Trinidad Sour Cocktail Drink

Trinidad Sour

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Ever thought of shaking things up with a new drink? The Trinidad Sour recipe has the ingredients that make a cocktail worth trying.

Trinidad Sour Recipe

Check out this easy Trinidad Sour recipe! Made with basic ingredients like Orgeat, Angostura bitters, lemon juice, and rye whiskey.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

343 kl

Ingredients

  • ½ oz Rye Whiskey
  • 1 oz orgeat syrup
  • oz Angostura aromatic bitters
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Coupe Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Start by placing ice cubes in your coupe glass to chill.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, pour in 1½ oz Angostura aromatic bitters, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz orgeat syrup, and ½ oz Rye Whiskey.
  • Prep the shaker: Fill your shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Cap the shaker and give it a vigorous shake until well chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Empty the ice cubes from your coupe glass. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Orgeat: I've successfully used almond syrup as a substitute when I don't have Orgeat. It lacks the floral undertones but delivers on the almond flavor.
  • Angostura Bitters: It's challenging to replace this unique ingredient. I've tried a combination of other aromatic bitters in a pinch, but the flavor profile does shift a bit.
  • Rye Whiskey: Bourbon makes an excellent alternative to rye whiskey, imparting a slightly sweeter and richer flavor to the cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Trinidad Sour:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. This would be 8 oz of Orgeat, 12 oz of Angostura bitters, 6 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 4 oz of rye whiskey.
  • Mix and Serve: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Serve in individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Choose a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative available in the market. These often capture the smoky and spicy notes of traditional whiskeys.
  • Angostura Bitters: Prepare an aromatic sugar syrup with orange peel, cardamom, and gentian. However, if you prefer, you can look for non-alcoholic aromatic bitters in specialty stores.
  • Follow the Original Steps: Use the non-alcoholic substitutes and proceed with the original instructions.

Making it Vegan:

Ensure the Orgeat or almond syrup doesn't contain animal-derived ingredients, as some brands might use honey or other non-vegan sweeteners. Opt for a brand that uses a plant-based sweetener or make your own at home.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
343
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
5
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
45
g
15
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
30
g
33
%
Potassium
 
22
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.02
mg
0
%

 

Trinidad Sour Cocktail Drink

Trinidad Sour Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Check out this easy Trinidad Sour recipe! Made with basic ingredients like Orgeat, Angostura bitters, lemon juice, and rye whiskey.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 343

Ingredients
 

  • ½ oz Rye Whiskey
  • 1 oz orgeat syrup
  • oz Angostura aromatic bitters
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Coupe Glass
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Start by placing ice cubes in your coupe glass to chill.
  • Mix Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, pour in 1½ oz Angostura aromatic bitters, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz orgeat syrup, and ½ oz Rye Whiskey.
  • Prep the shaker: Fill your shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Cap the shaker and give it a vigorous shake until well chilled.
  • Strain and Serve: Empty the ice cubes from your coupe glass. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Orgeat: I've successfully used almond syrup as a substitute when I don't have Orgeat. It lacks the floral undertones but delivers on the almond flavor.
  • Angostura Bitters: It's challenging to replace this unique ingredient. I've tried a combination of other aromatic bitters in a pinch, but the flavor profile does shift a bit.
  • Rye Whiskey: Bourbon makes an excellent alternative to rye whiskey, imparting a slightly sweeter and richer flavor to the cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Trinidad Sour:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. This would be 8 oz of Orgeat, 12 oz of Angostura bitters, 6 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 4 oz of rye whiskey.
  • Mix and Serve: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Serve in individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Choose a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative available in the market. These often capture the smoky and spicy notes of traditional whiskeys.
  • Angostura Bitters: Prepare an aromatic sugar syrup with orange peel, cardamom, and gentian. However, if you prefer, you can look for non-alcoholic aromatic bitters in specialty stores.
  • Follow the Original Steps: Use the non-alcoholic substitutes and proceed with the original instructions.

Making it Vegan:

Ensure the Orgeat or almond syrup doesn't contain animal-derived ingredients, as some brands might use honey or other non-vegan sweeteners. Opt for a brand that uses a plant-based sweetener or make your own at home.

What is a Trinidad Sour?

A Trinidad Sour cocktail uses Orgeat and Angostura bitters as primary ingredients. Unlike many other drinks that use bitters in small dashes, the cocktail features it as a star component. Many enthusiasts appreciate this cocktail for its distinct taste and balance of flavors. Named after the country where its primary ingredient is produced, the drink has made its mark in the cocktail world. The International Bartender Association(IBA) recognize the drink and designate it under “New Era Drinks”.

A side shot of a Trinidad Sour cocktail in a coupe glass on a green cloth placed on a blue table with two lemons on a side.

What is a Trinidad Sour made of – The ingredients

To make a Trinidad Sour, gather the following:

  • Orgeat syrup: A sweet syrup made primarily from almonds, which adds a rich, nutty sweetness to the cocktail.
  • Angostura Bitters: Concentrated bitters made of herbs and spices, providing depth and complexity to the drink.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweet and bitter elements.
  • Rye Whiskey: A type of whiskey known for its spicy and robust flavor, contributing a solid base for the cocktail.

Rye Whiskey, orgeat syrup, angostura bitters and two limes laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Trinidad Sour?

Join our easy instructions to make your own Trinidad Sour:

1
<p>Start by placing and stirring ice cubes in your coupe glass to chill it.</p>

Start by placing and stirring ice cubes in your coupe glass to chill it.

2
<p>Grap the cocktail shaker and add lemon juice into the shaker.</p>

Grap the cocktail shaker and add lemon juice into the shaker.

