Hawaiian Stone Sour

This classic tiki drink, created by the legendary "Trader Vic" Bergeron, is a delightful and straightforward sour cocktail. It masterfully balances the rich, warming notes of bourbon with the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice and the sharp tartness of fresh lemon. The addition of rock candy syrup provides a smooth, rich sweetness that integrates all the flavors, making it an exceptionally approachable and satisfying tropical drink.
Hawaiian Stone Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Hawaiian Stone Sour is classified as a cocktail. It falls into the Sour category due to its balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetener, and is also considered a Tiki cocktail because of its tropical fruit flavor and origin.

Serving

Serve this moderately strong cocktail ice-cold in a chilled sour glass filled with cracked ice. It's a refreshing, medium-sized drink designed for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Sour Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Hawaiian Stone Sour was created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron and was first published in his 1972 book, "Trader Vic's Bartender's Guide." It represents a tiki-influenced evolution of the classic "Stone Sour," which traditionally features orange juice alongside lemon. By substituting pineapple for orange, Trader Vic imparted a distinctly tropical character, evoking the spirit of the islands and justifying its "Hawaiian" moniker.
Origin
United States, created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron, circa 1972.

Hawaiian Stone Sour

The drink is most commonly known by its full name, Hawaiian Stone Sour. Sometimes it is referred to with the prefix "Trader Vic's" to credit its creator, but this is not a distinct alternative name.
Original name
Hawaiian Stone Sour
Alternative name
Trader Vic's Hawaiian Stone Sour

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a tropical aroma of pineapple and citrus balanced by bourbon's oak notes, featuring a smooth, juicy texture. Its flavor profile is a refreshing and summery balance of sweet and sour.
Flavor
Tropical, fruity, sweet, sour, whiskey-forward, pineapple, citrus
Aroma
Pineapple, lemon, bourbon, vanilla, oak
Taste balance
Balanced, sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, gentle whiskey warmth
Fizziness
None, Still
Color appearance
Hazy, light yellow, golden-orange
Texture
Smooth, juicy, light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, characterized by a prominent fruitiness from pineapple and lemon. This is balanced by a pleasant sweetness and a noticeable but smooth alcohol warmth from the bourbon.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four key ingredients: a base of bourbon whiskey, complemented by fresh pineapple and lemon juices. A touch of rock candy syrup or rich simple syrup provides the necessary sweetness.
  • Bourbon Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, straightforward bourbon works best.
  • Pineapple Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Fresh or high-quality canned juice is recommended.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Rock Candy Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Can be substituted with a rich (2:1 sugar to water) simple syrup.

Ice type

  • Cubed for shaking, Cracked for serving

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar equipment to prepare this drink. A cocktail shaker is essential for chilling and dilution, along with a jigger for measuring and a strainer to pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling ingredients
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) for separating ice after shaking

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking all liquid ingredients with ice until well-chilled. The mixture is then strained into a chilled glass filled with fresh, cracked ice and garnished.
1. Prepare your serving glass by chilling it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add bourbon, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and rock candy syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with ice cubes.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Fill the chilled sour glass with cracked ice.
6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
7. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

The traditional garnish is a simple but classic combination of a fresh orange slice and a bright red maraschino cherry. This adds visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.
  • Orange slice to place on the rim or in the glass
  • Maraschino cherry to add color and sweetness

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. As it contains no animal products, it is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving of this cocktail contains approximately 185 calories. The carbohydrate content is around 15 grams, which comes almost entirely from the sugars in the fruit juices and syrup.
Calories
averagely 185 kcal / 774 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm-weather occasions like summer parties, poolside lounging, and barbecues. Its refreshing and approachable nature also makes it an excellent choice for happy hour or any tropical-themed gathering.
  • Summer party
  • Happy hour
  • Poolside lounging
  • Barbecue
  • Tropical themed events

Pairing suggestions

This cocktail pairs well with light and savory dishes that complement its tropical profile. Consider serving it alongside grilled white meats, seafood appetizers like coconut shrimp, or simple salty snacks. A fresh fruit platter can also echo the drink's fruity notes beautifully.
  • Grilled chicken or pork skewers
  • Coconut shrimp
  • Fresh fruit platters
  • Salty snacks like plantain chips or macadamia nuts

Hawaiian Stone Sour: A Bourbon-Fueled Trip to the Tropics

The Hawaiian Stone Sour is a delightful tiki cocktail from the portfolio of the legendary Trader Vic. It's a simple yet elegant sour that marries the classic American profile of bourbon with the tropical flavors of pineapple and lemon. The result is a perfectly balanced, refreshing, and easy-drinking cocktail that is less complex than many other tiki creations but no less satisfying. It's an ideal choice for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a taste of the islands.

Similar cocktails

Whiskey Sour

A more fundamental sour, omitting the pineapple juice entirely and focusing on the simple trio of whiskey, lemon, and sugar.

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