Blue Steel Sour

The  Blue Steel Sour is a crisp, frothy cocktail with a bold look and a smooth, citrusy bite. Made with gin, blue curaçao, lemon juice, and egg white, it’s light and balanced with a silky texture from the foam. The color pops with icy blue tones, while the egg white gives it a soft, cloud-like top. The lemon brings just enough tartness to brighten things up, and the gin adds a clean botanical base. It’s a striking drink that’s as easy to sip as it is to serve cool, refreshing, and made to stand out without overcomplicating anything.

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Tasting Notes

The  Blue Steel Sour is crisp, citrusy, and smooth with a stunning icy blue color. The gin brings a botanical base, while blue curaçao adds a hint of orange and that vibrant pop of color. Lemon juice cuts through with bright acidity, and the simple syrup keeps things balanced. The egg white creates a silky, foamy texture that makes the drink feel polished. It’s light but layered, with just enough sweetness and a clean, dry finish.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, and a fine mesh strainer. Since you’re working with egg white, do a dry shake first (no ice), then a second shake with ice to get a smooth, foamy texture. Serve it in a coupe or Nick and Nora glass to show off the foam and color. Use tongs or a cocktail pick for placing the dried lemon wheel garnish on top.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.5 oz blue curaçao
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Dried lemon wheel, for garnish

Instructions

• Add the gin, blue curaçao, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker.
• Shake without ice for about 15 seconds to build a nice foam (this is the dry shake).
• Add ice, then shake again until chilled another 10 to 15 seconds.
• Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with a dried lemon wheel.

Pro Tips

• Use a clean, citrus-forward gin to complement the lemon and curaçao.
• Dry shaking is key—don’t skip it if you want a proper foam.
• Shake hard both times to fully blend the egg white. If you don’t have a dried lemon wheel, a thin fresh slice works too.
• For more visual pop, chill your glass ahead of time to keep the foam from fading quickly.

When to Serve

This Blue Steel Sour is perfect for cocktail hour, winter parties, or when you want a drink that feels sharp and elegant without being too heavy. Its cool color and frothy top also make it a fun choice for themed events or signature menus. Great for sipping slowly and showing off a bit.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Use a gin like Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, or The Botanist—something with enough citrus or floral notes to match the rest of the drink.
• For blue curaçao, DeKuyper or Bols work well.
• Make your own simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) for the cleanest taste, and always use fresh lemon juice.
• Use a fresh egg for the smoothest foam and safest results.

Similar Cocktails

• Blueberry Gin Sour
• Blue Long Island Iced Tea
• Sour Cherry Gin Smash
• Cinnamon Tequila Sour
• Plum Vodka Sour