Bartending has been my passion for years, and I’ve had the pleasure of creating and serving countless cocktails to patrons. However, one category of drinks that never seems to fall out of favor is sours. The sour cocktail is a timeless favorite among mixologists and drinkers alike, offering a delicate balance of flavors that can be achieved with a variety of spirits, including gin.
Gin’s complex botanicals make it an ideal base for a sour cocktail, while the citrus juice adds a tangy yet refreshing element to the drink. To balance out the acidity of the citrus, bartenders often add a sweetener such as simple syrup or honey. While there are countless variations of sour cocktails, not all of them are created equal. Some are too sugary, others are overpoweringly acidic, and some just fail to capture the essence of what makes a great sour cocktail.
That’s why I’ve taken on the challenge of scouring the internet, my extensive collection of cocktail books, and my own experience to bring you the best sour gin cocktail recipes available today. From classic recipes like the Gin Sour and Tom Collins to innovative twists like the Bee’s Knees and French 75, these cocktails are sure to delight both seasoned gin enthusiasts and those looking for a revitalizing summer drink.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or simply seeking a refreshing beverage, there’s a sour gin cocktail on this list that’s sure to hit the spot. So grab your shaker, and let’s get mixing!
Gin Sour
Often overshadowed by more complex cocktails, the Gin Sour is a timeless classic that deserves recognition for its simplicity and elegance. This drink’s versatility allows it to be enjoyed in various settings, from a casual summer gathering to a sophisticated dinner party. To elevate your Gin Sour experience, consider using premium gin brands such as Tanqueray 10, Hendrick’s, or Bombay Sapphire.
Classic Gin Sour
Just as some classic cocktails have stood the test of time, the Classic Gin Sour has remained a staple in many bartenders’ repertoire for over a century. As part of the sour family of cocktails, which typically consists of liquor, citrus, and sweetener, the Gin Sour is distinguished by its use of gin instead of whiskey, resulting in a lighter and more delicate flavor profile with floral notes that are characteristic of this spirit.
The addition of a frothy egg white foam on top gives the drink an extra layer of texture, making each sip a delightful experience. Whether you’re in need of a pick-me-up or simply looking for a refreshing beverage to enjoy any time, the Gin Sour is definitely worth trying out, especially if you have a fondness for classic cocktails.
Grapefruit Rosemary Sour
Elevate your mixology skills with this unique take on the classic gin sour cocktail, the Grapefruit Rosemary Sour. The blend of grapefruit and rosemary not only produces a stunning blush pink color but also yields a remarkable flavor profile that skillfully balances citrusy and herbal notes. The addition of frothy egg whites adds an opulent touch to the drink, making it an undeniable showstopper at any gathering or social occasion.
Kiwi Gin Sours
Elevate your cocktail game with a refreshing and unique twist on the classic gin sour: the Kiwi Gin Sour. With its light green color and sweet-tart taste, it’s the perfect drink to usher in the beginning of the green season and add some excitement to your gatherings. Embracing the traditional sour cocktail formula, this recipe cleverly incorporates gin, lemon juice, and a luscious purée of kiwi fruit as its base.
The optional addition of egg white not only provides a silky texture but also deepens the richness of the drink, making it an absolute delight for both gin enthusiasts and adventurous mixologists alike.
The Empress Q1908
Sour Cherry Gin Slings
Vibrant and flavorful, the Sour Cherry Gin Sling is a delightful twist on traditional cocktails that will tantalize your taste buds with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. This refreshing drink combines the luscious flavors of cherry cordial with the invigorating zing of lime juice, expertly blended with the crisp botanicals of gin.
Perfect for those who want to venture beyond their usual gin cocktails, the Sour Cherry Gin Sling is an exciting choice that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. With its simplicity and ease of preparation, this cocktail makes it a great option for spontaneous gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
A delicate lime wheel garnish paired with a plump red cherry adds a touch of sophistication and whimsy to this bright and cheerful drink, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a new gin cocktail experience.
The Gin Sour
Not only does the Gin Sour hold a special place in the hearts of many, but it’s also an incredibly refreshing drink. With its perfect balance of smooth and lemony flavors, this cocktail is ideal for those who crave a hint of tartness without being overwhelmed by it. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to try their hand at mixing drinks from the comfort of their own home.
