The Frangelico Sour is a nutty, citrus-forward twist on a classic sour cocktail. Frangelico brings smooth hazelnut flavor, which pairs perfectly with the sharp bite of lemon and lime juice. The egg white gives it a soft, foamy texture that ties everything together. It’s simple, balanced, and a little different from your usual whiskey or amaretto sour great for after dinner or anytime you want something smooth with a little edge.
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Tasting Notes
The Frangelico Sour balances the warm, nutty flavor of hazelnut liqueur with the sharp brightness of fresh lemon and lime juice. It’s creamy from the egg white, but not too thick. You get a little sweetness, some sharp citrus, and a round, nutty base that lingers. The hazelnut notes are front and center without being too rich, and the lemon adds just enough bite to keep it light. It’s a refreshing twist on a sour that stands out from more common versions. The cherry and lemon garnish give it a pop of color and a nice little treat at the end.
Equipment and Glassware
For this drink, you’ll need a shaker, a strainer, and a jigger to measure your ingredients. A citrus juicer will help if you’re using fresh lemons and limes. To get a good foam from the egg white, use the dry shake method shaking all the ingredients without ice first, then shaking again with ice. A coupe or small rocks glass works well for serving. If you want to go the extra mile, chill the glass beforehand. Have a cocktail pick ready for your garnish to keep everything neat and easy to handle.
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Frangelico
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ⅓ oz egg white
- Lemon slice and cocktail cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Add Frangelico, lemon juice, lime juice, and egg white to a shaker (no ice).
- Dry shake for about 10–15 seconds to build the foam.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a cocktail cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use the dry shake method for a smooth, lasting foam.
- Fresh lemon and lime juice make a big difference in taste.
- Crack your egg into a separate container to avoid shell bits.
- Add a dash of simple syrup if you like it a little sweeter.
- A few drops of bitters on the foam can add depth (optional).
- Chill your glass before serving to help keep the foam stable.
- Use a frother if you prefer not to shake with egg white.
- Store-bought pasteurized egg whites work just fine.
When to Serve
The Frangelico Sour is great for cooler nights when you want something smooth with a little warmth, but it still holds up well in warmer months thanks to the citrus. It fits well into dinner parties, cocktail hours, or nights when you want something a little different without going over the top. It works as a before-dinner drink or even after a meal. The look and flavor make it just right for small gatherings, date nights, or even a quiet moment on the couch with your feet up.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Hazelnut Liqueur: Frangelico (classic choice)
- Citrus Juice: Use fresh lemons and limes no brands needed
- Egg White Substitute: Fee Foam or Ms. Better’s Bitters Miraculous Foamer if avoiding raw egg
Similar Cocktails
- Passion Fruit Pisco Sour
- Gin Violette
- Apricot Bourbon Sour
- Aperol Negroni Sour
- Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Frangelico
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ⅓ oz egg white
- Lemon slice and cocktail cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Add Frangelico, lemon juice, lime juice, and egg white to a shaker (no ice).
- Dry shake for about 10–15 seconds to build the foam.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and a cocktail cherry.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh citrus juice bottled won’t taste the same.
- For a plant-based option, swap the egg white for ⅓ oz aquafaba.
- Double strain for a smoother pour with no citrus pulp or egg bits.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to help the foam stay in place longer.