30 Easy Sour Cocktail to Drink in 2023

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the vast range of cocktails on offer at your favorite bar? Or maybe you've been at home, fancying a cocktail, but you're unsure which one to make? Perhaps you're a fan of the tart, refreshing taste of a sour cocktail, but can't decide which to choose. Well, we're here to simplify your life and introduce you to a world of easy and irresistible sour cocktails.

What if I told you that mastering the art of cocktail making doesn't have to be as complex as it appears? In this guide, we'll navigate the world of sour cocktails together, shedding light on their history, breaking down their ingredients, and most importantly, sharing 29 easy yet delightful sour cocktails that you can make right at home. Ready? Let's dive in.

Understanding the Sour

Sour cocktails are the embodiment of balance in a glass. They have been around since the early 19th century, featuring a harmonious blend of spirit (the base), sweet (usually a syrup or liqueur), and sour (typically a citrus juice). 

The magic of these cocktails lies in the delicate balance between these components, creating a drink that's neither too sweet nor too tart.

30 Easy Sour Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

This classic cocktail has stood the test of time. Originating in the 1870s, it was the go-to choice for sailors trying to prevent scurvy and seasickness. Simple yet sophisticated, the Whiskey Sour consists of bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar, often garnished with a cherry or orange slice.

Recipe: In a shaker, mix 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz sugar syrup. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

Daiquiri

This refreshing cocktail hails from Cuba, invented in the late 1800s by an American engineer living there. Combining rum, lime juice, and simple syrup, the Daiquiri exemplifies tropical freshness and simplicity.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz white rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass.

Pisco Sour

The Pisco Sour is a staple in Peru, where it was born in the early 1920s. The frothy, rich blend of Pisco (a type of brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a dash of Angostura bitters, creates a unique cocktail that's both smooth and refreshing.

Recipe: In a shaker without ice, combine 2 oz Pisco, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously to froth up the egg white. Add ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a glass. Add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.

Caipirinha

Brazil's national cocktail, the Caipirinha, is a testament to simplicity and flavour. This cocktail uses Cachaça (a spirit distilled from sugarcane), lime, and sugar. The result is a refreshingly sweet and sour drink with a strong kick.

Recipe: In a sturdy glass, muddle 1/2 lime (cut into wedges) with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Fill the glass with ice and pour 2 oz of Cachaça over it. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Sidecar

The Sidecar, originating in Paris during World War I, is a sophisticated blend of Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice. It's renowned for its balance between strong, sweet, and sour.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz Cognac, 1 oz Cointreau, and 1 oz lemon juice. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass.

Smokey Whiskey Sour

This is a delicious twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. By adding a touch of smoky Islay Scotch whisky and maple syrup, we add complexity and a contemporary twist.

Recipe: Shake together 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz maple syrup, and a splash of smoky Islay Scotch whisky. Strain into an ice-filled glass.

Strawberry Basil Margarita

Adding strawberry and basil to the classic Margarita brings a touch of summer freshness. The herbal notes from the basil and the sweet tartness from the strawberries make this a perfect warm-weather drink.

Recipe: Muddle 2 strawberries and 2 basil leaves in a shaker. Add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 oz lime juice. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

Virgo Pisco Sour

This non-alcoholic version of the classic Pisco Sour captures all the frothy, citrusy goodness without the alcohol. It's a great choice for those who want to enjoy the cocktail experience while staying sober.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz of a non-alcoholic spirit (such as Seedlip), 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously without ice to froth up the egg white. Add ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a glass. Add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.

Mocktail Margarita

You don't need alcohol to enjoy a good Margarita. This mocktail version is equally refreshing and perfect for any time of the day.

Recipe: Rim a glass with salt. In a shaker, combine 3 oz of limeade, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and a splash of orange juice. Fill with ice, shake well, and strain into the prepared glass.

Gimlet

A classic British cocktail, the Gimlet is a clean, crisp cocktail that uses gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. It's simple, yet refreshing and tantalizing.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass.

Tom Collins

Named after its creator, Tom Collins is a popular sour cocktail from the United States. It's a simple blend of gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and carbonated water.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top up with carbonated water and garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry.

Spiced Rum Daiquiri

This variation on the classic Daiquiri uses spiced rum to add a warming complexity to the traditional Daiquiri's tropical freshness.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz spiced rum, 1 oz lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass.

Cucumber Mint Margarita

This twist on the classic Margarita adds cucumber and mint for a cool, refreshing note. It's a perfect cocktail for a hot summer day.

Recipe: Muddle a few slices of cucumber and a few fresh mint leaves in a shaker. Add 2 oz tequila, 1 oz triple sec, and 1 oz lime juice. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

Virgin Strawberry Basil Margarita

This non-alcoholic Margarita keeps the freshness of the strawberries and basil, but replaces the alcohol with sparkling water for a refreshing twist.

