Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe

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Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe - The Gin Sour is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a well-balanced drink that is both tart and sweet, with a hint of botanical flavors from the gin.
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Gin Sour Nutrition Facts

Calories:215

Fat:0g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

Contents

History

The Gin Sour is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It is a variation of the Whiskey Sour and is believed to have been first created by British sailors who mixed gin with lemon juice to help prevent scurvy. The Gin Sour became popular in the United States during Prohibition, as it was an easy way to mask the taste of poor-quality gin.

  • The Gin Sour is a classic cocktail with a rich history
  • It was first created by British sailors to help prevent scurvy
  • The cocktail gained popularity in the United States during Prohibition

How Gin Sour Tastes?

The Gin Sour is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a well-balanced drink that is both tart and sweet, with a hint of botanical flavors from the gin.

Interesting facts about Gin Sour

  • The Gin Sour is a variation of the Whiskey Sour
  • It was created to help prevent scurvy among sailors
  • The cocktail gained popularity during Prohibition in the United States

Ingredients

A few good options for Gin Sour are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

  • Gin is the backbone of the cocktail, providing the predominant flavor. The reason for the 2 oz is to ensure the gin doesn't get overpowered by the other ingredients. Too little, and you wouldn't taste it; too much, and it would be too strong.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

  • At 0.75 oz, lemon juice adds the right amount of zing without making the drink too tart. Less would make it too sweet, more could make you pucker excessively.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

  • The 0.5 oz of simple syrup is there to balance the sourness from the lemon. Not enough and the drink is too sharp; too much and the drink becomes cloyingly sweet.

Mary Mitkina

Egg White

  • Egg white creates a silky mouthfeel and a beautiful foam. Leave it out, and you lose the cocktail's signature texture.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

  • A dash introduces a complex layer of spices. Omitting this would result in a less nuanced flavor profile.

Emma Rose

Maraschino Cherry and Lemon Wheel

  • The garnishes add visual appeal and a hint of cherry and citrus aroma to each sip.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Gin Sour Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white
  2. Dry shake (without ice) for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled
  4. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice
  5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top
  6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon wheel

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure the egg white is fully emulsified
  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Oysters: The briny quality of the oysters balances well with the citrus and botanical notes of a Gin Sour.
  • Grilled Shrimp: The char on the shrimp and the bright, acidic gin cocktail make for a complementary pairing.

Light Appetizers

  • Bruschetta: The refreshing acidity of the Gin Sour can cut through the richness of the olive oil and cheese.
  • Stuffed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms and zesty lemon create a harmonious flavor profile.

Cheese

  • Goat Cheese: Its tangy flavor pairs nicely with the sourness of the cocktail.
  • Aged Cheddar: The sharpness of the cheese contrasts the sweet and sour balance of the drink.

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What you could change in Gin Sour

  • Vodka can be used instead of gin for a different flavor profile
  • Lime juice can replace lemon juice for a more tart cocktail
  • Agave syrup can be used instead of simple syrup for a sweeter taste

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Gin Sour

  • Add 3-4 slices of cucumber to the shaker before adding other ingredients.
  • Taste Change: This adds a fresh, garden-like note to the drink that pairs well with the botanicals in the gin.

Elderflower Gin Sour

  • Replace simple syrup with elderflower liqueur.
  • Taste Change: Provides a floral sweetness that adds complexity and a touch of elegance to the cocktail.

Berry Gin Sour

  • Muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries with the simple syrup before adding the rest of the ingredients.
  • Taste Change: The berries add a fruity and slightly tart dimension, which complements the citrus notes and makes the drink more refreshing.

In case you forgot basics how to make Gin Sour

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Gin Sour

What is the best type of gin to use for a Gin Sour?

A London Dry Gin is usually the preferred choice for a Gin Sour due to its clean, crisp flavor. But ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Gin Sour?

Yes, you can make a 'mocktail' version of a Gin Sour by substituting the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or simply leaving it out. However, the characteristic gin taste will be missing.

Can I substitute the Egg white in a Gin Sour?

Yes, you can substitute the egg white with a vegan alternative such as aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It is used similarly and gives the cocktail the same frothiness as egg white.

What are some variations of the Gin Sour?

There are many variations of the Gin Sour such as the White Lady, which adds Cointreau, or the Clover Club, which includes raspberry syrup and is garnished with fresh raspberries.

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