Gin Sour

Gin Sour

The Gin Sour is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for many years. It is a simple yet refreshing drink that combines the flavors of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes egg white. In this article, we will explore the history of the Gin Sour, its ingredients, and how to make one yourself.

History

The exact origins of the Gin Sour are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the mid-19th century. Like many classic cocktails, its popularity grew during the Prohibition era in the United States when people were looking for creative ways to enjoy alcoholic beverages. The Gin Sour has since become a staple in bars and cocktail lounges around the world.

Ingredients

To make a Gin Sour, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ounces of gin
• 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce of simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water)
• Optional: 1 egg white

Preparation

To prepare a Gin Sour, follow these steps:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. If desired, add the egg white to the shaker as well. This will give the cocktail a frothy texture.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the ingredients and create a frothy consistency.
5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
6. Optionally, garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.

Variations

There are several variations of the Gin Sour that you can try:

• **Tom Collins**: This variation adds club soda to the Gin Sour, making it a fizzy and refreshing drink.
• **Gin Fizz**: Similar to the Tom Collins, the Gin Fizz includes the addition of egg white and soda water for a frothy texture.
• **Pink Lady**: This variation of the Gin Sour includes the addition of grenadine and applejack brandy, giving it a pink hue and a slightly sweeter taste.

Serving and Enjoyment

The Gin Sour is typically served in a chilled glass, such as a rocks glass or a coupe glass. It is best enjoyed on a warm summer day or as a pre-dinner cocktail. The tartness of the lemon juice combined with the botanical flavors of the gin make for a refreshing and balanced drink.

See Also

• Gin
• Cocktail
• Prohibition era