Including egg whites can add a delightful frothy texture that’s both visually appealing and a treat for the taste buds. As such, the Gin Sour is a must-try for gin enthusiasts seeking to experience a timeless cocktail with an exciting twist.
Lavender Gin Sour
Taking the classic gin sour recipe to new heights, the Lavender Gin Sour adds a unique twist with the incorporation of lavender into its traditional mix of ingredients. This refreshing and floral drink combines the bold flavors of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with the subtle sweetness of lavender, resulting in a truly distinctive taste experience that’s perfect for any occasion.
The addition of egg whites lends a silky, rich texture to this delightful cocktail, while the Empress 1908 gin adds an intriguing indigo hue. Moreover, making lavender syrup is relatively straightforward and can be utilized in other recipes, such as Lavender-Honey-Roasted Pork Tenderloin. This drink is particularly appealing for those who enjoy experimenting with lavender in their cooking or mixology endeavors.
Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail
Gently place yourself behind the bar and get ready to be amazed by the visually stunning Empress 1908 Gin Sour Cocktail. This unique drink boasts a naturally colored gin base that’s been infused with the subtle beauty of butterfly pea flowers, resulting in an intriguing color-changing effect when mixed with citrus juice.
As you delve into the flavors, you’ll discover notes of citrus, juniper, and coriander that perfectly complement the Empress 1908 Gin, making it the ideal foundation for a sour cocktail experience.
Empress Gin Cocktail
Surpassing the ordinary, the Empress Gin Cocktail is an innovative creation that will undoubtedly captivate any audience. Its unique appearance is made possible by the use of Empress 1908 Gin, which has been infused with butterfly pea blossom, resulting in a beautiful purple hue that changes to pink when mixed with citrus elements. This distinctive visual effect, combined with the addition of egg white, creates a rich and creamy texture that elevates the overall drinking experience.
The use of rosemary and dried orange as garnish adds an element of sophistication, making this gin sour recipe a standout choice for those seeking a modern twist on the classic sour cocktail. Its versatility ensures it will be a hit at any party or gathering.
Hibiscus Gin Sour
Generally speaking, the Hibiscus Gin Sour is a cocktail that embodies the perfect blend of flavor and aesthetics. The inclusion of dried hibiscus flowers not only gives the drink its distinctive pink color but also contributes a subtle floral note that harmoniously complements the smoothness of the gin. This delightful twist on the classic sour cocktail is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a lively tropical-themed party.
Its ease of preparation and unique layered texture make it an ideal choice for those looking to experiment with floral flavors in their cocktails.
Blueberry Gin Sour Cocktail
Savoring the sweetness of fresh blueberries and the tanginess of lemon juice, the Blueberry Gin Sour Cocktail is an expertly crafted drink that will tantalize your taste buds. This refreshing concoction is tailored specifically for gin enthusiasts seeking a unique and flavorful experience. With its perfect balance of sweet and sour notes, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their gin game.
The preparation involves muddling blueberries with sugar, then combining them with lemon juice, gin, and an egg white in a shaker filled with ice. After shaking vigorously, the mixture is strained into a chilled glass, resulting in a beautifully balanced cocktail that’s sure to impress.
Plum Ginger Gin Sour
Delighting in its unique flavor combination, the Plum Ginger Gin Sour is a sophisticated cocktail that’s tailored to the autumn season. Unlike traditional gin sours, this variation incorporates homemade plum ginger simple syrup, expertly balancing sweetness and tartness with the zing of lemon juice. The subtle warmth contributed by the ginger perfectly complements the herbal undertones of the gin, while the aquafaba foam adds a delightful effervescence to the drink.
With its effortless preparation requiring just a handful of ingredients, this cocktail is an excellent choice for social gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. Whether you’re seeking a seasonal drink recipe or simply looking to impress your guests, the Plum Ginger Gin Sour is definitely worth trying.
Violet Blueberry Gin Sour
Taking inspiration from the classic gin sour cocktail, Violet Blueberry Gin Sour presents a distinctive twist that will captivate your senses. The combination of violet liqueur and blueberries creates an alluring purple hue, while their flavors infuse the drink with a sweet, creamy taste experience.
To achieve balance and prevent over-sweetness, lemon and lime juice are expertly incorporated into the mix, complemented by the addition of egg white, which contributes to a silky texture that is simply divine. This unique cocktail is tailor-made for those seeking a refreshing and inventive beverage experience. If you’re a fan of floral cocktails or looking to elevate your drink repertoire with something new, Violet Blueberry Gin Sour is definitely worth a try.
