A tequila sour is one of the most popular cocktails out there.
The combination of tequila with lime juice, sugar, and egg whites create a delicious drink that’s easy to enjoy.
What Are The Ingredients In A Tequila Sour?
The base of any good drink is usually made up of three things: alcohol, water, and some sort of flavoring agent.
In this case, we have all three—tequila, lime juice, and a sweetener like simple syrup or honey.
The last ingredient is important because it helps to thicken the drink and give it its characteristic foam.
There are two main types of sours: shaken and stirred. Shaken sours use more force than stirred ones, so they tend to be less frothy but still tasty.
Both involve mixing together liquid (like the above) and dry ingredients (the eggs).
In order to prepare our drink, we will need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ ounces of silver-blonde tequila of your choice
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ cup of simple syrup (or equal parts sugar and water)
- 3 egg whites
- Ice cubes
How Do You Make A Tequila Sour?
To make a tequila sour, start by pouring your favorite brand of tequila into a glass or highball glass.
Next, squeeze half of a lime over the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
Then add 1/4 cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar).
Finally, crack open an egg white and slowly pour it over the top of the mixture until it forms a nice foam on top.
The best part about this particular cocktail is that you can adjust the recipe as much as you want depending on your preference.
For example, if you don’t like the taste of tequila or prefer something sweeter, feel free to swap out any of the ingredients listed above for another flavor.
You can also skip the step where you add the lime peel to the rim of the glass.
While some people think they get more citrus flavors from adding the peel, others say it just tastes too sweet.
We recommend giving it a try though!
If you want to up your game even further, check out these other recipes we have for making unique drinks at home.
What Is The History Of The Tequila Sour?
The exact origins of this drink are not known, but it seems like Americans have been enjoying them since at least the 1970s.
In fact, they were so popular in New York City bars that they were referred to as “dirty martinis” by some.
As far back as the mid-1800s, people were mixing spirits with citrus fruits and then adding eggs or cream to give their drinks more body.
However, it wasn’t until the 1940s when these ingredients became common place in bar menus across America.
In those days, many bartenders would add raw eggs to their drinks to improve the consistency and appearance of the finished product.
They also added sugar to sweeten up their drinks.
This was all done before refrigeration, which made storage difficult and sometimes resulted in spoiled food products being used instead.
Although this method worked well enough, many people wanted something better, especially during World War II.
When rationing began, people started looking for ways to use less sugar without sacrificing taste.
One bartender came up with the idea of using alcohol substitutes such as applejack (a type of brandy) and rum to give his drinks a sweeter flavor.
Another way to cut down on sugar consumption was to substitute egg yolks for whole eggs.
Egg yolks contain about half the amount of sugar that whole eggs do.
These two methods eventually led to what we know today as the tequila sour.
By the 1950s, people had begun to appreciate the versatility of the tequila sour, and now its popularity has only continued to grow.
Today, it can be found everywhere from high end restaurants to sports stadiums.
How Did The Tequila Sour Come To Be?
The tequila sour was first created in Mexico during Prohibition as a way to hide alcohol from authorities who were cracking down on drinking.
Since then it has become very popular around the world.
In fact, tequila sours have been called “the original margaritas.”
There are many different recipes for a good tequila sour.
Some include orange liqueur or grenadine while others use agave nectar instead of simple syrup.
There are even some versions where you can add more than just lime juice and sugar into your glass.
You might also see them served with ice cubes rather than shaken like regular drinks.
What Are Some Variations Of The Tequila Sour?
The traditional tequila sour has been around since the 1800s when it was made by adding limes or lemonade to sweetened spirits like whiskey, brandy, rum, or gin.
These days, you can find many different types of tequila sours on the market.
Some even include orange juice in their recipes! Here are just a few of the unique tequila sours we found online:
- Tequila Orange Sour – A mixture of tequila, orange juice, pineapple juice, and honey. If you want to add more sweetness to your drink, this could be the right choice for you.
- Honey Lime Tequila Sour – You get all the flavors from the traditional tequila sour, but with honey instead of sugar. It has a great taste and also makes it easier to cut back if you need to watch your calories.
- Pomegranate Ginger Tea-Infused Tequila Sours – It tastes exactly what it sounds like — pomegranate tea infused into tequila. This would make a nice summer treat because it’s not too sweet and refreshing at the same time.
- Cilantro Lime Margarita – This version adds cilantro leaves and lime zest to the mix. It’s another way to spice up your margaritas without using extra salt or pepper!
- Raspberry Mint Lemonade – This twist on the tequila sour uses raspberry mint lemonade instead of plain water. It gives the drink a tart flavor that will help balance out the alcohol content.
- Lemon Drop Martini – Instead of lime, this recipe calls for lemons. The citrus fruit helps to give the drink its signature tang while still keeping things light enough to sip all night long.
- Ginger Berry Hibiscus Mojito – This recipe combines ginger ale, hibiscus flower tea, and frozen raspberries for a tropical punch. It’s a fun option for those who don’t care much about mixing ingredients together.
