Rum Sour Cocktail Recipe

Sour cocktails are a hit with everyone, whether you’re just starting out or already a fan of mixing drinks. They’re easy to make, super flexible, and fun to play around with, so you can change them up to suit your mood or taste. We love these drinks because they’re always a crowd-pleaser and can be adapted in so many ways.

For this Rum Sour cocktail recipe, we’re using dark rum to add a warm, smooth flavor with a hint of caramel and vanilla. This little twist really makes the drink stand out. And the best part? It’s simple enough for anyone to make, whether you’re just learning or have some experience. Give it a try and enjoy experimenting with different versions right at home!

Ingredients for a Rum Sour Cocktail

Every ingredient in a Rum Sour brings its own unique character, blending together to make a delicious and balanced cocktail. Here is what you need and a few simple tips to make it your own.

Dark Rum

Dark rum is our choice for this cocktail because of its rich and smooth flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla. There is no need to splurge on an expensive bottle since a good mid-range rum has plenty of depth. Try out different dark rums if you are curious because each brings its own twist. Sticking with dark rum gives the classic, full-bodied flavor we love.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is essential here. It adds a bright and fresh kick that you just cannot get from bottled juice. This balances the richness of the rum, bringing a nice zesty note. A handheld citrus juicer works well for quick squeezing, and heavy, smooth lemons are usually the juiciest. Fresh juice boosts both the taste and aroma, bringing the drink to life.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup keeps the lemon’s tartness in check and ties all the flavors together. It is just equal parts sugar and water, which is super easy to make at home. If you want to try something new, swap in honey or maple syrup for a different twist. But if you are looking for that classic smooth flavor, simple syrup is the way to go.

Egg White (Optional)

Egg white in a Rum Sour creates a nice frothy layer and a smooth, creamy texture without changing the taste. If you are not into using raw egg, you can try aquafaba, the liquid from chickpeas, or Fee Foam as an alternative. Both give the same creamy finish. Adding egg white makes the cocktail feel a bit more special, making each sip feel just right.

Aromatic Bitters (Optional)

Aromatic bitters bring in a little extra depth with hints of spices and herbs that pair beautifully with dark rum. We usually add a few drops of Angostura bitters for warmth or orange bitters for a bit of citrus. Bitters are totally optional but they are a fun way to make the Rum Sour your own with a hint of something extra.

How to Make a Rum Sour

Let’s make a delicious Rum Sour! First, grab everything you’ll need: some good dark rum, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and if you’re up for it, an egg white. These simple ingredients come together to make a smooth, balanced cocktail with just the right mix of sweet and sour.

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, now’s a great time to get one. The MixMaster Pro Deluxe Stainless Steel Cocktail Set has everything you need to mix like a pro, including a shaker that’ll make crafting a perfectly chilled Rum Sour so much easier.

Alright, let’s get started with what’s called a dry shake. Just pour the rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into the shaker, but hold off on the ice for now. Shaking it without ice creates that amazing frothy top and smooth, creamy texture that makes a Rum Sour so special.

Next up is the wet shake. Go ahead and add a handful of ice to the shaker, then give it another shake. This chills the drink just right without watering it down too much. About 10 to 15 seconds should do the trick to get everything perfectly cold.

Now, pour your drink into a chilled glass. A coupe or rocks glass works great. Chilling the glass ahead of time keeps your drink colder longer, which makes each sip even better.

For the final touch, add a garnish. A lemon twist gives a fresh, zesty scent, and a maraschino cherry adds a pop of color. If you want to get fancy, add a few drops of Angostura bitters on the frothy top for a hint of spice and a bit of flair.

And there you go! With these easy steps and the right tools, you’ll have an amazing Rum Sour every time. Enjoy experimenting to find the version that’s just right for you!

Variations on the Rum Sour Recipe

• Try different citrus flavors: Swap lemon juice with lime, or mix the two for a fresh, zesty kick. It gives the drink a whole new vibe.
• Play around with sweeteners: Use maple syrup or demerara syrup instead of the usual simple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness. For something bold, try adding a fruit-infused syrup to bring in an extra layer of flavor.
• Warm it up with spiced rum: Adding spiced rum and a splash of honey gives the cocktail a cozy, comforting feel, perfect for a chilly night or a festive gathering.
• Give it a tropical twist: A little coconut rum can instantly make your Rum Sour feel like a beachy treat.
• Add a hint of flavor: A touch of vanilla or cinnamon brings a warm, aromatic depth that goes so well with rum.
• Add fresh herbs: Try adding a sprig of basil or thyme for a fresh, garden-inspired flavor. It adds a nice twist and looks great too!

