Rosemary Citrus Sour

The Rosemary Citrus Sour is an elegant and complex alcohol-free drink that balances earthy, herbal notes with sharp, refreshing citrus. It uses a homemade rosemary simple syrup for a touch of sweetness and depth, which is shaken with fresh lemon and orange juice. The addition of aquafaba (chickpea brine) creates a luxurious, velvety foam, giving it the classic texture and appearance of a traditional sour cocktail.
Rosemary Citrus Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Rosemary Citrus Sour is categorized as a mocktail, specifically within the sour family. This classification is due to its core structure of a sweet element (syrup) balancing a sour element (citrus), which mimics traditional sour cocktails without any alcohol.

Serving

Serve this zero-proof mocktail ice-cold in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to maintain its temperature and elegant presentation. The drink is served "straight up" without ice in the glass.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This mocktail is a modern creation, born from the growing trend of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages. It draws inspiration from classic sour cocktails like the Whiskey Sour, adapting the formula to highlight botanical flavors. The goal was to create a zero-proof drink that offers the same complexity, texture, and ritual as its alcoholic counterparts.
Origin
As a contemporary craft mocktail, this drink does not have a single point of origin. It emerged from the 21st-century mixology movement in North America and Europe, where bars began dedicating serious effort to creating high-quality, non-alcoholic options that mirror the complexity of traditional cocktails.

Rosemary Citrus Sour

This drink is primarily known as the Rosemary Citrus Sour. Alternative names like "Virgin Rosemary Sour" or "Rosemary Citrus Mocktail Sour" are used to emphasize its non-alcoholic nature, making it clear it's a sophisticated mocktail.
Original name
Rosemary Citrus Sour
Alternative names
  • Rosemary Citrus Mocktail Sour
  • Virgin Rosemary Sour

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a vibrant aroma of piney rosemary and fresh citrus, leading to a balanced sweet and tart flavor profile. Its most defining characteristic is its rich, velvety texture and silky foam, providing a clean and refreshing herbal finish.
Flavor
Herbal, Citrusy, Tart, Sweet, Aromatic, Earthy
Aroma
Rosemary, Lemon, Orange, Pine
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Herbal, Lingering Citrus
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale Yellow, Cloudy, Opaque, Thick white foam top
Texture
Silky, Foamy, Smooth, Velvety
Seasonality
Refreshing, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by a bright sourness and citrus fruitiness, expertly balanced by a moderate sweetness from the syrup. It has no alcohol, saltiness, spiciness, or carbonation, resulting in a clean yet intense taste experience.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are fresh citrus juices (lemon and orange), a homemade rosemary-infused simple syrup, and aquafaba for foam. Optional non-alcoholic bitters can enhance the aroma.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best bright, tart flavor.
  • Fresh Orange Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended over bottled juice.
  • Rosemary Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    To make, simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 2-3 rosemary sprigs until sugar dissolves. Let cool completely and steep for at least 30 minutes before straining.
  • Aquafaba15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It acts as a vegan egg white substitute to create foam. Alternatively, use one pasteurized egg white.
  • Non-alcoholic Aromatic Bitters2 dashes(optional)
    Optional, but adds aromatic complexity. Use a brand confirmed to be 0.0% ABV if total abstinence is required.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer. The double-straining technique is crucial for achieving a perfectly smooth foam.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker
  • Fine mesh strainer for double-straining

Instructions

The method involves two shaking steps: a dry shake to create foam and a wet shake to chill. Double-straining into a chilled glass is vital for the final texture and presentation.
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add the lemon juice, orange juice, rosemary simple syrup, and aquafaba to a cocktail shaker.
3. Perform a 'dry shake' by sealing the shaker without ice and shaking vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This step is essential for building a rich foam.
4. Open the shaker carefully, fill it with cubed ice, and seal it again.
5. Perform a 'wet shake' by shaking hard for another 10-12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well-chilled.
6. Empty the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
7. Double-strain the mocktail into the glass by pouring through both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer. This ensures no ice shards break the foam.
8. Let the drink settle for a moment to allow the foam to form a distinct layer, then garnish with the fresh rosemary sprig and lemon twist.

Garnishing

An aromatic garnish is key; use a fresh rosemary sprig and a lemon twist. Expressing the lemon peel over the drink before adding it enhances the sensory experience.
  • Fresh rosemary sprig - Gently clap between your hands to release aromas before placing on the foam.
  • Lemon twist - Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the drink's surface for a burst of citrus aroma.

Dietary Information

This mocktail is completely free from alcohol, caffeine, dairy, eggs (when using aquafaba), soy, nuts, and gluten. It is a suitable and elegant choice for both vegans and vegetarians.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This mocktail is relatively low in calories, with most of its carbohydrates and sugars derived naturally from the fruit juices and the added simple syrup. It is not a significant source of fat or protein.
Calories
Approximately 90-110 kcal / 377-460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 22-26 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 20-24 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for any occasion where a refined, non-alcoholic option is desired, such as dinner parties, baby showers, or social gatherings. It's also an excellent choice for a quiet, relaxing evening at home.
  • Social Gatherings
  • Dinner Parties
  • Relaxing Evening
  • Celebrations
  • Baby Showers

Pairing suggestions

The herbal and citrus notes pair beautifully with light, savory, and slightly salty appetizers. Consider serving it alongside goat cheese, smoked fish, or fresh salads to complement its refreshing and palate-cleansing character.
  • Light appetizers
  • Goat cheese crostini
  • Smoked salmon canapés
  • Mediterranean olives and nuts
  • Fresh salads with vinaigrette

The Rosemary Citrus Sour: An Elegant Alcohol-Free Indulgence

The Rosemary Citrus Sour is a testament to the art of modern mocktail-making, offering a drinking experience that is every bit as satisfying as a classic cocktail. It combines the fresh, pine-like aroma of rosemary with the bright acidity of lemon and orange, all brought together with a beautiful, silky foam. This drink is perfect for those seeking a complex, sophisticated, and entirely alcohol-free beverage suitable for any occasion. Its balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes makes it a memorable and refreshing choice.

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