Paloma
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
Tequila Sour Cocktail Recipe
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Tequila Sour Nutrition Facts
Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:4g
Carbohydrates:12g
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
Contents
History
The Tequila Sour is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico, where tequila was first produced. It is a popular choice among tequila lovers and those who enjoy a refreshing, sour drink. The Tequila Sour is a variation of the classic Whiskey Sour, which dates back to the 19th century.
- The Tequila Sour is believed to have been created by Mexican bartenders who wanted to showcase the unique flavors of their national spirit.
- The cocktail gained popularity in the United States during the Prohibition era, when Americans would travel to Mexico to enjoy alcohol.
- Today, the Tequila Sour is a popular choice in bars and restaurants around the world, especially in areas with a strong Mexican influence.
How Tequila Sour Tastes?
The Tequila Sour has a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The tequila provides a strong, earthy base, while the lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy sourness. The simple syrup balances the sourness with a touch of sweetness, and the egg white gives the cocktail a smooth, frothy texture.
Interesting facts about Tequila Sour
- The Tequila Sour is often served in a rocks glass or a coupe glass, depending on personal preference.
- The cocktail can be garnished with a lemon wheel, a cherry, or a sprig of mint for added visual appeal and aroma.
- Some variations of the Tequila Sour include the addition of fruit juices, such as orange or pineapple, to create a more tropical flavor profile.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Egg white: 1
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
Tequila
- Why 2 oz?: It's the star of the show; enough to shine but not overwhelm. Too much, and you'll be sending SOS signals, too little, and it's just a lemonade stand.
- No Tequila?: You might as well drink lemon juice straight up. It's essential!
- Alternatives: Mezcal for a smokier twist, but think of it as a cousin from the countryside; similar but with a rustic charm.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
- Why 1 oz?: Balance, my friend! It brings the zing without stealing Tequila's thunder. Less would make it flatter; more, and your mouth will pucker more than a duck face selfie.
- No Lemon Juice?: That's a Tequila Nope! It's what separates the sours from the sweets.
- Alternatives: Lime juice, but then you're at the margarita station one stop early.
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup
- Why 0.5 oz?: It's the peacemaker between the bold Tequila and the tart lemon. Too little, and it's like a joke with no punchline; too much, and it's kiddo's syrupy time.
- No Simple Syrup?: Prepare for a pucker-fest that could warp wood.
- Alternatives: Honey or agave syrup. They're the hip cousins who show up fashionably late and sweet.
Alex Green
Egg White
- Why 1 egg white?: It's whisking you away to frothy town for that silky mouthfeel. No egg white, and it's a cocktail wearing pajamas to a black-tie event—just incomplete.
- No Egg White?: It's like a bike without a seat; you can ride it, but you won't enjoy it as much.
- Alternatives: Aquafaba for those vegan nights, where chickens get to keep their eggs and you keep the froth.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters
- Why 2 dashes?: It's the spice of the cocktail life! Just enough to whisper complexity into the glass. Go overboard, and you're in a flavor Bermuda triangle; too shy, and it's a flat earth of taste.
- No Bitters?: Like a beach with no ocean. It's still nice, but you're missing the waves.
- Alternatives: Orange bitters if you fancy a fruitier backdrop but still want to keep the intrigue.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Tequila Sour Drink
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters.
- Dry shake: Shake the mixture without ice for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
- Add ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for about 20 seconds, or until well-chilled.
- Strain: Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice or a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Garnish the cocktail with a lemon wheel, cherry, or sprig of mint, as desired.
Pro Tips
- Shaking: The key to a great Tequila Sour is in the shaking. Make sure to shake vigorously to fully incorporate the egg white and create a frothy texture.
- Garnish: Don't skip the garnish. A lemon wheel, cherry, or sprig of mint not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the aroma and overall drinking experience.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Ceviche: The acidity from the lemon juice complements the freshness of ceviche.
- Guacamole: The creaminess of avocado balances with the vibrant notes of the Tequila Sour.
Main Courses
- Grilled Chicken: A dish with a slight char pairs beautifully with the citrusy sharpness of the cocktail.
- Fish Tacos: The lightness of the fish and the crispness of slaw are enhanced by the refreshing Tequila Sour.
Desserts
- Lemon Tart: The sourness of both the drink and the dessert will amplify each other for a harmonious experience.
- Dark Chocolate: The bittersweet flavor of chocolate is a nice contrast to the zesty Tequila Sour.
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What you could change in Tequila Sour
- Tequila: If you don't have tequila, you can substitute it with another agave spirit like mezcal for a smokier flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a different citrus twist.
- Simple Syrup: If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over heat.
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Mezcal Sour
- Ingredients: Replace tequila with mezcal.
- How to: Follow the original Tequila Sour recipe, but use mezcal for a smokey flair.
- Taste: Earthy, smokey, and still keeps the sour profile. Like a phoenix rising from a BBQ pit.
Spicy Tequila Sour
- Ingredients: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker.
- How to: Muddle the jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients for a spicy kick.
- Taste: It's tequila with a feisty temper. Sour meets sass, and they dance flamingo – I mean, flamenco.
Hibiscus Tequila Sour
- Ingredients: Brewed and chilled hibiscus tea (1 oz), to replace simple syrup.
- How to: Use hibiscus tea in lieu of simple syrup for a floral twist.
- Taste: It's a sour with a rosy outlook. Floral notes that tickle the taste and add sophistication.
In case you forgot basics how to make Tequila 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Tequila Sour
What is the best type of tequila to use in a Tequila Sour?
A high-quality silver or blanco tequila is recommended for a Tequila Sour. These types of tequila retain the pure agave flavor that shines in this cocktail.
Can I make a mocktail version of Tequila Sour?
Yes, a virgin version can be created by omitting the tequila. You might use club soda or non-alcoholic bitter instead, but the distinct tequila flavor will be missing.
What's the difference between a silver or blanco tequila and a gold or reposado tequila?
Blanco tequila is typically unaged and bottled immediately after distillation or aged less than two months. Reposado tequila is aged in wood barrels for between two and 12 months, which gives it a smoother, more complex flavor.
Will it change the flavor significantly if I add more bitters or other spices?
Adjusting the amount of bitters or adding other spices like cayenne pepper can certainly subtly change the flavor of the cocktail. You might find a new variation you enjoy; just remember, less is more when experimenting with bitters and spices.
What other foods pair well with a Tequila Sour?
Mexican cuisine, particularly dishes with a bit of kick (like spicy tacos or fajitas), complement the Tequila Sour excellently. Seafood, like grilled shrimp or fish, could also be a good pairing due to the sour cocktail's refreshing nature.
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