- Strawberry Basil Sangria – Sangrias are traditionally served as wine coolers. But why stop at wine coolers when you can have sangría instead? This recipe mixes strawberries, basil, and a little bit of red wine vinegar to give the drink a fruity kick.
- Sparkling Peach Margarita – When it comes to peach season, this sparkling margarita is a must try! The addition of peaches gives it a beautiful pink color. Plus, it’s super easy to make so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen trying to figure everything out.
What Is The Perfect Tequila Sour Recipe?
The perfect tequila sour recipe will be based on your personal taste preferences.
You can make this drink as sweet or sour as you like by adjusting how much citrus juice you use in the mix.
When it comes to making a good tequila sour, you want to add enough lime juice to balance the sweetness from the honeydew melon-flavored tequila.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces (45 ml) tequila blanco
- ¾ ounce (22 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce (11 ml) Simple Syrup (see below)
- Egg White for garnish
Step 1: Measure and Combine Ingredients
To make a tequila sour, start by pouring your favorite brand of tequila into a glass or highball glass.
Next, squeeze half of a lime over the rim of the glass before dropping it in.
Then add 1/4 cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar).
Finally, crack open an egg white and slowly pour it over the top of the mixture until it forms a nice foam on top.
The best part about this particular cocktail is that you can adjust the recipe as much as you want depending on your preference.
For example, if you don’t like the taste of tequila or prefer something sweeter, feel free to swap out any of the ingredients listed above for another flavor.
You can also skip the step where you add the lime peel to the rim of the glass.
While some people think they get more citrus flavors from adding the peel, others say it just tastes too sweet.
We recommend giving it a try though!
If you want to up your game even further, check out these other recipes we have for making unique drinks at home.
What Is The History Of The Tequila Sour?
The exact origins of this drink are not known, but it seems like Americans have been enjoying them since at least the 1970s.
In fact, they were so popular in New York City bars that they were referred to as “dirty martinis” by some.
As far back as the mid-1800s, people were mixing spirits with citrus fruits and then adding eggs or cream to give their drinks more body.
However, it wasn’t until the 1940s when these ingredients became common place in bar menus across America.
In those days, many bartenders would add raw eggs to their drinks to improve the consistency and appearance of the finished product.
They also added sugar to swee First off, we need to measure our ingredients so they all come together nicely.
Start by placing each ingredient into its respective measuring cup.
Next, take a few moments to stir them together until everything combines well.
Then pour everything except the egg white into your shaker glass.
Step 2: Shake and Strain Your Tequila Sour Mix!
After pouring everything but the egg white in the shaker, shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Then strain through a fine mesh strainer set over another container to catch any bits of fruit or herbs that may have fallen during shaking.
Pour the resulting mixture into your prepared glass.
Garnish with the egg white if desired.
Variations of the Perfect Tequila Sour Recipe
Of course, every bartender has their own preferred way of creating a tequila sour.
So, here are some variations of the perfect tequila sour recipe to try out.
The first variation involves substituting different types of citrus juices instead of limes.
Try using grapefruit, orange, tangerine, or even lemon for a more tart version.
If you go this route, just remember not to put too many slices inside the glass because it could make the drink very bitter.
Another option is to swap out the tequila for something else entirely.
Some bartenders prefer rum or gin while others opt for vodka or bourbon depending on what kind of mood they’re in.
If you don’t feel like messing around with mixing up your own concoction, then check out these other great recipes for the perfect tequila sour.
How Do You Know When A Tequila Sour Is Properly Made?
The first thing you should consider before making any type of mixed drink or cocktail is how well it will taste after being stored in your refrigerator.
If you don’t store your drinks correctly they might not be as good as they were upon their creation.
So let’s talk about what happens if you make a tequila sour incorrectly.
First off, you need to understand some basic rules regarding storing alcohol.
Alcohol has a shelf life and once this time period has passed the quality begins to degrade.
You can read more about this here on HowStuffWorks.
If you don’t follow these guidelines then you could end up wasting money because you won’t have anything to use.
So when you are planning to make a tequila sour, take note of the following points:
ten up their drinks.
This was all done before refrigeration, which made storage difficult and sometimes resulted in spoiled food products being used instead.
Although this method worked well enough, many people wanted something better, especially during World War II.
When rationing began, people started looking for ways to use less sugar without sacrificing taste.
One bartender came up with the idea of using alcohol substitutes such as applejack (a type of brandy) and rum to give his drinks a sweeter flavor.
Another way to cut down on sugar consumption was to substitute egg yolks for whole eggs.
Egg yolks contain about half the amount of sugar that whole eggs do.
These two methods eventually led to what we know today as the tequila sour.
By the 1950s, people had begun to appreciate the versatility of the tequila sour, and now its popularity has only continued to grow.
Today, it can be found everywhere from high end restaurants to sports stadiums.
How Did The Tequila Sour Come To Be?
The tequila sour was first created in Mexico during Prohibition as a way to hide alcohol from authorities who were cracking down on drinking.
Since then it has become very popular around the world.
In fact, tequila sours have been called “the original margaritas.”
There are many different recipes for a good tequila sour.
Some include orange liqueur or grenadine while others use agave nectar instead of simple syrup.
