Crisp, bright, and sumptuously sour, this cocktail will keep you company on those hot, sweaty days.
The aptly named How To Mix Drinks by bartender Jerry Thomas, originally published in 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 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 offshoots.
One of the best features of this drink is its versatility. Lemon and sugar, and oftentimes egg white, make the sour what it is. There are many popular riffs on the traditional Whiskey Sour, which swap 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. It gives the drink a crisper, fresher take. It’s all about balance with this tipple. The gin, lemon, and simple syrup (or sugar) carry each other like old friends having a night on the town. With each sip, these boozy buddies will burst into raucous songs in your mouth. Pretty soon, as 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 Sour. 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 have also recently been enjoying Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, a Scottish gin infused with stone fruit, which made my sour just a little more sweet 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
- Lemon twist to garnish, optional
- 3 drops Angostura bitters to garnish, 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.
Nutrition
What kind of glassware and garnish are used?
Either a chilled coupe or a rocks glass is the classic choice to drink your Gin Sour from. A twist of lemon and a few dashes of bitters over the froth for garnish and everyone will want one of these.
Is this the same as a Gimlet?
No. A Gimlet is only gin, lime, and simple syrup. It’s 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 sour and gin-based cocktails to keep you and your friends entertained far into the future. Check out just a few of our recipes below.
- Gin Fizz – One of the most delicious and refreshing gin cocktails you’ll ever have.
- Tom Collins – This one will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed on a hot day.
- Amaretto Stone Sour – With hints of almond and the zing of citrus, this cool treat will keep you company poolside.
- Pisco Sour – Discover the magic of pisco with this popular sour cocktail.
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