Salted Pomelo Sour

The Salted Pomelo Sour is a refreshing twist on the classic whiskey sour, bringing bold citrus flavor with a touch of complexity. Pomelo cordial adds a bright, slightly bitter sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smooth depth of whiskey. A hint of salt enhances the flavors and gives the drink a modern edge, while aquafaba creates a silky foam that makes the texture smooth and inviting. Finished with a few drops of Angostura bitters, it gains a warm, spiced aroma that lingers pleasantly with every sip. This cocktail is balanced, flavorful, and perfect for both casual and special occasions.

---

Tasting Notes

The Salted Pomelo Sour balances sharp citrus with savory and bitter accents. Rye whiskey brings a dry, spicy backbone, while pomelo cordial adds a bright citrus flavor with a subtle bitterness. Lemon juice sharpens the profile, and aquafaba creates a soft, smooth foam without egg. A pinch of salt pulls the flavors together and tempers acidity. Angostura bitters on top provide an aromatic contrast to the citrus base. The overall impression is clean, tart, and grounded by spice and salt, finishing with a light bitterness and lingering rye character.

Equipment and Glassware

To make a Salted Pomelo Sour, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, a hawthorne strainer, and a fine mesh strainer if you want an extra-smooth finish. A jigger will help with accurate measurements, and a bar spoon or dropper is useful for applying bitters on top. Use a chilled coupe glass to highlight the foam and enhance aroma. You may also want a cocktail pick or skewer if adding an optional garnish beyond the bitters. Shake technique matters here, so a solid shaker and tight seal are key.

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz aquafaba
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 0.75 oz pomelo cordial
• Pinch of salt
• Angostura bitters, for garnish

Instructions

• Add the rye whiskey, aquafaba, lemon juice, pomelo cordial, and salt to a shaker without ice.
• Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to create a strong foam.
• Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10–15 seconds to chill the drink.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Dot the foam with Angostura bitters.

Pro Tips

• Shake hard and fast without ice to develop a strong foam layer.
• Always chill your glass to help the foam hold longer.
• Use a dropper or straw tip to control the bitters garnish.
• Try swirling or dragging a toothpick through the bitters for a decorative touch.
• If pomelo cordial isn’t available, mix grapefruit and simple syrup as a substitute.
• Let aquafaba rest a few minutes after opening for best texture.
• Use fresh lemon juice for clean acidity and balance.
• Fine strain for a smoother, cleaner look in the glass.

When to Serve

Serve the Salted Pomelo Sour as a dinner party opener, especially with seafood or citrus-forward appetizers. It’s also well suited for cocktail hours where a tart, refreshing option with some depth is appreciated. The salt and citrus notes make it ideal for warm-weather evenings, though the spice of rye also fits cooler seasons. This drink works well when you want something structured, bright, and aromatic with a modern edge.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Rye Whiskey
  • Rittenhouse Rye
  • Bulleit Rye
  • Wild Turkey 101 Rye
• Pomelo Cordial (or alternatives)
  • Liber & Co. Grapefruit Cordial
  • Make your own pomelo cordial with pomelo zest, juice, and sugar

Similar Cocktails

• Summer Rye
• Nocino Sour
• Trinidad Sour
• Deckside Derby
• Ward 8