Trying out these different ideas is a fun way to discover a new favorite version of the Rum Sour. Enjoy experimenting and see which twist you like best!

More Sour Cocktails to Try

Here are a few sour cocktails to explore. Each one has its own unique twist, so you are sure to find something you will love.

Whiskey Sour
This classic is made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, creating a rich, smooth drink with a touch of warmth. It is a great choice for just about any occasion.

Gin Sour
Gin and lemon juice come together in this refreshing cocktail with a hint of herbal flavor. It is a little lighter than whiskey but just as enjoyable, especially on warm days.

Tequila Sour
If you are a tequila fan, you will love this mix of tequila and lime juice. It has a bold, earthy flavor with that fresh agave taste that makes tequila so unique.

Mezcal Sour
For something smoky, try the Mezcal Sour. Made with mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup, it is bold and earthy, with just the right hint of smokiness for a fun twist.

Vodka Sour
Simple and smooth, this cocktail uses vodka, lemon, and simple syrup. It is light and citrusy, perfect if you are new to sour cocktails and looking for something easy to sip.

Give these sours a try and see which one becomes your favorite. Each cocktail brings its own unique flavor, so there is always something new to enjoy!

FAQs About Rum Sour

What’s the difference between a Rum Sour and a Daiquiri?

These two cocktails both use rum, citrus, and a touch of sweetness, but they each bring something different to the table. A Rum Sour is made with dark rum, giving it a rich, caramel flavor, while a Daiquiri usually uses lighter white rum for a cleaner, more refreshing taste. However, white rum can also be used in a Rum Sour for a lighter twist. Check out this guide for more easy white rum cocktail ideas.

The citrus choice is also different. The Rum Sour has lemon juice, which brings a milder, softer sourness, and the Daiquiri uses lime juice for a sharper, tangy kick. Plus, the Rum Sour often has egg white for that frothy finish.

What is the best type of rum to use for a Rum Sour?

Dark or aged rum is the way to go. It adds depth and a rich flavor that really complements the balance of sweet and sour in the cocktail. A good quality, mid-range dark rum works perfectly, though you can also experiment with spiced or golden rums if you want to try something a little different.

Can I make a Rum Sour without egg white?

Of course! Egg white adds a creamy, frothy texture, but it is not essential. You can replace it with aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) or a commercial foamer if you want that frothy texture without using egg. And if you skip it altogether, you will still have a great-tasting cocktail, just with a different texture.

What food pairs well with a Rum Sour?

Citrusy or lightly sweet foods make a great match with a Rum Sour. Try pairing it with seafood like ceviche, tropical fruits, or salty snacks. Caribbean-inspired dishes like jerk chicken or coconut shrimp are also a delicious choice since the cocktail’s acidity balances out those rich flavors.

Is it safe to drink cocktails made with raw egg whites?

Yes, it is generally safe as long as you use fresh, pasteurized eggs and check for any cracks. But if you would rather skip raw egg, aquafaba or a commercial foamer are good alternatives that give you the same frothy texture without any worries.

Rum Sour Cocktail Recipe

The Rum Sour brings together the rich, bold flavor of rum with a fresh splash of citrus for a perfectly balanced drink. With just a few simple ingredients, this classic cocktail is easy to make and always hits the spot. It is a great choice for anyone who loves a little sweetness with a zesty kick in every sip.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Citrus juicer

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• 1 egg white optional for texture

Instructions

 

• Add the dark rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if you are using it) to your cocktail shaker.
• Start with a dry shake. This just means shaking without ice to get the egg white nice and frothy.
• Now add ice to the shaker and shake again to chill the drink.
• Strain the mix into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Finish by adding a couple of dashes of aromatic bitters on top for extra flavor.

Notes

• Try swapping dark rum with spiced or aged rum for a richer, deeper flavor.
• For sweetness, you can replace simple syrup with honey, orgeat, or demerara syrup for a new twist.
• If you want a different aroma, orange bitters add a light citrus note.
• To make it vegan, use aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) or Fee Foam instead of egg white for that same smooth texture.
• If egg white is not for you, feel free to skip it. It is just an extra touch for a creamier sip.

 

Enjoy playing around with your Rum Sour and finding the version you love most!

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