Sours

Sours are a family of mixed drinks defined by a balance of a base spirit, an acidic element such as lemon or lime juice, and a sweetener. They are usually shaken with ice and strained, and most versions are served over ice or up with a citrus garnish. Many sours also include egg white or aquafaba to create a frothy texture, though this is optional. The structure allows for a wide range of base spirits and flavorings, while preserving the core sweet-tart profile.

Common examples include whiskey sour, pisco sour, amaretto sour, gin sour, vodka sour, and rum sour. The base spirit determines the subtype; the citrus provides acidity, and the syrup supplies sweetness. Proportions vary, but a typical approach is to balance citrus and sweetener against the strength of the base spirit. Techniques include shaking and sometimes a dry shake to emulsify egg white, with garnishes such as cherries and lemon wheels.

Origins and influence: The sour cocktail form emerged in 19th-century American bartending and was popularized in early cocktail manuals. The form remains a foundational category in classic and modern cocktails, and contemporary variants often incorporate fruit purées, flavored spirits, and creative garnishes, while maintaining the characteristic balance of sour and sweet with the base spirit.