Paul Kushner
The Mexican Sour is a bright, bold cocktail that puts a fresh twist on a classic sour. It features smooth tequila or smoky mezcal as the base, balanced with fresh lime juice for tang and a touch of agave syrup for natural sweetness. Add an egg white or aquafaba for a silky, frothy finish if you like. Shake it vigorously with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or serve it straight up. Garnish with a lime wheel or a sprinkle of chili powder for a little extra flair. It’s crisp, refreshing, and perfect for sipping any time. Inspired by cocktails.and.craftery.
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Tasting Notes
The Mexican Sour is a bold, citrusy cocktail with a spicy-sweet edge. Blanco tequila delivers a crisp agave backbone, while pink grapefruit & chili syrup brings juicy tartness and a warming heat that lingers pleasantly. Fresh lime juice brightens and balances, making the drink both refreshing and complex. It’s tangy, slightly smoky, and lightly spicy—with a vibrant flavor profile that keeps each sip exciting.
Equipment and Glassware
A cocktail shaker is essential for chilling and blending, along with a jigger for accurate measuring. Use a coupe glass for a clean, elegant presentation or a rocks glass over ice for a more casual, refreshing pour. A citrus zester or peeler is perfect for creating a twist, and a small plate is handy for applying a chili salt rim.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 0.75 oz pink grapefruit & chili syrup
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- Optional garnish: grapefruit twist, lime wheel or chili salt rim
Instructions
- Shake: Add tequila, grapefruit-chili syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain into a chilled coupe glass or a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a grapefruit twist and lime wheel or rim the glass with chili salt for an extra kick.
Pro Tips
- Make your own pink grapefruit & chili syrup by simmering fresh juice with sugar and a pinch of chili flakes.
- To soften the heat, reduce syrup to 0.5 oz and add 0.25 oz simple syrup.
- For extra depth, add a dash of grapefruit or mole bitters.
- Rim only half the glass with chili salt for a customizable experience.
When to Serve
Ideal for warm evenings, taco nights, or any occasion where bold, lively flavors take center stage, the Mexican Sour is a standout choice. Its bright citrus profile and subtle chili heat make it an exciting pairing with spicy dishes and grilled fare. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or simply want to impress guests with something a little unexpected, this cocktail delivers both punch and personality.
Served in a chilled coupe or rocks glass and garnished with a chili-lime rim or grapefruit twist, it’s a conversation-starting drink for adventurous sippers who enjoy a citrus-forward cocktail with a spicy kick.
Recommended Brands to Use
- Chili salt: Tajín or a mix of sea salt, chili powder, and lime zest
- Blanco tequila: Espolòn, Cazadores, or El Tesoro
- Grapefruit & chili syrup: Liber & Co., Pink House Alchemy, or homemade
- Lime juice: Always freshly squeezed for best results
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