bright, refreshing, and looks amazing too.

New Amsterdam Sour
If you want a fruitier take, using New Amsterdam gin is a great option. It has a more citrusy flavor, and you can add orange bitters or garnish it with a citrus peel to make those notes really stand out. This version is fresh, light, and a fun spin on the classic.

Non-Alcoholic Gin Sour
For a non-alcoholic option, swap the gin for a non-alcoholic alternative like Seedlip or Ritual. These alternatives let you enjoy the flavors and the feel of a Gin Sour without any alcohol. It is the perfect choice if you want to keep things light but still enjoy a tasty drink.

More Gin Cocktails to Try!

• Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
• Gin Basil Smash Recipe
• Best Gin Mixers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a sour cocktail?

A "sour" cocktail gets its name from how it mixes spirits, citrus juice, and something sweet. The sour flavor from the citrus is balanced out by the sweetness, giving the drink its refreshing and tangy taste. That is what makes these cocktails so popular.

What is the origin of the gin sour?

The Gin Sour goes way back to the 19th century and is part of the sour cocktail family. It likely started as a twist on the Whiskey Sour, but with gin adding a lighter, more botanical flavor. These kinds of citrus-based drinks became popular with sailors who used citrus to prevent scurvy, helping cocktails like the Gin Sour rise in popularity.

What is Gin Sour made of?

A Gin Sour is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. You can also add egg white or aquafaba for a frothy top, and bitters if you want a little extra flavor. The gin brings botanical notes, the lemon adds a tart kick, and the syrup smooths it all out. The egg white just gives it a creamy foam without changing the taste.

How to make a gin sour without egg white?

If you prefer to skip the egg white, no problem. Just mix gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, shake it with ice, and strain it into your glass. You can add a lemon twist or a few drops of bitters to dress it up. If you still want that frothy top, aquafaba is a great vegan option.

How many calories are in a Gin Sour?

A typical Gin Sour has about 150 to 200 calories per serving. Most of that comes from the gin, which has around 100 to 120 calories. Simple syrup adds about 50, lemon juice brings in 10 to 15, and if you are using egg white, it adds another 15 to 20. You can adjust the ingredients if you are looking to lower the calories.

Is it safe to consume raw egg white in cocktails?

There is a small risk of salmonella when using raw egg whites, so it is important to use fresh, high-quality eggs and handle them carefully. Pasteurized egg whites are a safer option. If you are not comfortable with raw eggs, aquafaba is a great alternative that gives you the same frothy texture. Just make sure to practice good kitchen hygiene when handling raw ingredients.

Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe

The Gin Sour is a simple but delicious cocktail that’s all about fresh lemon, smooth gin, and a hint of sweetness. It’s super easy to make and always hits the spot with its bright, refreshing taste. Whether you’re just hanging out or hosting friends, this drink is a real crowd-pleaser with its light and frothy finish. Here’s how to make a Gin Sour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Coupe Glass
• Jigger

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz Gin
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 1/2 oz Egg White or aquafaba optional
• 3 drops Angostura Bitters optional

Instructions

 

• Dry Shake: Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba) in the shaker. Shake it without ice to create a frothy texture.
• Add Ice and Shake Again: Toss in some ice and shake until the drink is nice and chilled.
• Strain: Use your strainer to pour the mix into a coupe glass without any ice.
• Garnish: Add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top of the foam, or a lemon twist for extra zest.

Notes

• Always use fresh lemon juice and a good-quality gin for the best results.
• Make sure your egg white is fresh, or if you’re going the vegan route, 1/2 oz (or about a tablespoon) of aquafaba works just as well.

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