Gin and Cabernet Sour
Known for its unique blend of flavors, the Gin and Cabernet Sour is an ideal drink for those who appreciate both gin and wine. Crafted with fresh lemon juice, a selection of premium gin, and any available orange liqueur, this cocktail offers a delightful combination that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Basil Blueberry Gin Sour
You’ll love the Basil Blueberry Gin Sour, a revitalizing summer cocktail that skillfully blends the zesty freshness of basil with the luscious sweetness of blueberries. The addition of an egg white creates a silky and airy texture that elevates the overall taste experience. With its straightforward recipe requiring minimal ingredients, this cocktail is an ideal choice for those seeking to create a show-stopping drink without expending too much effort in the kitchen.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a revitalizing gin cocktail or simply looking to spice up your next gathering, the Basil Blueberry Gin Sour is undoubtedly worth giving it a try.
Blueberry Gin Sour
Under the sun-kissed umbrella of summer, there’s no better way to quench your thirst than with a refreshing Blueberry Gin Sour. This delightful cocktail is crafted with fresh blueberries, Bombay gin, and a splash of lemon juice, making it an ideal choice for those looking to beat the heat. The sweetness of the blueberries is beautifully balanced by the tartness of the lemon juice, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Winter Citrus Sour
Notably, the Winter Citrus Sour stands out as an exceptional blend of flavors and aromas in the world of cocktails. By combining fresh grapefruit and lemon juice with subtle gin, it achieves a perfect balance between tartness and sweetness, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy sour drinks during the winter season.
The delicate flavor profile of the gin used in this recipe allows for a refreshing taste experience that is not overpowering or too dominant, making it suitable even for those who prefer milder flavors. This cocktail’s blush color and subtle floral notes make it an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day celebrations, as well as any winter day when a touch of warmth and sunshine are needed.
Ultimately, the Winter Citrus Sour is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking to experience the best of gin-based sour drinks.
Cherrylicous Cherry Sour Cocktail
Featuring a unique blend of flavors, the Cherrylicious Cherry Sour Cocktail is a refreshing and delicious gin-based drink that stands out from the crowd. The incorporation of egg white gives the cocktail a distinctive frothy texture, adding a luxurious touch to the overall presentation.
Strawberry Basil Gin Sour
Keenly crafted for warm weather, the Strawberry Basil Gin Sour is an invigorating and delectable cocktail that showcases the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. By incorporating fresh strawberries and basil into this recipe, a unique flavor profile emerges that is sure to captivate anyone’s senses.
The addition of aquafaba elevates the cocktail to new heights by providing a silky foam that not only adds texture but also makes it an excellent option for vegans seeking to elevate their cocktails. Furthermore, the simplicity of the easy fruit and herb syrup method used in this recipe allows individuals to infuse their syrups with fresh ingredients, making it a versatile technique for creating customized flavors.
Matcha Gin Sour
Offering a refreshing twist on the classic gin sour, the Matcha Gin Sour combines ceremonial grade matcha powder with freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and a touch of shaken egg white. This harmonious blend of flavors results in a well-balanced cocktail that’s both earthy and citrusy, with a silky texture and a foamy top to boot.
With just six ingredients and a preparation time of under five minutes, this cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up for anyone looking for a unique beverage after a long week. The floral notes of the gin pair beautifully with the acidity from the lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of the matcha powder, making it an absolute must-try for any adventurous mixology enthusiast.
Aquafaba Gin Grapefruit Sour Cocktail
Packed with creativity, the Aquafaba Gin Grapefruit Sour Cocktail offers a fresh take on the traditional sour cocktail. By leveraging aquafaba, the liquid extracted from chickpeas, this innovative drink achieves a creamy texture reminiscent of egg whites in classic sours. The incorporation of grapefruit juice infuses a revitalizing tartness into the mix, yielding an unparalleled flavor experience.
Not only is this cocktail’s plant-based nature making it an attractive choice for vegans and those who follow dairy-free diets, but its uniqueness also makes it an ideal option for adventurous drinkers seeking to explore new horizons. If you’re looking for a thrilling sour gin cocktail that breaks the mold, the Aquafaba Gin Grapefruit Sour Cocktail is undoubtedly worth giving a try.
