Crisp, bright and sumptuously sour, this cocktail will keep you company on those hot, sweaty days.
The aptly named “How To Mix Drinks”, originally published around 1862, is where the first printed recipe for a Whiskey Sour appeared. Go anywhere today that serves drinks and order one, more than likely your bartender won’t have to look up how to make to it. This drink has stood the test of time and then some. It’s even theorized that the cocktail was enjoyed by revelers and bar-goers for decades before the original “how-to” was etched in paper and ink. With a long, storied and sometimes debated history, the Whiskey Sour also has its fair share of off-shoots.
One of the best features of this drink is its versatility. Lemon and sugar, and many times egg whites, make the Sour what it is. There are many popular “riffs” on the more traditional Whiskey Sour that swaps out the base spirit. And one liquor in particular makes for a fine and refreshing Sour cocktail.
The ever dependable gin is honestly my favorite base for a Sour. Using whiskey or bourbon in one and you’ll get creamy, buttery notes of vanilla and aged spices. A gin gives the drink a crisper, fresher take. It’s all about balance with this tipple. The gin, lemon and simple syrup (sugar) carry each other like old friends out on a night on the town. With each sip, these boozy buddies will burst into raucous songs in your mouth. Pretty soon, like the saying goes, there’s a party in there and everyone is invited.
What is the Best Gin to Use in a Gin Sour Cocktail?
Here’s where we can really have some fun with our Gin Sours. Of course, I’ll always sing the praises of a good, bright and juniper-forward London Dry. Mixing well with just about anything, you can’t go wrong with one in this cocktail. A good, seaside botanical infused gin from California will also brighten your cocktail up, giving a zesty and even more refreshing spin on things. I recently have been enjoying a certain Scottish gin, infused with stone-fruit, that made my Sour just a little more sweeter, smoother and sumptuous.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces London dry gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1/2 ounce egg white optional
- Garnish: lemon twist optional
- Garnish: 3 drops Angostura bitters optional
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- If you're using egg white, add it to the shaker now. Seal the shaker and give it a vigorous dry-shake (without ice) to help froth up the egg white.
- Next, fill the shaker with ice and shake again until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- If desired, garnish with a lemon twist or add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.
FAQs & Tips
Since this cocktail is served without ice, a chilled coupe will be a simple and elegant choice to drink a Gin Sour out of. A twist of lemon, a few dashes of bitters over the froth for garnish and everyone will want one of these.
Because we’re mixing this drink up using egg white for our froth, I recommend serving right away to preserve the quality of the cocktail. This is not something you want to save or let sit in the fridge for any amount of time before you pour. Make it and drink it, that’s my advice.
With 183 calories per serving, the Gin Sour is a nice and not-too-filling tipple. Enjoy a few without worrying too much about your waistband.
While similar, the Gin Sour and Gin Fizz have a difference… club soda! The Fizz is generally a smoother and sweeter drink than the Sour, with the soda topper lightening it up considerably.
No. A Gimlet is only gin, lime and simple syrup. A much more tart tasting beverage compared to the Sour.
Similar Cocktails to the Gin Sour
If the Gin Sour is to your liking, then you’ll also be pleased to know that Twist & Toast has more than enough gin and Sour cocktails to keep you and your friends entertained far into the future. Check out just a few of our recipes below:
- Gin Fizz – I talk about one of the most delicious and refreshing gin cocktails you’ll ever have.
- Tom Collins – A classic and fizzy gin cocktail that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed on a hot day. Or cool afternoon.
- Amaretto Stone Sour – With hints of almond and the zing of citrus, this cool treat will keep you company poolside, or by the fireside.
- Pisco Sour – Discover the magic of pisco with this popular Sour cocktail.
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