Shake things up this season with our collection of 20 zesty sour cocktail recipes, each with a tangy twist. The classic whiskey sour gets a fresh spin with the addition of citrus fruits and herbs, while tequila-based sours get smoky with chili-infused spirits. Gin sours are elevated with botanicals like rosemary and thyme, and bourbon sours are sweetened with maple syrup and pecans.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to spice up your cocktail game, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From fruity twists on the classic margarita to spicy kicks from mezcal-based drinks, there’s something for everyone in this collection of sour cocktails. So grab your shaker and let’s get started!
Classic Whiskey Sour with Fresh Lemon Juice
A timeless cocktail that balances the warmth of whiskey with the brightness of citrus, this classic Whiskey Sour is a refreshing twist on a classic drink. With just a few simple ingredients and a short preparation time, you’ll be sipping on a deliciously tart and tangy drink in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
– 3/4 oz (20 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed – just mix and serve!
Pomegranate Gin Sour with Egg White Foam
This recipe combines the tartness of pomegranate juice and the richness of egg white foam to create a unique and intriguing take on the classic gin sour.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1 egg white
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
3. Crack in the egg white and shake for an additional 5-7 seconds, or until the mixture is frothy and emulsified.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None
Spicy Margarita Sour with Chili-Infused Tequila
This twist on the classic margarita combines the heat of chili-infused tequila with the tanginess of a sour, making for a refreshing and spicy cocktail perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz chili-infused tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 1/4 oz heavy cream
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and simple syrup. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Add heavy cream and stir gently to create a whirlpool effect.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (preparation time: approximately 5 minutes)
Amaretto Sour with Orange Bitters
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing take on the Amaretto Sour, featuring the added depth of orange bitters. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a citrusy pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Amaretto liqueur
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz orange bitters
– Dash of Angostura bitters (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Amaretto liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of orange bitters on top (optional: garnish with an Angostura bitters-infused twist).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Passion Fruit Sour with Vanilla Syrup
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of passion fruit puree and vanilla syrup with the tanginess of lemon juice, creating a delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Vodka
– 1 oz Passion Fruit Puree
– 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
– 1/2 oz Vanilla Syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– Splash of Sparkling Water
– Ice
– Lemon wheel and passion fruit seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, and vanilla syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and passion fruit seeds.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Blackberry Bourbon Sour with Thyme Garnish
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic sour, featuring blackberries and thyme. The sweet-tart flavors of blackberry puree and bourbon meld together perfectly, topped off with a fragrant sprig of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– Ice
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with blackberry puree and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a cooked dish.
Lime and Basil Vodka Sour
This recipe combines the brightness of lime with the subtlety of basil, creating a unique and revitalizing vodka sour. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz basil syrup (see note)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel and fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and basil syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh basil leaves.
Cooking time: None! This is a cocktail recipe.
Note: To make basil syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Blood Orange Campari Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of blood oranges with the bitter sweetness of Campari, perfect for warm evenings or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz blood orange juice
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3/4 oz Campari
– Splash of soda water
– Orange twist or slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add blood orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add Campari and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to drink in just a few minutes.
Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Sour
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic gin sour. The tartness of grapefruit juice is perfectly balanced by the herbal notes of rosemary and the crispness of gin.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves
– Ice
– Lemon twist or rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 3-4 sprigs of rosemary leaves to the shaker and gently press them against the sides and bottom to release their oils and flavors.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Raspberry Lemon Drop Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic sour. This Raspberry Lemon Drop Sour combines the tartness of lemon and lime with the sweetness of raspberries, all in one delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Vodka
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz Raspberry puree or raspberry jam
– Splash of sparkling water
– Ice
– Lemon twist or raspberries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add raspberry puree or jam and stir gently to combine.
6. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or raspberries.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Maple Pecan Bourbon Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the warmth of bourbon with the sweetness of maple syrup and the crunch of pecans, perfect for a crisp evening or as a unique twist on the classic whiskey sour.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup crushed pecans
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with crushed pecans and a lemon wheel or twist, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a mixed drink recipe, not a cooking recipe.
Tropical Pineapple Rum Sour
Escape to the islands with this refreshing cocktail that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of a classic sour.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup club soda
– Slice of fresh pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add light rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with pineapple juice and club soda.
6. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix, shake, and serve.
Smoky Mezcal Sour with Agave Nectar
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic whiskey sour, featuring mezcal and agave nectar. This complex drink is perfect for those who enjoy a bold, spicy flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Agave nectar
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, lemon juice, agave nectar, simple syrup, and bitters to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (a cocktail, of course!)
Honey Lavender Whiskey Sour
Experience the sweet and soothing combination of honey and lavender in this unique whiskey sour recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz lavender syrup (see below for recipe)
– 1 egg white
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or lavender sprig, for garnish
Lavender Syrup:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Add lavender buds and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Store refrigerated.
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, honey syrup, lavender syrup, and egg white.
2. Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or lavender sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Cucumber Mint Gin Sour
This Cucumber Mint Gin Sour is a perfect blend of cool, crisp flavors for warm weather. With the addition of cucumber and mint, this refreshing twist on a classic gin sour is sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the cucumber slices and mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavors and oils.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Coconut Lime Tequila Sour
Elevate your tequila game with this creamy and zesty twist on the classic sour. The combination of coconut cream, lime juice, and tequila creates a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add tequila, lime juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Blueberry Thyme Vodka Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of blueberries, thyme, and vodka. This sweet and savory drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to mix things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the blueberries and thyme leaves to release their flavors and oils.
3. Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a few blueberries and a sprig of thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Cherry Almond Amaretto Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds and a hint of amaretto liqueur, perfect for warm weather gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
• 1/2 oz almond syrup (or 1 tsp almond extract)
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup cherry puree (homemade or store-bought)
• Ice
• Lemon twist or cherry garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, maraschino liqueur, almond syrup (or extract), and lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Pour cherry puree over the cocktail, allowing it to sink to the bottom.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Kiwi Ginger Beer Sour
This recipe combines the sweetness of kiwi with the spicy kick of ginger beer, all wrapped up in a tangy and refreshing sour. Perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces gin
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup kiwi puree (about 2-3 kiwis)
• 4 ounces ginger beer
• Ice
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and kiwi puree to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None!
Peach Prosecco Sour with Lemon Zest
Savor the sweet and tangy combination of peaches, citrus, and bubbles in this refreshing summer cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Prosecco
– 1 oz peach puree
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– Slice of fresh peach for garnish
– Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Prosecco, peach puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add the bourbon or whiskey and stir gently.
6. Garnish with a slice of fresh peach and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Summary
Get ready to pucker up! This collection of 20 zesty sour cocktail recipes brings a tangy twist to classic drinks. From whiskey sours with fresh lemon juice to gin sours with egg white foam, and even spicy margaritas, there’s something for every palate. Try the Pomegranate Gin Sour with a thyme garnish, or the Blackberry Bourbon Sour with a hint of thyme. With flavors ranging from citrusy to fruity to smoky, these sour cocktails are sure to quench your thirst and leave you wanting more.
