Trinidad Sour Cocktail Recipe

Looking to try something new and unforgettable? The Trinidad Sour is a drink that will make your taste buds dance. We’re excited to share this unique recipe with you today.

History of the Trinidad Sour

The Trinidad Sour has a story as bold as its flavor. It all started in 2009 at the Clover Club in Brooklyn, where bartender Giuseppe Gonzalez brought this unique cocktail to life.

Gonzalez took his inspiration from a drink called the Trinidad Especial, created by Valentino Bolognese in 2008. Instead of just recreating it, he decided to push boundaries and make something truly unforgettable.

So what makes the Trinidad Sour stand out? It starts with a daring choice. Instead of using Angostura bitters as a small accent, Gonzalez made them the star of the show with a full 1.5 ounces in the recipe. This bold move turned heads and changed the way people thought about cocktails.

Angostura bitters have a rich history in Trinidad and Tobago, and Gonzalez wanted to pay tribute to their roots. By using them so prominently, he created a drink that feels both modern and deeply connected to tradition.

The Trinidad Sour quickly became a hit. Its unique flavor wowed bartenders and cocktail lovers alike. Today, you can find it on menus at some of the best cocktail bars around. It is a drink that proves creativity and a little bit of daring can lead to something truly special.

Ingredients for a Trinidad Sour

Let’s break down what makes the Trinidad Sour so special. Every ingredient has its own role in creating this bold and flavorful cocktail.

Angostura Bitters

Unlike most cocktails that use bitters sparingly, this one goes all in with 1.5 ounces as the base. At 44.7% alcohol, Angostura bitters pack a punch.

What makes them so special? Their flavor profile is rich and complex, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and gentian root. They give the drink depth, a spicy kick, and a beautiful mahogany color that looks as good as it tastes.

Orgeat Syrup

Orgeat syrup brings a delightful nutty sweetness to our Trinidad Sour. It’s made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water. We can use store-bought versions or whip up our own at home.

For store-bought options, we recommend BG Reynolds or Liber & Co. If we’re feeling crafty, homemade orgeat can be a fun project. The syrup balances out the bitterness from the Angostura and adds a silky texture to our cocktail.

Related: Best Cocktails with Orgeat Syrup

Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is key to achieving the perfect balance in our Trinidad Sour. We always use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor. It cuts through the sweetness of the orgeat and the intensity of the bitters.

The acidity brightens up the drink and gives it that characteristic sour taste. We typically use about 3/4 ounce of lemon juice in our recipe. It’s amazing how this simple ingredient can tie all the flavors together.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey adds a spicy, robust flavor to our Trinidad Sour. We prefer using a high-proof rye, around 100 proof, to stand up to the other strong flavors. Rittenhouse or Wild Turkey 101 Rye work great in this cocktail.

The whiskey brings notes of pepper, oak, and sometimes fruit to the mix. It complements the spices in the Angostura bitters perfectly. We only use a small amount, typically 1/2 ounce, but it makes a big difference in the final taste.

How to Make the Trinidad Sour

Variations of the Trinidad Sour

Let’s have some fun with the Trinidad Sour and explore a few ways to make it your own. Trying new flavors is one of the best parts of cocktail making.

For a refreshing twist, swap the lemon juice with lime juice. It gives the drink a brighter and zestier kick that feels light and vibrant.

If you are feeling adventurous, replace the almond orgeat with hazelnut or pistachio syrup. Both add a unique flavor that makes the cocktail feel totally new.

Want to bring out even more complexity? Try adding a few drops of saline solution. It is a simple trick that can enhance all the subtle flavors in the drink.

For a silky smooth texture, mix in an egg white. It creates a creamy froth on top that not only looks impressive but also adds a luxurious feel.

If you are curious about experimenting with bitters, try Peychaud’s, orange, chocolate, or even cherry bark vanilla bitters. Each one brings something different to the table and makes the drink feel fresh.

The key to creating the perfect variation is balance. Start small, taste as you go, and adjust until you find the combination you love. Who knows, you might come up with your new favorite version of the Trinidad Sour. Have fun with it!

More Cocktails to Try If You Love the Trinidad Sour

We’ve got some great drinks for you to try next! These cocktails share some similarities with the Trinidad Sour.

Here are a few cocktails you might enjoy:

• Whiskey Sour
• Pisco Sour
• Old Fashioned
• Amaretto Sour
• Sazerac

We think these drinks will hit the spot if you enjoy the Trinidad Sour. Give them a try and let us know what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Trinidad Sour taste like?

The Trinidad Sour is bold, complex, and full of surprises. It starts with a sweet nuttiness from orgeat, balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon juice. The Angostura bitters add a spicy, slightly bitter edge, but the flavors come together in a smooth and satisfying way.

Despite its unique ingredients, the drink is beautifully balanced. It might surprise you with how well everything works together.

How strong is the Trinidad Sour?

This cocktail is definitely on the stronger side. With Angostura bitters and rye whiskey as key ingredients, it packs quite a punch.

That said, the sweetness of the orgeat helps balance things out. Plus, shaking the drink with ice dilutes it a little, but it is still more potent than many cocktails you might be used to.

Can I use different bitters for the Trinidad Sour?

Angostura bitters are the heart of this drink, giving it its signature flavor. They are what make a Trinidad Sour what it is.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other aromatic bitters. Just keep in mind that the character of the drink will change quite a bit.

Can I omit the rye whiskey?

Rye whiskey adds depth and spice to the Trinidad Sour, but it is not essential. If you prefer, you can leave it out or substitute it with something else.

The drink will be a little lighter without it, but the combination of bitters and orgeat still delivers plenty of flavor.

How can I adjust the drink if it is too bitter?

If the Trinidad Sour feels a little too bitter for your taste, there are ways to tweak it. Adding more orgeat syrup or lemon juice can help create a better balance.

You could also shake the drink for a shorter time. Less dilution can give the bitters a stronger, more concentrated kick, which might work better for you.

Do all sour cocktails use egg whites?

Not every sour cocktail needs egg whites, and the Trinidad Sour is a great example of that. It is traditionally made without them, and the flavors hold their own beautifully.

Some bartenders like to add egg whites for a frothy texture, but it is completely optional. The Trinidad Sour is fantastic as it is, so it is up to you if you want to give it a try.

Trinidad Sour Cocktail Recipe

The Trinidad Sour stands out as a bold and unforgettable cocktail. Its unique twist comes from using Angostura bitters as the main ingredient, creating a rich and spicy flavor. Balanced with orgeat syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of rye whiskey, this drink is both adventurous and satisfying.

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
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine mesh Strainer
• Coupe or Nick and Nora glass

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 oz Angostura Bitters
• 1 oz Orgeat Syrup
• 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Rye Whiskey

Instructions

 

• Fill your shaker with ice.
• Add the Angostura bitters, orgeat syrup, lemon juice, and rye whiskey.
• Shake it hard for about 10-15 seconds to chill the drink and blend the flavors.
• Double strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
• Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or leave it bare to showcase the cocktail’s deep color.

Notes

• If you prefer less sweetness, start with a little less orgeat and add more if needed.
• Adjust the lemon juice to match your personal taste for tartness.
• Take small sips as you go to make sure the flavors are where you want them.
• For an extra smooth texture, try adding an egg white. It gives the cocktail a creamy finish.

 

This is not a drink you rush through. Sip it slowly and let the bold, layered flavors unfold. The Trinidad Sour is a cocktail that surprises and delights with every taste. Enjoy!

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