Sour (cocktail)

File:Whiskey sour.jpg

A classic whiskey sour served with a slice of orange and a cherry garnish.

A sour is a traditional family of cocktails that are characterized by their combination of spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The most common example of a sour is the whiskey sour, which is made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

History

The sour cocktail has a long history, dating back to the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the practice of sailors mixing their spirits with citrus juice to prevent scurvy. Over time, this practice evolved into a popular style of cocktail.

Ingredients

The basic components of a sour cocktail include:

• A base spirit (such as whiskey, gin, or rum)
• Fresh citrus juice (commonly lemon or lime)
• A sweetener (such as simple syrup or sugar)

Preparation

Sours are typically prepared by shaking the ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker and then straining the mixture into a glass. They are often garnished with a slice of citrus fruit or a maraschino cherry.

Variations

There are many variations of the sour cocktail, each using different base spirits and flavorings. Some popular variations include:

• Whiskey sour
• Amaretto sour
• Pisco sour
• Daiquiri (a rum-based sour)

Related pages

• Cocktail
• Whiskey sour
• Daiquiri
• Pisco sour