Tequila Sour Cocktail Recipe

What's in a Tequila Sour?

The tequila sour cocktail recipe is simple, refreshing, and full of flavor. Here’s what we use:

Tequila

We usually go for a quality blanco or reposado tequila. Blanco has a clean agave taste. Reposado adds a smooth hint of vanilla and spice. It's best to avoid mixto tequila since it can taste harsh.

You might also like: Tequila Espresso Martini Recipe

Fresh Lemon and Lime Juice

Fresh is key. We use 1 ounce of lemon juice and ½ ounce of lime juice for a nice balance of brightness and tang.

Simple Syrup or Agave Nectar

Both add sweetness. Simple syrup is neutral. Agave has a richer flavor that works naturally with tequila. We use ½ ounce, but you can adjust to taste.

Egg White (Optional)

This gives the drink that smooth, foamy top. We use 1 ounce per drink. Pasteurized egg whites or aquafaba work just as well if you prefer an alternative.

Bitters (Optional)

A couple of dashes on the foam add a nice finish. We like using Angostura or orange bitters for a little extra flavor.

How to Make a Tequila Sour

Making a tequila sour is quick, easy, and actually pretty fun. We love how it brings together sweet, sour, and a bold hit of tequila in one refreshing drink.

We start by gathering our tools. A shaker, jigger, and strainer are all you need.

This recipe uses the dry shake method. First, we add tequila, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white to the shaker without any ice. We shake it hard for about 15 seconds to create that smooth, foamy texture.

Next, we add ice and shake again for another 15 to 20 seconds. This second shake chills the drink and gives it the perfect consistency.

Then we strain it into a rocks glass with fresh ice. If you prefer it without ice, a coupe glass works just as well.

The whole process takes less than five minutes. Even if you’re new to making cocktails, this one’s easy to get right.

We like to finish it off with a few dashes of bitters on top of the foam. It adds a little flavor and makes it look great too.

Check the recipe card below for the exact measurements. Feel free to adjust the sweet and sour balance to match your taste.

Tequila Sour Recipe Variations to Try

Once we’ve got the classic tequila sour down, it’s fun to mix things up. This cocktail is super flexible, and just a small change can give it a whole new vibe. Here are a few of our favorite ways to switch it up.

Spicy Tequila Sour
If you like a little heat, this one’s for you. We muddle half a jalapeño in the shaker before adding the rest. Remove the seeds for a milder kick or leave them in if you like it bold.

Mezcal Sour
For a smoky twist, we swap tequila for mezcal. Everything else stays the same. The smoky flavor adds depth and plays really well with the citrus.

Get the recipe for Mezcal Sour | Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal

Tropical Tequila Sour
This one feels like a beach vacation in a glass. We muddle a few chunks of fresh pineapple or mango before shaking. The fruit adds a sweet contrast to the lime that we can’t get enough of.

Berry Tequila Sour
Fresh berries bring both color and flavor. We usually go with four or five blackberries, muddled right in the shaker. Raspberries or blueberries work too. It’s tart, fruity, and always a hit.

No-Egg Tequila Sour
Not into egg whites? No problem. We use 1 ounce of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead. It foams up nicely and gives the drink the same smooth texture. Or you can skip the foam completely for a simpler take.

These variations stay true to the tequila sour but add something new. Pick one, give it a shake, and see which twist you like best.

More Sour Cocktails to Try

If you enjoyed the tequila sour, you're in for a treat. Sour cocktails follow the same simple formula: spirit, citrus, and sweetener. Once you know that, it’s easy to mix things up based on what you have.

Here are a few other sours we love:

• Whiskey Sour
• Pisco Sour
• Amaretto Sour
• Trinidad Sour
• Gin Sour
• Daiquiri
• Vodka Sour
• Rum Sour

Try one of these next time and see which becomes your new go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tequila Sour?

A Tequila Sour is a cocktail made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. We shake these ingredients with egg white to create a frothy, silky texture. This drink is a cousin to the classic Whiskey Sour but features tequila's distinctive agave flavor.

It's often garnished with a dash of bitters on top of the foam. The combination creates a balanced mix of sour, sweet, and earthy notes.

What does a Tequila Sour taste like?

A Tequila Sour tastes bright, tangy, and slightly sweet with clear agave notes. We find the lime juice gives it a sharp citrus punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.

The egg white adds no flavor but creates a rich, velvety texture. When topped with bitters, you'll notice subtle spice notes that enhance the tequila's natural character.

The overall taste is refreshing with a smooth finish that makes you want another sip.

How strong is a Tequila Sour cocktail?

A standard Tequila Sour contains about 2 ounces of tequila, making it a medium-strength cocktail. We estimate its alcohol content at around 15-20% ABV, similar to a Margarita.

The strength can vary based on how much tequila you add. The sweet and sour elements help balance the alcohol, making it taste less potent than it is.

Remember to enjoy this cocktail responsibly since its smooth taste can mask its strength.

What's the best tequila for a Tequila Sour?

We recommend using a quality blanco tequila for a crisp, clean Tequila Sour. Brands like Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or El Tesoro work beautifully without breaking the bank.

Reposado tequila adds subtle oak notes that complement the citrus flavors nicely. The slight aging rounds out the sharp edges of the drink.

Avoid mixto tequilas (not 100% agave) as they can give your cocktail a harsh finish.

Can I make a Tequila Sour without egg white?

Yes, you can skip the egg white and still make a delicious Tequila Sour. We often make it without egg for guests who prefer it that way.

Try aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a vegan substitute. Use about 1 tablespoon per drink for similar frothiness without any bean flavor.

Your drink won't have the same silky texture, but the flavor will remain largely the same.

Is it safe to use raw egg white in cocktails?

Raw egg whites pose a very small risk of salmonella, but bartenders have used them for decades. We recommend using fresh eggs from a trusted source.

Pasteurized egg whites from a carton are a safer option with the same effect. They've been heat-treated to kill bacteria while preserving their foaming properties.

If you're pregnant, elderly, or have a weakened immune system, it's best to use a substitute like aquafaba.

Tequila Sour Cocktail Recipe

We love the tequila sour for its fresh citrus kick, smooth tequila base, and that silky foam on top. It's one of those cocktails that works in any season. Bright, bold, and simple to make at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine mesh Strainer
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Citrus juicer
• Rocks glass or coupe glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz Tequila blanco or reposado
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz Fresh lime juice
• ½ oz Simple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 oz Egg white optional for foam
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes
• Lime wheel or twist for garnish

Instructions

 

• Chill your glass in the freezer for about five to ten minutes.
• Add tequila, lemon juice, lime juice, sweetener, and egg white (if using) to your shaker.
• Shake without ice for about 15 seconds to build that foam.
• Add ice and shake again for another 20 to 30 seconds until cold.
• Strain into your glass. We usually double strain for a smooth finish.
• Add two dashes of bitters on top of the foam.
• Garnish with a lime wheel or twist.

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