Tequila Sour

Name: Tequila Sour
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Blanco or Reposado Tequila; 30 ml / 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice; 15 ml / 0.5 oz Agave Nectar; 15 ml / 0.5 oz (from one medium egg) Egg White (optional); 2-3 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters (optional)

Ingredients Instructions

The Tequila Sour is a classic and elegant cocktail that offers a delightful alternative to the Margarita. It combines tequila, fresh lime juice, and a sweetener like agave nectar, often incorporating egg white for a rich, silky texture and a frothy head. The result is a sophisticated drink that balances sour, sweet, and the complex character of agave spirit. It's a testament to the simple but brilliant formula of the sour cocktail family.

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Tequila Sour is a classic cocktail belonging to the 'sour' family of drinks. It is a fundamental mixed drink category defined by a base spirit, citrus, and a sweetener.

Serving

This cocktail is served cold, without ice, in a chilled coupe or rocks glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, making for a sophisticated and well-balanced drink.

Serving size

Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz (before ice)

Alcohol content

Around 20-25% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Coupe or Rocks glass

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

The Tequila Sour is a member of the historic 'sour' family of drinks, which originated in the mid-19th century. While the exact invention of this specific tequila variation is not documented, it logically evolved from the Whiskey Sour as tequila gained international popularity. It represents a fusion of the classic American sour template with Mexico's iconic spirit, creating a drink that feels both timeless and distinctly modern.

Origin

The drink is a variation of the sour family, which originated in the United States around the 1860s. The tequila-based version likely emerged in the mid-20th century.

Tequila Sour

The drink is primarily known as the Tequila Sour. In Spanish-speaking regions, it might be referred to as Sour de Tequila, directly translating its name.

Original name

Tequila Sour

Alternative name

Sour de Tequila

Characteristics overview

The Tequila Sour boasts a silky, velvety texture and a pale, opaque appearance topped with a white foam head. Its flavor is a perfect balance of tart lime and sweet agave, with a clean, refreshing finish.

Flavor

Tart, citrusy, earthy, agave-forward, slightly sweet

Aroma

Lime zest, tequila, sweet agave

Taste balance

Sour, sweet

Aftertaste

Clean, crisp, lingering agave

Fizziness

None

Color appearance

Pale yellow, opaque, with a thick white foam head

Texture

Silky, smooth, frothy, velvety

Seasonality

Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is defined by a prominent sourness from the lime, balanced by moderate sweetness and the distinct character of the tequila. It is not fizzy, spicy, or bitter.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients for a Tequila Sour are tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Egg white is optional but highly recommended for a classic frothy texture.

Blanco or Reposado Tequila60 ml / 2 oz
A 100% agave tequila is recommended. Reposado will add subtle oak and vanilla notes.
Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 oz
Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor.
Agave Nectar15 ml / 0.5 oz
Can be substituted with simple syrup (1:1 ratio). Adjust to taste.
Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz (from one medium egg)(optional)
Adds a rich, frothy texture. Can be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version or omitted entirely.
Angostura Aromatic Bitters2-3 dashes(optional)
Primarily used for garnish on top of the foam, which also adds a lovely aroma.

Ice type

Cubed (for shaking)

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail set including a shaker, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer to prepare this drink.

Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring
Strainer for separating ice from the drink

Instructions

The key to a great Tequila Sour with a frothy head is the two-step shaking process: a dry shake without ice, followed by a wet shake with ice to chill and dilute.

1. Chill your serving glass (a coupe or rocks glass) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.

2. Add tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker without ice.

3. Perform a 'dry shake': seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white and creates a rich foam.

4. Open the shaker, fill it with cubed ice, and seal it again.

5. Perform a 'wet shake': shake hard for another 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.

6. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.

7. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth texture.

8. Let the foam settle for a moment, then garnish by dotting a few drops of Angostura bitters on top.

Garnishing

The classic garnish is a few drops of Angostura bitters on the foam, which can be swirled for a decorative effect. A lime wheel or twist also works well.

Angostura bitters drops dropped onto the foam head
Lime wheel or twist as an alternative or additional garnish

Dietary Information

This drink is vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free, but it contains egg. For a vegan or egg-free version, the egg white can be omitted or replaced with aquafaba.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✕ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✕ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving of a Tequila Sour contains approximately 200-250 calories, with most of its moderate carbohydrate and sugar content coming from the sweetener and lime juice.

Calories

Averagely 200-250 kcal / 837-1046 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 10-15 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 8-12 g

Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated cocktail party, a casual happy hour, or as a refreshing aperitif before a meal. Its bright and balanced flavor profile makes it suitable for almost any social gathering.

Cocktail Party
Happy Hour
Summer Evening
Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Tequila Sour pairs exceptionally well with Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Its acidity cuts through rich and spicy foods like tacos, while its refreshing character complements light dishes such as ceviche and guacamole.

Tacos al Pastor
Ceviche
Guacamole and tortilla chips
Spicy grilled shrimp

Tequila Sour: The Sophisticated Agave Classic

The Tequila Sour is a sophisticated and refreshing classic cocktail that balances the earthy notes of agave with the bright tartness of fresh lime. It is a member of the esteemed sour family, elevated by the optional addition of egg white, which imparts a silky, velvety texture and a beautiful frothy crown. Simple to make yet complex in flavor, it's a versatile drink suitable for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or alongside a spicy meal, the Tequila Sour is a timeless choice for any tequila lover.