3
<p>Pour Rye Whiskey into the shaker.</p>

Pour Rye Whiskey into the shaker.

4
<p>Add orgeat syrup to the mixture.</p>

Add orgeat syrup to the mixture.

5
<p>Incorporate the Angostura aromatic bitters into the shaker.</p>

Incorporate the Angostura aromatic bitters into the shaker.

6
<p>Ice up the shaker.</p>

Ice up the shaker.

7
<p>Secure the lid of the cocktail shaker and give it a vigorous shake until you feel the outside of the shaker turn cold.</p>

Secure the lid of the cocktail shaker and give it a vigorous shake until you feel the outside of the shaker turn cold.

8
<p>Grab your chilled coupe glass, and remove the ice cubes.</p>

Grab your chilled coupe glass, and remove the ice cubes.

9
<p>Strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass.</p>

Strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass.

10
<p>Enjoy your Trinidad Sour cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Trinidad Sour cocktail!

Using Rum in a Trinidad Sour

Switching up the base spirit of a cocktail can completely transform its character. For those looking to put a Caribbean twist on the Trinidad Sour, rum works well. While rye whiskey brings spicy depth, rum, especially aged variants, offers caramel, vanilla, and sometimes smokiness notes. This combination meshes brilliantly with the almond sweetness of Orgeat and the distinctive kick of Angostura bitters. If you’re considering going this route, consider using well-regarded rums like Appleton Estate, Mount Gay, or El Dorado. For a smooth and slightly sweet take on the original, I’d recommend starting with Mount Gay’s Eclipse. 

Can I make a Trinidad Sour without Orgeat?

Ditching Orgeat in the Trinidad Sour? It’s a bold move but opens up a world of creativity. With its almond-based sweetness, Orgeat plays a central role in balancing the cocktail’s bitter and sour elements. However, if you’re out of Orgeat or looking for an alternative, try swapping it with homemade almond syrup. Combine sugar, water, and almond extract in equal parts, then heat until the sugar dissolves. Consider using honey or maple syrup if you’re itching for something different. Both provide a rich sweetness, with honey offering floral notes and maple syrup bringing a hint of woodiness. While these substitutions might stray from the traditional profile, they create an equally compelling, unique spin on the original.

A side shot of a Trinidad Sour cocktail in a coupe glass on a green cloth placed on a blue table with two lemons around.

What is Angostura Bitters

Angostura Bitters is the heart and soul of the Trinidad Sour. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago, these bitters are a complex blend of tropical fruits, spices, and herbs. What sets the Trinidad Sour apart from many other cocktails is the hefty amount of Angostura Bitters it employs. While most drinks use bitters as a mere dash or sprinkle, they’re front and center here. This daring move transforms the bitters from a supporting act to the show’s star. It delivers a rich, deep, and bittersweet profile perfectly balanced by the drink’s other components. If you’ve never experienced the robust character of Angostura Bitters in such a generous pour, this cocktail will be a revelation.

A Trinidad Sour cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a green cloth placed on a blue table with two lemons on a side.

History and Origin

The Trinidad Sour has its roots in the modern cocktail movement. Giuseppe Gonzales, a well-known bartender, created it while he worked at Clover Club in Brooklyn, New York. What makes this cocktail’s origin particularly fascinating is its primary ingredient: a full ounce of Angostura bitters. Traditionally, bitters are a minor component in cocktails, used in dashes, much like seasoning in food. But Gonzalez broke this convention.

Probably, the inspiration for the Trinidad Sour came from a challenge by one of Giuseppe’s colleagues, who used a predominant dose of angostura in his winning cocktail. Following his colleague, Gonzalez created a cocktail featuring Angostura bitters as a primary ingredient rather than just a few drops. The result? The Trinidad Sour is a cocktail that honors the bitters’ origins in Trinidad and Tobago while introducing an entirely new flavor profile to the world of mixology.

A Trinidad Sour cocktail, shot from above, on a white marmol table with a orgeat syrup bottle, a Rye Whiskey bottle, a Angostura Bitters bottle and two limes around.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Trinidad Sour?
It contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the exact measurements and specific ingredients used.
How strong is a Trinidad Sour in terms of ABV and proof?
The strength varies based on the rye whiskey used. Generally, the cocktail can be around 20-25% ABV, translating to 40-50 proof when considering the other non-alcoholic ingredients.
What type of alcohol is used in a Trinidad Sour?
Angostura Bitters serves as the primary alcohol.
In which glass is the Trinidad Sour usually served?
It is commonly served in an Old Fashioned glass.
What does a Trinidad Sour taste like?
The cocktail offers a unique balance of sweetness from the Orgeat, sourness from the lemon juice, spicy depth from the rye whiskey, and a robust bittersweet profile from the Angostura bitters.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Trinidad Sour?
Typical version has a ratio of 1.5 part Angostura Bitters, 1 part of orgeat, 0.75  part of lemon juice, and 0.5  part of Rye whiskey, making it a balanced cocktail.
How is the Trinidad Sour served in terms of ice?
The drink is usually shaken with ice and then strained into a Coupe Glass, serving it "up" without ice in the final presentation.
Who created the Trinidad Sour?
Giuseppe Gonzalez, a notable bartender, crafted the Trinidad Sour while working at the Clover Club in Brooklyn.
Where did the Trinidad Sour originate?
The drink originates in Brooklyn, New York, although its name pays homage to Trinidad and Tobago, where Angostura bitters is nowadays produced.
Can I replace rye whiskey with another spirit in a Trinidad Sour?
While rye whiskey provides a specific spicy depth, some enthusiasts experiment with other spirits, which may alter the drink's traditional taste.
Do you use egg white in a Trinidad Sour?
While not mandatory,  egg white can be used to give it a frothy texture.

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