Get ready to pucker up with these 18 refreshing tart cocktails that will quench your thirst and tantalize your taste buds! The classic whiskey sour is a timeless favorite, but there are many ways to put a twist on this tangy drink. From sweet and fruity to spicy and herbaceous, we’ve got you covered with these creative takes on the sour cocktail.
In our roundup of recipes, you’ll find everything from familiar flavors like orange and grapefruit to more unexpected combinations like pomegranate and lime or blueberry and lavender. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking for a new drink to try at your next gathering, we’ve got 18 tangy sour cocktails that are sure to impress.
Classic Whiskey Sour
Sip on a timeless cocktail that combines the smoothness of whiskey with the tanginess of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz whiskey (Bourbon or Rye work well)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Enjoy your Classic Whiskey Sour!
Amaretto Sour with Orange Twist
This twist on the classic Amaretto Sour adds a burst of citrus flavor from a slice of orange, balancing the sweet and sour notes. Perfect for warm evenings or as a refreshing pick-me-up any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Amaretto liqueur
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 slice of orange, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Amaretto liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice, twisted to release its oils and aroma.
Cooking Time: None
Pomegranate Lime Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the tartness of lime with the sweetness of pomegranate, perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz pomegranate syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, pomegranate syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Grapefruit Rosemary Sour
Brighten up your day with this tangy and herbaceous cocktail, perfect for warm weather or a pick-me-up any time of the year. The grapefruit’s citrusy zip is balanced by the earthy flavor of rosemary, creating a refreshing and unique drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves
– Ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
3. Muddle 3-4 sprigs of rosemary leaves in the mixture.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Top with club soda.
7. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Blackberry Basil Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic sour. The sweetness of blackberries pairs perfectly with the bright flavor of basil, making for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– 1/4 cup basil leaves
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon or whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add blackberry puree and muddle gently to release the flavors.
4. Add basil leaves and muddle again to combine.
5. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
6. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a sprig of basil.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Passionfruit Margarita Sour
Combine the sweet and tart flavors of passionfruit with the classic margarita, and you’ll get a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather. This unique twist on the traditional margarita is sure to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz passionfruit puree
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, passionfruit puree, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Spicy Ginger Lemon Sour
A refreshing twist on the classic sour cocktail, this Spicy Ginger Lemon Sour combines the spicy warmth of ginger with the bright citrus of lemon and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz fresh ginger liqueur (such as Domaine Canton)
– 3 dashes of hot sauce (such as sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
– Ice
– Lemon twist or slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ginger liqueur to the shaker.
3. Add 3 dashes of hot sauce and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Elderflower Gin Sour
This Elderflower Gin Sour recipe combines the floral notes of elderflower liqueur with the tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice, all wrapped up in a silky smooth egg white foam. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz elderflower liqueur
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 egg white
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the egg white and shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to emulsify the mixture.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for another 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Blueberry Lavender Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of blueberries with the subtle floral flavor of lavender, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 tsp dried lavender buds
– Ice
– Lemon twist or sprig of rosemary for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blueberries with the simple syrup to release their flavor and color.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and lavender buds to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None! Simply shake, strain, and serve.
Blood Orange Bourbon Sour
A twist on the classic bourbon sour, this recipe adds a burst of citrus flavor from blood orange juice and a hint of sweetness from simple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Orange twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon whiskey, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with an orange twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Matcha Honey Sour
This unique cocktail combines the bright, grassy flavor of matcha green tea with the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of citrus. Perfect for spring or summer sipping, this Matcha Honey Sour is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz matcha syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, dissolved)
– Dash of citrus bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, matcha syrup, and honey syrup.
3. Add a dash of citrus bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Peach Thyme Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and delicious Peach Thyme Sour, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz freshly squeezed peach puree
– 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz thyme-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Ice
– Lime wheel and sprig of thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, peach puree, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Top with thyme-infused simple syrup (see note).
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of thyme.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Note: To make thyme-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes before straining and using.
Coconut Lime Sour
Refresh your spirits with this tropical twist on the classic sour cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz White Rum
– 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Coconut Cream
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add white rum, lime juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed – just shake and serve!
Raspberry Chambord Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of raspberries with the luxurious flavors of Chambord, perfect for a warm summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 oz Chambord liqueur
– 1/4 cup raspberries, pureed
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add Chambord liqueur and pureed raspberries.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and enjoy.
Lemongrass Vodka Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic vodka sour, infused with the bright citrus flavor of lemongrass.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz vodka (lemongrass-flavored or regular)
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz egg white
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Slice of lemongrass for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and emulsify ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a slice of lemongrass.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a dish.
Enjoy your Lemongrass Vodka Sour!
Pineapple Jalapeño Sour
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of pineapple with the heat of jalapeño peppers, creating a unique and tantalizing drink perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz pineapple juice
– 1/4 oz agave syrup
– 1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper (depending on desired heat level)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, pineapple juice, and agave syrup.
3. Add 1-2 slices of jalapeño pepper to the shaker (depending on desired heat level).
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and serve.
Vanilla Pear Sour
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique Vanilla Pear Sour recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or cozy nights in. This twist on the classic sour combines the sweetness of vanilla and pears with a tangy whiskey kick.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup infused with Vanilla bean
– 1/2 oz Pear puree
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lemon twist or pear slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add whiskey, lemon juice, vanilla-infused simple syrup, and pear puree.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or pear slice.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Cucumber Mint Sour
This Cucumber Mint Sour is a light and revitalizing cocktail perfect for hot summer days. With the cooling effects of cucumber, the brightness of lime, and the freshness of mint, this drink is sure to quench your thirst.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Gin
– 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 1/4 oz Cucumber Juice
– 1/4 oz Mint Simple Syrup (see note)
– Splash of Sparkling Water
– Ice
– Thin slices of cucumber, lime wheel, and sprigs of mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, cucumber juice, and mint simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
6. Garnish with cucumber slices, lime wheel, and sprigs of mint.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Summary
Get ready to pucker up with these refreshing and tangy sour cocktail recipes! From classic Whiskey Sours to fruity twists like Pomegranate Lime Sour and Raspberry Chambord Sour, there’s something for every taste bud. Try an Amaretto Sour with Orange Twist, a Grapefruit Rosemary Sour, or even a Spicy Ginger Lemon Sour for a flavor explosion. With 18 unique recipes to choose from, you’ll be sipping your way through the summer in no time!