Lime Sour Cocktail Recipe

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Lime Sour Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:16g

Alcohol:14%

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

History

The Lime Sour cocktail is a refreshing twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, which dates back to the 19th century. This citrusy delight is perfect for those who enjoy a tangy, sour kick in their cocktails. The Lime Sour is a popular choice among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

  • Originated in the 1800s
  • A twist on the classic Whiskey Sour
  • Popular among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts

How Lime Sour Tastes?

The Lime Sour is a tangy, zesty, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. It has a light, crisp taste with a hint of bitterness from the lime, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile.

Interesting facts about Lime Sour

  • The Lime Sour is a versatile cocktail that can be made with various spirits, such as gin, vodka, or tequila
  • Lime juice is a natural source of vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system
  • The egg white in the Lime Sour adds a frothy texture and a creamy mouthfeel

Ingredients

Lime Juice

Lime juice is like that zesty friend who livens up the party. It's crucial for adding that tangy kick, and without it, this drink would just be a sad spirit with no soul. 1 oz should do the trick — not too puckering, not too shy.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is the sweet-talker that balances the acidity. Think of 0.75 oz as the perfect middleground — any more and you'd tip the scales to cavity town, any less and you're straight in sour city.

Emma Rose

Spirit of Choice

Pick your poison! With 2 oz of spirit, whether it's vodka for the purists, gin for the botanical heads, or whiskey for the old-souls, you're setting the stage for the flavor profile. Choose wisely, or the entire cocktail could take a left turn into 'nope' lane.

Mary Mitkina

Egg White

Egg white is the silky wizard that gives our cocktail a smooth, foamy top. Keep it at 1, unless you want to drink a meringue or nothing worth shaking at.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters are the wink that adds mystery and depth. Overdo it, and you're in bitter town; skimp on it, and you'll miss the magic.

Emma Rose

Ice

Ice is the non-negotiable chiller — the BFF that cools everything down. An entire cup will ensure your drink doesn't turn into lukewarm disappointment.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Wheel and Maraschino Cherry

Finally, that lime wheel and maraschino cherry are the cocktail equivalent of a top hat and a wand - they complete the magic. They're not just there for the 'gram. Well, maybe a little.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Lime Sour Drink

  1. Combine ingredients
    • In a cocktail shaker, add the lime juice, simple syrup, spirit of choice, egg white, and Angostura bitters
  2. Dry shake
    • Shake the mixture without ice for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white
  3. Add ice
    • Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for about 15 seconds, or until well-chilled
  4. Strain
    • Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass
  5. Garnish
    • Place the lime wheel on the rim of the glass and drop the maraschino cherry into the drink

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice
    • Bottled lime juice can't compare to the bright flavor of fresh-squeezed
  • Shake well
    • The key to a great Lime Sour is a good shake. This not only chills the drink but also helps to blend the flavors together
  • Double strain
    • To ensure a smooth cocktail, double strain the mixture to remove any remaining ice shards or pulp

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Ceviche: The citrus notes of the Lime Sour complement the acidity and freshness of the ceviche.
  • Guacamole and Chips: The creamy texture and rich taste of guacamole are nicely contrasted by the tangy Lime Sour.

Main Course

  • Grilled Chicken or Fish: The cocktail's crisp acidity cuts through the richness of grilled meats, making it a refreshing accompaniment.
  • Tacos or Fajitas: Lime Sour's lime juice is a natural partner for Mexican food, and the acidity helps balance the spices.

Desserts

  • Key Lime Pie: Echoing the lime in the cocktail, this dessert makes for a harmonious pair.
  • Vanilla or Coconut Ice Cream: The cocktail's sharp flavor contrasts well with the sweetness and creaminess of ice cream.

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What you could change in Lime Sour

  • Spirit of choice - You can substitute the spirit with gin, vodka, or tequila
  • Simple syrup - If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water
  • Egg white - If you're vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a substitute

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Lime Sour

Replace spirit with cucumber-infused gin. Add 3-4 slices of cucumber to the shaker before shaking. Give your Lime Sour a spa treatment with an infusion of cucumber. This botanical twist is like zen in a glass — crisp, refreshing, and oh so cool.

Smoky Lime Sour

Use mezcal instead of the usual spirit. Add a pinch of smoked salt. The smoky cousin of the classic Lime Sour will have you feeling like you're sipping on a cloud of BBQ sunshine. It's mysterious, it’s intriguing, it's a little like a liquid barbecue.

Spicy Lime Sour

Add half a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker. Turn up the heat with a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance the flamenco. It's not just a cocktail; it’s an experience that shouts 'fiesta' in your face.

In case you forgot basics how to make Lime 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 Lime Sour

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Using fresh lime juice would provide a bright flavor that bottled lime juice lacks. However, if fresh limes aren't available, bottled lime juice can be a suitable substitute.

Is there any non-alcoholic version of Lime Sour?

Yes, you can opt for a 'virgin' Lime Sour by replacing the spirit of choice with a non-alcoholic substitute like tonic water.

What is the ideal glassware for a cocktail like Lime Sour?

While the recipe suggests a coupe or rocks glass, any glass with a wide rim would be suitable for experiencing the aroma and taste of this cocktail to the fullest.

How do I avoid diluting the cocktail?

Use large, solid ice cubes instead of crushed ice. Larger ice melts slower, allowing you to enjoy your drink before it becomes watered down.

What are some other cocktails similar to Lime Sour?

The Whiskey Sour, Amaretto Sour, and Pisco Sour all have similar flavour profiles to the Lime Sour.

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