Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Grappa Sour Cocktail Recipe
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Grappa Sour Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:4g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20
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 Grappa Sour is a delightful twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, using Grappa, a popular Italian brandy, instead of whiskey. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy the robust, complex flavors of Grappa and the refreshing tang of a sour cocktail. It's a relatively modern creation, inspired by the classic sour cocktails of the 19th and 20th centuries.
How Grappa Sour Tastes?
The Grappa Sour is a complex and robust cocktail. It has the strong, fiery taste of Grappa, balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. The egg white adds a creamy, frothy texture that softens the overall flavor and makes it more palatable.
Interesting facts about Grappa Sour
- The Grappa used in this cocktail is made from the pomace of grapes, which is the leftover skin, seeds, and stems after the juice has been extracted for wine.
- The Grappa Sour is often garnished with a cherry or a slice of lemon.
- Despite its name, the Grappa Sour is not overly sour. The sourness is balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup and the robust flavor of the Grappa.
Ingredients
- Grappa: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Egg white: 1
- Cherry: 1
- Lemon slice: 1
Grappa
Grappa: This Italian brandy is made from pomace, the leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems from winemaking. The 2 oz ensures the grappa is the star of the show, providing a robust backbone for the cocktail. Too much and it might overpower, too little and the drink becomes a lemonade. Omitting grappa? You'd have a different sour altogether! An alternative like vodka would give you a more neutral taste, making it less complex..
Alex Green
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice: Freshness is key! The 1 oz brings a zesty, citrus tang to balance the grappa's strength and sweetness of the syrup. Lemon juice is irreplaceable for that fresh zing, but in a pinch, lime juice could offer a tart twist.
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
Simple Syrup: Sweet simplicity! Half an ounce tames the sourness, making the drink more palatable. Mess with this ratio and you risk a puckered mouth or a cloying cocktail. Honey or agave syrup could be fun alternatives for a different sweet kick.
Mary Mitkina
Egg White
Egg White: This magic ingredient fluffs up the cocktail, giving it a silky texture and a foamy top. Without it, you lose the signature sour creaminess. Vegan? Aquafaba can act as a plant-based stand-in for a similar effect without the egg.
Alex Green
Cherry
Cherry: The finishing touch! A single cherry offers a visual appeal and a hint of fruity sweetness when you reach the bottom of your glass. Lose the cherry, and it's just sour grapes! (Or not, because no grapes in lemons...)
Emma Rose
Lemon Slice
Lemon Slice: The garnish that ties it all together, provides a preview of the citrus flavor within, and makes the glass look pretty. No lemon slice is like a joke without a punchline; the drink still works but lacks a final touch of character.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Grappa Sour Drink
- In a shaker, combine the Grappa, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
- Shake without ice to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lemon.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to get a nice frothy top from the egg white.
- Chill your glass before pouring the cocktail into it to keep it cold longer.
Perfect Pairings
Cheese Platters
Grappa has a bold flavor that can stand up to rich and aged cheeses. A cheese platter with a selection of hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino would be an excellent pairing for a Grappa Sour.
Seafood
The acidity of the lemon juice in the cocktail complements seafood well. Lightweight dishes like grilled shrimp or oysters on the half shell could be delightful alongside this drink.
Light Salads
For a refreshing pairing, consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. The cocktail's sourness will cut through the dressing's acidity and make for a palate-cleansing combination.
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What you could change in Grappa Sour
If you don't have Grappa, you can substitute it with another type of brandy. If you're vegan or allergic to eggs, you can leave out the egg white or use a vegan egg white substitute.
Explore all drinks starting with G here
And of course - twists🍹
Honey Grappa Sour
- Replace simple syrup with honey syrup
- Add a dash of lavender bitters The honey will give a floral sweetness that mellows the grappa's punch, while lavender adds an aromatic layer. Shake up the mix and serve. Expect a garden in your glass!
Berry Grappa Sour
- Muddle a few berries (raspberries or blackberries work well) in the shaker before adding the other ingredients
- Omit the egg white for a less foamy drink with more fruit-forward flavor This twist turns the drink into a berry extravaganza - sweet, tart, and colorful.
Amaro Grappa Sour
- Add 0.5 oz of Amaro to the shaker
- Garnish with a sprig of mint in addition to the cherry and lemon The Italian herbal liqueur Amaro joins the sour ensemble, offering bittersweet complexity that'll make your taste buds sing 'That's Amore'!
In case you forgot basics how to make Grappa 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 syrupAdd 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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Grappa Sour
What are the health benefits of Grappa?
Grappa contains flavonoids and antioxidants that can potentially boost heart health, aid digestion, and improve blood circulation.
Is Grappa Sour suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the Grappa Sour is gluten-free as all of its ingredients, including Grappa, don't contain any gluten.
Is Grappa Sour a strong cocktail?
Yes, Grappa Sour is relatively strong due to the Grappa, which is typically over 35-60% alcohol by volume.
What is the best time to enjoy a Grappa Sour?
Grappa Sour is versatile and can be enjoyed anytime. However, it is particularly refreshing during summer and makes a great aperitif.
Is it suitable for non-drinkers?
No, it's not suitable for non-drinkers as it contains Grappa, which is an alcoholic spirit.
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