White Lady Cocktail
Underlying its classic reputation, the White Lady Cocktail has been a staple of the cocktail world since the 1920s. Its unique combination of ingredients, including gin, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice, gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other sour cocktails. The addition of simple syrup balances out the acidity of the lemon juice, while the egg white adds a creamy texture and a smooth, velvety finish to the drink.
This sophisticated cocktail is perfect for sipping on any occasion, and its traditional serving style in a coupe or martini glass only adds to its allure. If you’re a fan of sour gin cocktails, the White Lady is definitely worth trying.
The Almond Gin Sour
Wrapped in a smooth and flavorful taste, ‘The Almond Gin Sour,’ also known as the Hotel Georgia, presents itself as a gin-forward cocktail that makes for an excellent choice for those who prefer their drinks with a touch of sweetness. With orgeat syrup playing a subtle role by adding a hint of sweetness to the drink, it doesn’t boast a strong almond flavor.
The optional use of egg white adds a creamy texture and creates a foamy head that elevates the overall presentation of this classic cocktail.
Raspberry Gin Fizz Cocktail
Among the many refreshing cocktails perfect for the warm weather, the Raspberry Gin Fizz stands out as a unique and delightful creation. This modern twist on the classic gin fizz recipe incorporates fresh raspberries, lime juice, soda water, and high-quality gin, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Although it’s traditional to include egg white in this cocktail, which adds a rich frothiness to the drink, you can still achieve an impressive result without it by simply omitting this ingredient. To get the best out of your Raspberry Gin Fizz Cocktail, choose a gin that doesn’t overpower with piney notes and instead features subtle hints of citrus, allowing each component to shine through.
Blackberry Lavender Gin Sour Cocktail
You’ll love the unique flavor profile of the Blackberry Lavender Gin Sour Cocktail, which is derived from combining the sweetness of blackberries with the floral aroma of lavender. This distinctive blend results in a refreshing and fruity taste experience that’s perfect for warm weather. The addition of egg white foam adds a creamy texture to the drink, making it an ideal summer cocktail.
While the recipe specifies a particular type of gin, there are several other great options available that can be used to make this cocktail just as delicious. If you’re looking for a refreshing and fruity twist on a classic cocktail, the Blackberry Lavender Gin Sour is definitely worth trying out.
Sloe Gin Fizz
Among the array of classic cocktails, the Sloe Gin Fizz stands out as a refreshing choice perfect for parties and gatherings. This delightful drink is made with Sloe Gin, a sweet and reddish-colored liqueur crafted from the blue-black sloe berry, imparting a light and revitalizing taste that is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
The alcohol content of Sloe Gin varies from 15-30% depending on the brand, making it an excellent option for those seeking a drink with a moderate level of intoxication. Although it may be challenging to locate Sloe Gin in some regions, this cocktail is undeniably worth the extra effort. Therefore, if you’re searching for a unique and delectable sour gin cocktail, make sure to give the Sloe Gin Fizz a try and experience its exceptional taste for yourself!
Campari Gin Fizz
Under the warm sunshine of summer, a revitalizing cocktail comes to mind – the Campari Gin Fizz. Its light and airy texture, achieved with the addition of homemade simple syrup and an egg white, makes it a delightful drink to sip on during the warmer months.
The harmonious blend of gin, Campari, and lemon juice yields a citrusy flavor that is subtly tempered by the slight bitterness of the Campari, while the sweetness of the simple syrup adds depth to the cocktail without overpowering its other components. Whether served with club soda for added effervescence or strained into a chilled coupe glass for a more straightforward taste experience, the Campari Gin Fizz offers two unique ways to enjoy its refreshing and complex flavors.
The Rosemary Orange Gin Cocktail
Leveraging the brightness of citrus flavors and the earthiness of herbs, the Rosemary Orange Gin Cocktail offers a distinct twist on the traditional gin sour. The union of fresh rosemary and orange juice introduces an intriguing contrast between herbal and citrus notes, allowing for flexibility in adjusting the flavor balance to suit individual tastes.
To further enhance this unique cocktail, consider experimenting with creative garnishes, such as making ice cubes infused with either orange juice or rosemary, to add a new dimension of flavor. Overall, the Rosemary Orange Gin Cocktail is an excellent choice for those seeking a novel and captivating sour gin cocktail experience.
