There’s nothing quite like a sour cocktail to hit the spot.
Sour mixers are some of the most versatile ingredients in your bar arsenal, and with so many variations, there’s something for everyone.
From the classic whiskey sour to the fun and refreshingly tart margarita, we’ve rounded up our favorite sour cocktails for you to try.
These sour cocktails are sure to hit the spot whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink, a cozy winter warmer, or something to take the edge off.
Here are my picks for the best sour cocktails out there. Cheers!
The whiskey sour is a timeless classic for a reason.
It's simple yet sophisticated and always hits the spot.
This sour cocktail is made with bourbon and features an intriguing addition of egg whites (optional).
The egg whites add a beautiful foamy texture, but if you're not a fan, you can leave them out.
The Amaretto Sour is a classy and tasteful sour cocktail for those who like to keep things sweet.
The almond-flavored liqueur, Amaretto, combined with lemon juice and sugar, creates a taste that is hard not to keep coming back to—garnished with a cherry to amplify the sweetness and make for a delicious treat.
Check out other Amaretto cocktails if you like this one!
The classic daiquiri is refreshing and flavorful, suiting a variety of celebrations.
Shake a little rum up with some lime and simple syrup, and you have a daiquiri that will satisfy your tastebuds with a sweet but sour kick.
This drink is perfect for a fun hot summer day or a classy tropical getaway.
This cocktail is a delicious mix of gin and sour raspberry flavors.
It's flawless for anyone who loves an excellent sour gin cocktail with an extra hint of sweetness.
The Clover Club dates back to pre-prohibition, originating in Philadelphia.
Serve it at a fancy dress party, or enjoy one on a night out at your favorite speakeasy.
The gin fizz is a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail.
With flavors of citrus and gin, enjoy it poolside or at your favorite happy hour spot.
The fizz reference comes from the carbonation in the drink, which is typically achieved by adding soda water and shaking it up with egg whites for a bubbly yet smooth texture.
This mouthwatering and easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for any gin lover.
A gimlet is simply gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. It's tart, sweet, and refreshing all at the same time.
I suggest serving this drink over ice with a lime wedge for garnish. It's also lovely served in a martini glass.
This cocktail is a twist on the classic whiskey sour for those who prefer their drinks with gin.
Top it off with bitters to balance out sweet and sour flavors and give it a more complex taste.
For a frothy finish, shake it up well with egg whites and sip on it at your next party.
This cocktail is a favorite among the sweet tooth crowd.
It's a satisfying mix of citrus and sweetness with a sugar-lined rim.
If you want to add extra zing to your drink, try using lemon vodka instead of traditional vodka.
I'd also recommend you pour it up as a shot on a night out!
Blended flavors of smoky bourbon and fruity red wine will have you feeling like you're right in the heart of the big apple with this drink.
To get that beautiful color contrast in your glass, you can’t pour the wine directly into the drink.
Put a spoon over the glass and then pour the wine over it.
A pisco sour is a tasteful Peruvian cocktail made with Pisco, an amber brandy distilled from grapes.
This is a go-to for anyone who loves good brandy with a sour kick.
The key to a great pisco sour is fresh lime juice and shaking it up with egg whites to get that perfect foamy texture.
This martini is a delicious and elegant twist on the classic.
If you love the taste of pomegranate and want to add a little something extra to your martini, then this is the drink for you.
To make the perfect pomegranate martini, finish it with a sugar rim and a pomegranate seed garnish.
Check out other martinis you can mix up.
The Sidecar originated in Paris, and mixologists typically served in a Nick & Nora glass.
It is a smooth and sweet cocktail that's perfect for sipping for dessert after dinner on a chilly night.
It's made with Cognac and mixed with tangy orange and sour lemon flavors to give it a unique zing.
The South Side is a rejuvenating cocktail ideal for summer sipping on a hot sunny day.
It's made with gin and mint for that refreshing flavor, and it's also lovely when made with muddled cucumber.
Serve this drink over ice and garnish it with a lemon wedge or cucumber slice.
The Tequila Sour cocktail is refreshing, tangy, and sure to start any party right.
Made with the classic tequila and lime combo and finished off with agave nectar and egg white, this is one sour that will leave you wanting more.
Which has always been a good idea with tequila, right?
The Rum Sour Cocktail is an enjoyably unique way to drink rum.
The recipe calls for dark rum and fresh lime juice and is finished with bitters to give a complex taste to such a simple drink.
The caramel and vanilla notes of the rum are a great match for the sour flavors in this drink.
Pair the mouthwatering notes of vanilla, oak, caramel, and spice in bourbon with some fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, and you've got an irresistible sour cocktail.
This recipe is perfect for any bourbon cocktail lover looking for a new way to enjoy their favorite spirit. Serve with a cherry on top!
Aloha, whiskey lovers! This Hawaiian Stone Sour is for you.
A fun and tropical twist on the classic whiskey sour, this refreshing drink is made with fruit juices like pineapple and orange for a SWEET and sour cocktail.
If you're lucky, you will receive it garnished with a Hawaiian-style orchid for a touch.
The well-known Cosmopolitan is a crowd favorite for a reason.
The perfect mix of tart citrus, sweet cranberry, and smooth vodka makes it the ideal cocktail.
While the pink color often deems the cosmo a "girly drink," it's strong enough to stand up to any cocktail and give anyone a run for their money.
The name says it all.
This is one Easy Vodka Sour that anyone can make at home.
Mix the vodka with fresh lemon and a few ingredients before shaking it up with egg whites to add a little body and a foamy texture.
Serve it up with a cherry for a classic final touch.
The Limoncello Midori Sour is a bright and playful cocktail made with a classic Italian liqueur- Limoncello, and an electric green Japanese liqueur, Midori.
The two flavors combine for a delightful sweet and sour citrus drink that tastes like dessert.
Don't forget the garnish – a sugary rim and a cherry on top.
The delightful Campari Sour is yet another play on the classic Whiskey Sour.
The addition of Campari gives the drink a beautiful ruby hue and a slightly bitter edge.
Mix in the grapefruit juice for a tart and juicy twist, then shake it up with some egg whites for a silky finish.
Check out other Campari cocktails if you like a little bitterness.