This straightforward Tequila Sour recipe brings autumn to life! The Tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a hint of egg white create a refreshing cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
191
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white - optional, for froth
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep glass: chill your old fashioned glass.
- Optional Froth: Add 1 egg white into the shaker if you like a frothy top.
- Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz fresh lemon juice into the shaker.
- Add Simple Syrup: Add ½ oz simple syrup to the mix.
- Add Tequila: Pour 2 oz Tequila into the shaker.
- Shake It Up: Cover the shaker and give it a good shake to create a nice foam.
- Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake Second Time: Shake a second time until well mixed and chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your ice-filled Old Fashioned glass, garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry, and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Tequila: If you're out of Tequila, you can use bourbon whiskey for a different flavor profile. I've also used mezcal when I want a smoky edge to my drink.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lime juice is an excellent substitute if you don't have lemons. It changes the flavor slightly but still gives that sour kick.
- Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar in hot water. Alternatively, agave nectar or honey can be used as a natural sweetener.
Making a Pitcher of Tequila Sour:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila, 8 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup. Better to avoid the egg white if you are unable to shake the drink.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute available in most supermarkets and do a good job mimicking Tequila's flavor.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular Tequila, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Egg White Substitute: If you're vegan or don't consume eggs, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg white to create the foam. It works surprisingly well!
What is a Tequila Sour?
A Tequila Sour is a spirit-based cocktail made of Tequila, lemon juice, and sugar. It’s relatively easy to make as it only requires three main ingredients and some shaking. The process involves combining the ingredients in a shaker with ice, shaking it until well-chilled, and then straining it into a glass.
The Tequila Sour is a variant of the classic sour cocktails family, which includes drinks like the Whiskey Sour and Pisco Sour. The defining characteristic of these cocktails is their balance between sour (usually from citrus) and sweet components.
What is a Tequila Sour made of – The ingredients
Get these ingredients ready if you’re making a Tequila Sour:
- Tequila: The cocktail’s base spirit provides a robust and distinctive flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and tartness to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the cocktail and helps to mellow out the Tequila’s harshness.
- Egg White: Creates a frothy texture and smooth mouthfeel when shaken with the other ingredients.
- Ice: Chills the drink, dilutes it slightly, and adds a refreshing element.
- Cherry or Lemon Slice (for garnish): Enhances presentation and adds a subtle extra flavor.