Southside
Featuring a unique combination of flavors, the Southside is a timeless classic that’s sure to impress. Its harmonious balance of sweet and sour notes, paired with the subtle essence of mint, makes for a truly delightful experience for gin connoisseurs. Whether you’re sipping on it during the sweltering summer months or enjoying a crisp winter evening, this cocktail never fails to deliver. So why not give the Southside a try – we’re confident that its refreshing charm will leave you wanting more!
Gin, Grapefruit and Elderflower Cocktail
Taking center stage in the world of gin cocktails is the Gin, Grapefruit and Elderflower Cocktail, a refreshing and balanced sour drink that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. The clever combination of grapefruit juice and elderflower liqueur brings a unique twist to this classic cocktail, striking a perfect balance between sweet and tart flavors. The silky smoothness of Hendrick’s gin perfectly complements the flavors, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer milder juniper notes.
This cocktail is deceptively simple yet undeniably sophisticated, making it the perfect accompaniment to sip on during the colder winter months. If you’re a fan of citrus-infused cocktails, this one is certainly worth adding to your list and experimenting with.
Elderflower Collins Gin Cocktail
Elevate your summer gatherings with the Elderflower Collins Gin Cocktail, a delightful and revitalizing drink that’s perfect for any occasion. This mouthwatering cocktail combines premium gin, lemon juice, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic Water, soda, and a fresh lemon slice to create a unique floral flavor profile.
The infusion of the St Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic Water gives this cocktail its distinctive taste, making it a standout among other gin cocktails. The beauty of this drink lies in its simplicity – it can be prepared in under 5 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts.
Whether you’re planning a special celebration like Easter, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or baby showers, the Elderflower Collins Gin Cocktail is sure to impress your guests. If you’re a fan of floral flavors and refreshing cocktails, this drink is an absolute must-try.
Aperol Sour
When it comes to finding a refreshing and complex gin cocktail, one drink stands out from the rest: the Aperol Sour. This innovative concoction is a twist on the classic sour, substituting the traditional whiskey or vodka base with the Italian aperitif, Aperol. Known for its bittersweet flavors of oranges, rhubarb, cinchona, and gentian, Aperol brings a unique taste profile to the table.
Pink Gin Sour
Generally, when it comes to crafting unique and visually appealing cocktails, the Pink Gin Sour stands out as an excellent choice for warm weather gatherings. This refreshing concoction owes its striking pink hue to Empress 1908 Gin, a spirit infused with the essence of butterfly pea flowers that gives it its distinctive color.
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity, allowing mixologists to experiment and adjust the recipe to achieve deeper, richer tones by incorporating more of the Empress 1908 Gin into the mixture.
Gin Fizz Cocktail
Crafted in the late 19th century, the Gin Fizz Cocktail has stood the test of time as a timeless classic in the world of mixology. Its distinctive flavor profile is characterized by a harmonious balance of sweet and tart notes, punctuated by the brightness of lemon and the subtle nuances of botanicals. What truly sets this cocktail apart, however, is its velvety egg white foam topping, which adds an indulgent texture to each sip.
Limoncello Gin Cocktail
Delighting your taste buds with a refreshing twist, the Limoncello Gin Cocktail is an easy-to-make drink that’s perfect for savoring on a warm summer day. Made with sweet and tangy Limoncello, crisp gin, zesty lime juice, and fragrant fresh thyme, this cocktail boasts a unique and delicious flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
Distilled from the zest of flavorful lemons grown in the sun-kissed regions of Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Limoncello used in this cocktail adds an authentic Italian flair to its creation. This drink is ideal for those who appreciate a sweet and sour taste combination in their beverages, with the fresh thyme adding a subtle yet distinct herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor experience.
Gin Is My Jam Cocktail
Packed with unique flavors and a twist on the classic sour gin cocktail, the Gin Is My Jam recipe is perfect for adventurous drinkers. By incorporating raspberry jam as a sweetener, you can breathe new life into old jars of jam sitting in your pantry, reducing waste while creating something deliciously different.
While traditionalists may recommend pairing this cocktail with a London Dry gin, feel free to experiment with floral or citrus-infused gins to add another layer of complexity to the flavor profile. The addition of fresh ingredients, such as homemade sweet and sour mix, takes this cocktail to the next level, making it an excellent choice for both gin enthusiasts and those looking to try something new and exciting.
