The Gin Sour is a classic cocktail that has been around for decades and still remains one of the most popular drinks today.
It combines the smooth, juniper-forward taste of gin with the sweet tang of fresh citrus juice and a little bit of sugar – resulting in an incredibly refreshing balance of flavors.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy an evening out or just want to add some sparkle to your home bar, the Gin Sour is a must-have.
What is Gin Sour?
The Gin Sour is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries. It originated in the late 19th century and was popularized by American bartenders during Prohibition. The base spirit used was usually gin, although some recipes call for other spirits such as whiskey or brandy. The combination of the juniper-forward flavor of gin and tart citrus juice, sweetened with sugar, creates a refreshingly balanced beverage.
When making a Gin Sour, it is important to use quality ingredients. The base spirit should be a high-quality gin with complex flavors and aromas, such as an London Dry Gin or Old Tom. Fresh citrus juice is also essential for achieving the perfect balance of sweet and tart – using bottled juice or artificial mixers won’t provide the same flavor profile. Finally, use simple syrup or another type of sugar to add sweetness and depth to the drink.
Ingredients
- Gin selection
Gin selection is an important part of making the perfect Gin Sour. A high-quality gin with complex flavors and aromas is essential for the best tasting drink. London Dry Gins such as Beefeater, Bombay Sapphire, and Tanqueray are all great choices. Old Tom gins like Hayman’s or Ransom also make great sours, as they have a slightly sweeter, more rounded flavor.
- Lemon juice
Lemon juice is an integral ingredient for the perfect Gin Sour. Fresh lemon juice is preferred, as it provides the tartness and acidity needed to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and gin. To make a Gin Sour, use one ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice for every two ounces of gin used. Lemon juice also adds a pleasant citrus aroma to the drink, making it even more enjoyable.
- Simple syrup
Simple syrup is an essential ingredient in a Gin Sour. It adds sweetness and depth to the drink while also helping to balance out the tart citrus juice and juniper-forward gin. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a pot or saucepan over low heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Simmer for three minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool before using.
- Egg white (optional)
Adding an egg white to a Gin Sour is an optional yet popular step that results in a smooth, velvety texture. The egg white adds richness and body to the cocktail while also helping to balance out the tartness of the lemon juice and sweetness of the sugar. To use an egg white, shake all ingredients (except for the gin) together before adding the gin. When combined, shake vigorously and strain into a glass.
Equipment and Preparation
Cocktail shaker and strainer
To make a Gin Sour, you will need a cocktail shaker and strainer. A Boston shaker is the most popular option, as it consists of two interlocking metal tins that fit together snugly to create an airtight seal. The second tin can be used to measure ingredients, while the larger tin is used for shaking up the drink.
Once all of the ingredients are added, the shaker is sealed and shaken vigorously to combine them. The strainer allows you to pour the liquid into a glass without any solids or ice.
Glassware selection
Glassware selection is an important part of making a Gin Sour. The best choice for serving a Gin Sour is a rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass, which will allow the drinker to enjoy its color and aroma before taking a sip. For those looking for something more decorative, a Nick and Nora glass or coupe glass can also be used. When serving multiple drinks, it is always best to use different glasses for each one.
Preparing the citrus and separating the egg white (if using)
Preparing the citrus is an important step in making a Gin Sour. Start by washing the lemon thoroughly and patting it dry. Cut it in half and squeeze the juice out using either a citrus juicer or your hand.
- If using, separate the egg white from the yolk by gently cracking open a large egg over a bowl and transferring the whites to another bowl, avoiding any contact with the yolk. The whites should then be whisked until foamy before adding them to the cocktail shaker.
Mixing the Drink
1. Adding the gin, citrus, and simple syrup to the shaker
To make a Gin Sour, fill the cocktail shaker with ice and add two ounces of gin, one ounce of fresh lemon juice, and one ounce of simple syrup. Securely seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain the drink into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or crushed ice. If using an egg white, whisk until foamy and add it to the shaker before shaking.
2. Technique for incorporating egg white
If using an egg white, it should be added to the shaker before shaking. To do this, crack a large egg over a bowl and carefully separate the whites from the yolk, making sure no yolk gets into the whites. Transfer the whites to another bowl and whisk them until foamy. Add them to the cocktail shaker with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shaking and straining the drink into a glass
To shake and strain the drink, first fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Then add two ounces of gin, one ounce of fresh lemon juice, and one ounce of simple syrup to the shaker. Securely seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Once finished, strain the drink into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or crushed ice. If using an egg white, add it to the shaker before shaking and strain it with the other ingredients.
Variations and Additions
Flavored syrups
Flavored syrups are a great way to add an extra layer of flavor to your Gin Sour. From elderflower and ginger to raspberry and lavender, there are endless options for incorporating different flavors into your drink. When using flavored syrups, start by adding one teaspoon of the syrup of choice to the shaker with the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously, strain, and enjoy.
Bitters
Bitters are a great way to add an extra layer of complexity and depth of flavor to your Gin Sour. Bitters come in a range of flavors, such as orange, angostura, and cardamom, and can be added in small amounts before shaking. Start by adding three to four drops of the bitters of choice to the shaker with the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously, strain, and enjoy.
Garnishes
The perfect finishing touch for any Gin Sour is a garnish. There are many options to choose from, such as a lemon wheel, orange twist, or even fresh herbs like mint or basil. To make a lemon wheel, cut off the ends of the lemon and slice it into thin circles. Place one wheel on the rim of the glass and press down lightly.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Gin Sour
Proper shaking technique
Proper shaking technique is important for creating a well-mixed and flavorful Gin Sour. When filling the shaker, make sure to add ice first and then the other ingredients in order to avoid diluting the drink more than necessary. Securely seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Be sure to hold your wrist firmly as you shake so that the shaker does not move around and cause any spills.
Balancing sweetness and sourness
Balancing sweetness and sourness is an important part of making a Gin Sour. The perfect balance between the two will depend on personal preference, but it is helpful to start with equal parts of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. If the drink is too sweet, add an extra dash of lemon juice or reduce the amount of simple syrup used. If the drink is too sour, add a bit more simple syrup or reduce the amount of lemon juice used.
Adjusting for personal preferences
Adjusting for personal preferences is an important part of making a Gin Sour. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so it is important to adjust the proportions of ingredients to find the perfect balance for you. Start by adding equal parts of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, then adjust from there based on your preference. If the drink is too sweet, add an extra dash of lemon juice or reduce the amount of simple syrup used. If the drink is too sour, add a bit more simple syrup or reduce the amount of lemon juice used.
Conclusion
To make the perfect gin sour, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add two ounces of gin, one ounce of fresh lemon juice, and one ounce of simple syrup. Securely seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain the drink into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or crushed ice. For added flavor, consider adding flavored syrups and bitters before shaking. Finally, garnish with a lemon wheel or other citrus twist and enjoy!
Making a Gin Sour is an excellent way to get creative and experiment with different flavors. Try adding in different flavored syrups and bitters for a unique twist on the classic drink. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of citrus juice or even switch out the gin for another spirit such as vodka or tequila. You can also adjust the proportions of ingredients according to your personal preference. With a few simple ingredients and some experimentation, you can create the perfect Gin Sour for any occasion.
