Refresh yourself with this quick Garden Sour recipe! Blend rhubarb liqueur, mezcal, lemon juice, celery bitters, and sugar syrup for a great springtime cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 193
Ingredients
- 1 oz Rhubarb Liqueur
- 1 oz Mezcal
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- 2 dashes of Celery Bitters
- ½ oz sugar syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or slice - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes, stir and set it aside.
- Add Bitter: Drop 2 dashes of Celery Bitters into the shaker.
- Add Sugar: Measure and pour ½ oz sugar syrup into the shaker.
- Add Lemon: Add ¾ oz fresh lemon juice to the mix.
- Add Rhubarb Liqueur: Measure and pour 1 oz Rhubarb Liqueur into the shaker.
- Add Mezcal: Add 1 oz Mezcal to your shaker.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into the Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Place a lemon twist or slice into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Rhubarb Liqueur: If you don't have rhubarb liqueur, try using an elderflower liqueur for a floral twist. I've also used raspberry liqueur for a fruitier profile.
- Mezcal: If you prefer a less smoky flavor, substitute mezcal with tequila. It still gives that agave essence without the smokiness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but I always find fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.
- Celery Bitters: If you can't find celery bitters, use Angostura bitters for a more traditional bitter note.
- Sugar Syrup: You can make your own sugar syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat until thoroughly combined.
Making a Pitcher of Garden Sour:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of rhubarb liqueur, 8 oz of mezcal, 6 oz of fresh lemon juice, 16 dashes of celery bitters, and 4 oz of sugar syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the rhubarb liqueur, mezcal, fresh lemon juice, celery bitters, and sugar syrup. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon twist or slice, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Rhubarb Liqueur Substitute: Use a rhubarb syrup or cordial to mimic the flavor without the alcohol.
- Mezcal Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic spirit that mimics the smoky flavor of mezcal, or use smoked tea (like lapsang souchong) brewed strong and chilled.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
What is a Garden Sour?
A Garden Sour is a mezcal-based cocktail made of rhubarb liqueur, fresh lemon juice, celery bitters, and sugar syrup. It’s not difficult to make because it involves simple steps like shaking the ingredients with ice and straining them into a glass. The smoky mezcal and tangy rhubarb liqueur combination creates an intriguing flavor profile that makes this drink stand out.
What is a Garden Sour made of – The ingredients
Start your Garden Sour with these ingredients:
- Rhubarb Liqueur: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Mezcal: Provides a smoky, earthy base.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings acidity and brightness.
- Celery Bitters: Adds a subtle herbal note.
- Sugar Syrup: Sweetens and balances the drink.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the cocktail.
- Lemon Twist or Slice (optional): Garnishes and adds a citrus aroma.