There are even some versions where you can add more than just lime juice and sugar into your glass.
You might also see them served with ice cubes rather than shaken like regular drinks.
What Are Some Variations Of The Tequila Sour?
The traditional tequila sour has been around since the 1800s when it was made by adding limes or lemonade to sweetened spirits like whiskey, brandy, rum, or gin.
These days, you can find many different types of tequila sours on the market.
Some even include orange juice in their recipes! Here are just a few of the unique tequila sours we found online:
- Store all ingredients in dry conditions at room temperature (not refrigerated)
- When mixing your ingredients, always shake vigorously until foamy and smooth
- Always strain your finished product through a fine mesh strainer so no large chunks remain
- Once strained, pour into glasses immediately
Mixing Your Tequila Sour
Now we are going to look at exactly how to mix your tequila sour.
To begin, add two ounces of tequila, half a cup of water, half a teaspoon of sugar, and one-quarter cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Next, stir everything together until combined using a bar spoon.
Then gently drop in an egg white from the shell and stir again.
Finally, add another quarter cup of lime juice and serve.
This method works perfectly every single time! But if you want to get even fancier then you can try adding other things such as strawberries, pineapple, oranges, chocolate sauce, and kiwis.
These additions help enhance the flavor of the drink and also give it a fun twist without changing its core elements.
With the right amount of practice and patience, you will become a master of mixing a proper tequila sour.
What Makes A Great Tequila Sour?
When it comes to making a good tequila sour, there are two main factors at play: the ingredients used (or lack thereof) and the way those ingredients are mixed together.
Here’s what separates a decent tequila sour from a truly excellent version:
- Good quality tequila: A basic rule of thumb for any alcoholic beverage is that the better the alcohol content, the more enjoyable the drink will be. With this in mind, we recommend spending your money on premium brands like Patron or Jose Cuervo Gold. These are some of the best tequilas around because they contain all natural agave spirits which have been aged for longer periods of time, resulting in higher levels of potency.
- Freshly squeezed limes: Most people agree that freshly-squeezed citrus juices add a lot of flavor to drinks. For example, the taste of lemon zest is much stronger than the taste of lemon juice alone. If you want your tequila sour to taste as clean and crisp as possible, make sure you use fresh lime juice instead of bottled varieties.
- Simple syrups: There are many different types of syrups available today. Some people swear by honey while others prefer agave nectar. Whatever type of syrup you choose, stick to something that’s not too sweet and doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the mix.
- Egg whites: When it comes to creating a foamy head on top of your drink, nothing beats using real eggs. Egg yolks are rich in proteins and fat, both of which contribute to the formation of foam. In addition, egg whites help stabilize the mixture so it won’t break apart once it hits your lips.
With these elements in place, here’s how to put them into action!
How Can You Tell If A Tequila Sour Is Bad?
The first thing to look at when trying to determine whether or not your tequila sour is good is the ingredients used in it.
If they don’t include citrus fruit, then it probably isn’t going to be very good.
You also want to make sure the flavor profile of the tequila matches up well with the other ingredients.
For example, if you use mezcal instead of tequila, or if you add pineapple syrup to the mix, this could change how the drink tastes entirely.
Another way to tell if your tequila sour is bad is by looking at the color.
If it looks like it has yellowed over time, then it may have been sitting around too long before being put into drinks.
In addition, if the ice is cloudy and milky-looking, it means that the drink was made using tap water rather than purified water.
Tap water contains minerals which will affect the taste of your drink.
If you see any strange smells coming from the glass, this should raise red flags as well.
These odors might indicate that the airtight packaging on the bottle was opened recently, so check it carefully!
What Are Some Tips For Making A Perfect Tequila Sour?
You want your tequila sour to be as smooth as possible so it doesn’t have any rough edges or chunks in it.
To do this, make sure that all ingredients are cold before adding them to the shaker.
You also don’t need much ice when making it.
If you use too little ice, then the drink will not get properly chilled.
On the other hand, using way too many cubes won’t help either because they’ll melt right into the liquid.
The easiest way to chill your mixture without having a ton of ice around is by putting it in the freezer for about 10 minutes.
This should cool down the drink enough while keeping the ice from melting too quickly.
If you still find yourself with bits of ice floating in your finished product, just add more ice until the ice melts completely.
As long as the ice melts slowly, you shouldn’t have any problems getting a smooth drink.
When shaking up your mix, try to keep everything moving at the same speed.
For example, instead of vigorously mixing everything together, start off slow, let it sit for 30 seconds, and then continue on.
Doing this ensures that each ingredient gets mixed thoroughly but does not over-emulsify the drinks.
Once you finish chilling the ingredients and shaking them, pour them into the glass and top it with club soda.
Finally, stir the whole thing well and serve.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons tequila reposado
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker without ice, combine the tequila, lemon, lime, syrup, bitters, and egg white. For 15 seconds, shake.
- The cocktail shaker should now include ice. Shake for 30 more seconds.
- The drink should be strained into a glass; the foam will float to the top. Serve with a cocktail cherry and a lime wedge.
Nutrition
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