Recipe: Muddle 2 strawberries and 2 basil leaves in a shaker. Add 1 oz lime juice and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a glass, and top up with sparkling water.

Mocktail Sidecar

Enjoy the elegant balance of the Sidecar cocktail in this non-alcoholic version, which uses orange juice and lemon juice to replace the Cognac and Cointreau.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz orange juice, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass.

Amaretto Sour

This sweet and sour cocktail combines the nutty flavours of amaretto with the tartness of lemon juice. It's a delightful Italian-American classic that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and bitter notes.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 1 1/2 oz amaretto, 3/4 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into an ice-filled glass.

Classic Peruvian Pisco Sour Cocktail

While I already included the Pisco Sour earlier in the list, it's worth revisiting this iconic Peruvian cocktail. As the name implies, it uses Pisco, a type of grape brandy, along with lime juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and bitters.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz Pisco, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously without ice to froth up the egg white. Add ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a glass. Add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.

Sour Cherry Cocktail

This cocktail brings together the tartness of sour cherries with the sweetness of sugar, offset by vodka's clean flavour. It's a delightful cocktail that's perfect for summer.

Recipe: In a shaker, muddle a handful of sour cherries with 1 oz simple syrup. Add 2 oz vodka and 1 oz lemon juice. Fill with ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass.

Clover Club Cocktail

This pre-Prohibition cocktail has a fruity twist with the inclusion of raspberry syrup. It's a delightful blend of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and an egg white, offering a frothy, flavourful, and visually appealing cocktail.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz raspberry syrup, and 1 egg white. Shake vigorously without ice to froth up the egg white. Add ice, shake until chilled, and strain into a chilled glass.

New York Sour Cocktail

This cocktail is a fascinating twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. The inclusion of a red wine float not only adds a complex flavour but also makes for a stunning visual presentation.

Recipe: Shake together 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Strain into an ice-filled glass, then carefully pour 1/2 oz of red wine over the back of a spoon to create a float on top of the drink.

Cucumber Sour Cocktail

This refreshing cocktail is perfect for a hot day. The cucumber's freshness pairs perfectly with the sourness of lime and the sweetness of simple syrup.

Recipe: Muddle 3 slices of cucumber in a shaker. Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Blueberry Sour

This cocktail adds a fruity twist to the traditional whiskey sour with the addition of fresh blueberries.

Recipe: Muddle a handful of blueberries in a shaker. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a few blueberries.

Fig Bourbon Sour

The sweetness of fig pairs wonderfully with the robustness of bourbon in this unique cocktail.

Recipe: Muddle 2 fresh figs in a shaker. Add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a fig slice.

Grapefruit Basil Sour

The tartness of grapefruit and the herbal notes of basil make this cocktail a delightfully refreshing sour cocktail.

Recipe: Muddle 3 basil leaves in a shaker. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Blood Orange Sour

This cocktail showcases the unique, slightly bitter flavour of blood oranges.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz blood orange juice, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a blood orange slice.

Passion Fruit Sour

This tropical cocktail features the sweet-tart flavour of passion fruit.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz rum, 1 oz passion fruit juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a passion fruit slice.

Apple Sider Sour

Perfect for fall, this cocktail features the sweetness of apple cider balanced by bourbon and lemon.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 2 oz apple cider, 1/2 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with an apple slice.

Pomegranate Sour

This cocktail has a lovely color and a nice balance of tart and sweet flavours.

Recipe: In a shaker, combine 2 oz vodka, 1 oz pomegranate juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.

Kiwi Sour Cocktail

This vibrant green cocktail has a unique sweet-and-sour profile thanks to the kiwi fruit, which adds both sweetness and tartness.

Recipe: Muddle 1 peeled kiwi in a shaker. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a kiwi slice.

Blackberry Sage Sour

This cocktail combines the sweet-tart flavour of blackberries with the earthy, aromatic notes of fresh sage, making for a delightful and complex sour cocktail.

Recipe: Muddle 3 fresh sage leaves and 3 blackberries in a shaker. Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a sage leaf and a blackberry.

Conclusion

The world of sour cocktails is vast and varied, with each drink offering a unique blend of flavours. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a newbie, these 29 easy sour cocktails offer a delightful mix of classic, global, twisted, and non-alcoholic options to cater to all tastes and moods.

So why not give them a try? Experiment with these recipes, create your own, and enjoy the rich, balanced flavours of these refreshing sour cocktails. Don't forget to share your experiences and favorites in the comments. 

Remember, cocktail making is an art, but it's an art that's meant to be shared, enjoyed, and celebrated. Cheers to that!