Gin SourCocktail recipe
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Although popular in the 1940s, the Gin Sour actually predates Prohibition. It was featured in an 1898 book by Finley Dunne, where Mr Dooley includes it in a list of supposedly great American inventions.
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Tags
Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
The Gin Sour is a classic that beautifully balances the sharp zest of lemon juice with the smooth depth of gin, enhanced by a whisper of sweetness from the sugar syrup. The addition of egg white and Angostura Bitters rounds out the cocktail, giving it a creamy texture and a complex flavor profile that's both refreshing and robust.
Method
How to make a Gin Sour
- Gin 60ml, Lemon Juice 30ml, Sugar / simple Syrup 15ml, Angostura Bitters 3 dashes, Egg 1 egg white
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- Add the gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, bitters and an egg white to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a chilled, ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a slice of lemon and a maraschino cherry before serving
Power tips
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Find out more- Perform a dry shake (without ice) first to emulsify the egg white and create a thick, frothy texture.
- Use a rich simple syrup made with 2:1 sugar to water ratio for a more luxurious mouthfeel.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the history behind the Gin Sour?
The Gin Sour is part of the sour family of cocktails, which have been popular since the 19th century. The basic sour formula combines a base spirit, lemon or lime juice, and a sweetener. Gin Sours specifically gained popularity in the early 20th century as gin became a widely favored spirit, offering a crisp and refreshing cocktail choice that balanced the juniper notes of gin with the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of sugar syrup.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh for the Gin Sour?
While fresh lemon juice is preferred for its brightness and zest that can't be matched by bottled versions, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, keep in mind that the quality and taste of your Gin Sour might be slightly compromised, as bottled juice tends to be more acidic and less flavorful.
What is the purpose of the egg white in the Gin Sour?
The egg white in the Gin Sour serves to create a smooth, silky texture and a frothy top when shaken vigorously. It's a classic technique used in many sour cocktails to balance the acidity of the lemon juice and add a luxurious mouthfeel to the drink. The egg white also helps to unify the flavors of the cocktail.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Gin Sour?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Gin Sour by substituting the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or by simply leaving it out and adjusting the other ingredients to taste. Some non-alcoholic spirits are designed to mimic the botanical flavors of gin, making them a suitable substitute for creating a zero-proof cocktail that retains the character of a Gin Sour.
How can I modify the Gin Sour to suit my preferences?
There are several ways to tweak the Gin Sour recipe to suit your taste. If you like your cocktails sweeter, you can increase the amount of sugar syrup. For a more tart drink, add more lemon juice. You can also experiment with different types of gin to see how they influence the flavor profile. Additionally, try adding different bitters or garnishes, such as a maraschino cherry or an orange slice, for a new twist on the classic.
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