Paul Kushner
One of my favorite cocktails that I’ve made while working as a bartender is the Gin Sour. Each sip is smooth and delightful because of the simple syrup’s subtle sweetness, which balances these flavors. You can have this cool drink whenever you want, like when you’re having fun with friends or going out after a long day. Let me tell you how to prepare this tasty beverage and why it’s a personal favorite.
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Tasting Notes
The Gin Sour is a really well-balanced drink. The crisp, herbal taste of the gin goes well with the sharp, sour taste of fresh lemon juice. The simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to go with these tastes, making each sip smooth and enjoyable. Some people add egg white to this drink to make it more fancy. The egg white gives it a smooth texture and a foamy top.
Equipment and Glassware
To make a Gin Sour, you’ll need the following:
- Citrus juicer (if you’re using fresh lemons)
- Cocktail mixer and strainer
- The usual glass is a chilled coupe glass, but a rocks glass will also work, especially if you like your drinks over ice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. gin
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Lemon twist garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well combined.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.
Pro Tips
- For the best taste, use fresh lemon juice.
- Adjust the simple syrup to taste. If you would prefer a less sweet drink, then reduce the amount.
- If you don’t want to drink booze, you can use a non-alcoholic spirit instead of gin.
When to Serve
As a cocktail, the Gin Sour can be many things. As a cool way to start the evening or as a fancy choice for brunch, you can serve it. It’s also great for parties or any time you want to show off your cocktail-making skills to your friends.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
A dry gin in the mid-range works great in a Gin Sour. Some brands, like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Beefeater, have just the right amount of herbs to go with their other ingredients. For a fun change, check out some local craft gins if you’re feeling daring.
Similar Cocktails
- Whiskey Sour: Instead of gin, use whiskey for a fuller, warmer taste.
- Amaretto Sour: is a sweet version of the standard sour that tastes like almonds.
- Tom Collins: For something fizzy, which is gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water.
- Daiquiri: For a tropical twist, swap out the gin for rum.
- Raspberry Vodka Sour: Instead of gin, use vodka for a smoother, cleaner taste, and add raspberries.
History
Gin Sours are a type of sour drink that has been around since the 1800s. To keep sailors from getting scurvy, spirits and lemon juice were first mixed together. Later, this recipe spread all over the world. Because of its simple but elegant mix of ingredients, the Gin Sour has stood the test of time and is still a hit with drink fans.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. gin
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Lemon twist garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well combined.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.
