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Tequila Sour: Our Sweet and Sour Mix

Author: Carlos Andrés Ramírez
Tequila Sour: Our Sweet and Sour Mix
MADE WITH Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila Sour
FLAVOUR Sour
OCCASION New year
AUTHOR Altos Bartender
Ingredients
2 ounces of reposado or blanco tequila
1 ounce of lime juice
1/2 ounce of lime juice
1 ounce agave syrup
1 egg white
1 cherry in syrup
1 slice of lemon or lime
Method

You don’t need any elaborate equipment or complicated preparation techniques—just a handful of basic ingredients, and you’re good to go! To make this cocktail, begin by combining the tequila with the lemon and lime juices in a shaker. Next, add the agave syrup and egg white. Shake the mixture energetically for around 20 seconds, then strain it over ice cubes.

The Tequila Sour is a cocktail that has been enjoyed since the early 20th century, made with tequila, lime juice, sugar syrup, and egg white. It is often served with a salted rim, much like a margarita. The name “Tequila Sour” originates from its similarity to a traditional sour cocktail, which typically features whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.

The distinctive bitterness of this cocktail arises from the combination of lime juice and egg white. The lime juice provides acidity, while the egg white adds body and a touch of sweetness, perfectly balancing the drink’s flavour profile.

All the ingredients to prepare a tequila sour recipe

Ingredients of the Tequila Sour

The Tequila Sour is a cocktail that, despite originating in the 1920s, remains as popular as ever. It’s simple to prepare yet offers a wonderfully complex flavour.

The ingredients you’ll need are (measure quantities with precision for the perfect balance):

  • 2 ounces of reposado or blanco tequila
  • 1 ounce of lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce of lime juice
  • 1 ounce agave syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 cherry in syrup
  • 1 slice of lemon or lime

How to Make the Tequila Sour Recipe

No fancy equipment or complex preparation is required—just a few simple ingredients, and you’re ready to go!

To prepare this cocktail, start by adding the tequila, lemon juice, and lime juice into a shaker. Next, add the agave syrup and egg white. Shake the mixture vigorously for about 20 seconds to achieve a silky texture before straining it over ice cubes.

For a slushy texture, add ice to the shaker and continue mixing. Alternatively, strain the mixture into your glass without ice, and garnish it with a cherry and a slice of lemon for a classic finish.

Tequila Sour mixed with Angostura Bitters

Incorporating Angostura bitters is a popular way to enhance the bitterness of a tequila sour, while also introducing additional complexity and depth of flavour. These bitters are well-known for their ability to elevate cocktails and can easily be found in most liquor stores or online.

Once you’ve sourced your bitters, simply add a teaspoon (or more, depending on your preference) to your tequila sour recipe before mixing. This subtle addition will give your cocktail an extra layer of sophistication.

a tequila sour cocktail in a bar

Make the Tequila Sour Without Egg

You can enjoy this cocktail without using an egg!

The key ingredient to replace egg white is aquafaba, which is simply the cooking water from legumes like chickpeas. It’s an excellent substitute due to its similar thickening properties. This makes it a perfect choice for vegans or anyone who prefers to avoid eggs in their drink.

To prepare aquafaba, either save the water when cooking chickpeas at home or use the liquid from canned chickpeas. Refrigerate the liquid for up to 5 days before using it in your cocktail. When ready, measure about 1 ounce of aquafaba to achieve the desired consistency for your Tequila Sour.

What Tequila to Choose to this Tequila Sour Cocktail

Tequila Sours remain one of the most beloved cocktails—sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to enjoy!

But when it comes to choosing between reposado and blanco tequila, what’s the difference? Both work wonderfully in a Tequila Sour, but there are some key distinctions to consider.

Reposado tequilas, aged in barrels, offer a richer, caramel-like flavour, adding a subtle sweetness to your cocktail without being overwhelming. In contrast, blanco tequilas, with their fresher, more vibrant profile, deliver a sharper, slightly more bitter taste—perfect for those who prefer a crisper finish.

It’s also worth noting that reposado tequilas are aged longer than blancos, which gives them a smoother texture and a more complex flavour, making them an excellent pairing with lime juice, soda, or other cocktail ingredients.

a sour and sweet mix in a cocktail

Choose Olmeca Altos to Prepare a High-Quality Cocktail

Why is Olmeca Altos the ideal choice for crafting a Tequila Sour?

  1. It hails from Jalisco, a renowned region in Mexico celebrated for producing premium tequilas.
  2. It’s a trusted, high-quality product.
  3. The flavour is simply outstanding!

Need more reasons? Olmeca Altos is the perfect tequila for a Tequila Sour. Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, from 100% blue agave, this exceptional tequila boasts a smooth profile with delicate floral notes and a hint of citrus. Don’t miss out on this superior choice for elevating your cocktail experience!