Rum Sour Cocktail Recipe

Rum Sour Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:4g

Carbohydrates:18g

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: August 23, 2024

History

The Rum Sour is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1800s. It is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where rum was plentiful and citrus fruits were used to prevent scurvy among sailors. The Rum Sour quickly gained popularity and became a staple in bars around the world.

  • The Rum Sour is a variation of the classic Whiskey Sour.
  • It is said to have been a favorite among pirates and sailors.
  • The cocktail has evolved over time, with many variations and twists on the original recipe.

How Rum Sour Tastes?

The Rum Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, citrusy flavor that is complemented by the sweetness of the rum. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly tart finish.

Interesting facts about Rum Sour

  • The Rum Sour is sometimes called a 'Daiquiri Sour' due to its similarities with the classic Daiquiri.
  • The cocktail is traditionally made with dark rum, but can also be made with white or spiced rum for a different flavor profile.
  • The use of egg white in the recipe creates a frothy, creamy texture that adds to the overall experience of the drink.

Ingredients

Dark Rum

*Used for its rich, complex flavors that can range from sweet caramel to spicy notes. 2 oz is just the right amount to get a strong rum flavor without overpowering the drink. Without it, you'd just have a sad, non-alcoholic lemonade.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

*Bright and tart, the 1 oz lemon juice provides the 'sour' to balance the sweet. Too little, and the cocktail is cloying; too much, and you'll pucker more than a grandma's kiss.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

*Sweetness to complement the sour, the 0.5 oz of simple syrup rounds out the sharp edges of the lemon juice. If omitted, it's like a joke without a punchline—not very sweet.

Emma Rose

Egg White

*For texture, the egg white gives the cocktail a silky smooth body and a fancy frothy top hat. Without it, the drink loses its sophistication and feels flat. If you're vegan, aquafaba can strut down the same runway.

Mary Mitkina

Aromatic Bitters

*A mere two dashes of this potent potion add complexity and depth, enhancing the cocktail's flavor like a sprinkle of magic. Leave it out, and you'll miss the whisper of spice that says, 'I'm more than just a pretty face.'

Alex Green

Orange Wheel

*The eye eats first, and the orange wheel is there to please. It adds a hint of citrus aroma which subtly nudicates the senses and hints at the flavors to come.

Emma Rose

Maraschino Cherry

*This is the cherry on top, literally. It's a sweet treat that'll be waiting for you at the end like a goodnight kiss after a first date. It rounds the drink visually and offers a final, sweet bite.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Rum Sour Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the dark rum, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
  2. Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again to chill the cocktail.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
  5. Add a couple of dashes of aromatic bitters on top of the froth.
  6. Garnish with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Dark Rum: For a richer, deeper flavor, try using a high-quality aged rum.
  • Shaking: Shake the cocktail until the shaker becomes frosty. This ensures that the cocktail is well-chilled.
  • Egg White: For a vegan option, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a substitute for egg white to create the frothy texture.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses can complement the sweet and sour notes of the Rum Sour.
  • Smoked Salmon: The oily richness of smoked salmon pairs beautifully with the acidity of the lemon juice.
  • Nuts: Almonds or cashews offer a contrast in texture and a grounding earthiness.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Pork: The smokiness of grilled pork finds a delightful counterpart in the rum's caramel notes.
  • Jerk Chicken: The spices in jerk seasoning match well with the complexity of the dark rum.
  • Seafood: Lighter seafood dishes like grilled shrimp can balance the weight of the cocktail without overwhelming the palate.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: Echo the citrus in the drink with a tangy lemon tart.
  • Chocolate Mousse: A luxurious mousse plays well with the deep flavors of dark rum.
  • Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with tropical fruits draws out the rum's inherent sweetness.

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What you could change in Rum Sour

  • Dark Rum: You can substitute dark rum with bourbon for a Whiskey Sour.
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a different citrusy flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a natural sweetener substitute.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Rum Sour with a Tropical Twist

*Ingredients: Replace simple syrup with coconut syrup. *Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but with the sweet touch of island breeze thanks to coconut syrup. *Flavor: Transforms the classic Rum Sour into a beachside treat, bringing vacation vibes to your palate.

Spiced Rum Sour

*Ingredients: Use spiced rum instead of dark rum and add a pinch of cinnamon. *Recipe: Same as the original, but with the added kick of warm spices to heat things up a bit. *Flavor: It’s like the Rum Sour put on a sweater—cozy, warm, and perfect for chilly nights.

Berry Rum Sour

*Ingredients: Add a splash of berry liqueur and use raspberry syrup instead of simple syrup. *Recipe: Berry up the standard recipe for a fruity rebellion against the status quo. *Flavor: It’s like stumbling upon a secret garden in your glass—a berry delicious surprise.

In case you forgot basics how to make Rum 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 Rum Sour

What is the appropriate glassware to serve a Rum Sour?

The classic way to serve a Rum Sour is in an old-fashioned or rocks glass.

Can I use light rum instead of dark rum for a Rum Sour?

Yes, you can use light rum, but it may change the flavor of the cocktail as dark rum has a deeper, richer taste.

What can I use if I don't have bitters?

Bitters add depth and complexity to a cocktail, but if you don't have any, you can leave them out or use a citrus peel as an alternative.

Can I make a Rum Sour without egg white?

Yes, you can make a Rum Sour without egg white. The egg white gives the cocktail a frothy texture, but it can be omitted if preferred.

What is the alcoholic content of a Rum Sour?

A typical Rum Sour can have an alcohol content ranging from 15-30%, depending on the type and amount of rum used.

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