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Cocktails|Cognac & Brandy|Creamy|Sour

10 essential Sour cocktail recipes

Read time 2 Mins

Posted 13 Feb 2025

By
Emily Reed

Finishing a Brandy Sour with a skewered cherry and lemon wheel

Base spirit plus citrus and sweetener– yep, that’s really all there is to a Sour. 

Even with so many cocktails to choose from, Sours have long held their hard-earned status as one of the most popular styles of the lot. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a Sour, it’s a simple three-ingredient formula: a base spirit plus citrus and sweetener – and ice. This simplicity makes them a) easy to whip up at home and b) incredibly versatile. With such a basic balanced foundation of ingredients, just about any type of spirit works in a Sour – whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, brandy or even sake. And the formula can be adapted to highlight the unique characteristics of each spirit while maintaining that signature sweet-tart balance. Fun fact: Margaritas and Daiquiris are technically Sours. 

A well-made Sour is refreshing, zesty and perfectly balanced, with acidity from lemon or lime, sweetness from sugar syrup or liqueur, and depth from the spirit. Some variations also include egg white for a silky texture and a frothy top, but if that’s not your thing, aquafaba (the gelatinous liquid found in the can of your chickpeas) is a great alternative. Here are 10 of our favourite Sour cocktails to try at home, so get mixing.  

10 of the best Sour cocktails to make at home
4 MINS READ
Whiskey Sour
One of the original – and oldest – Sours, the Whiskey Sour has been sipped for over 150 years, according to the history books. Honestly, when something tastes this good, it certainly should stand the test of time. There are plenty of reasons to love this tipple: for starters, it’s versatile – whether you decide to switch up the liquor, or sour or sweet element, the end result will almost always be tasty. For those who love a smokier finish, we suggested a peated Scotch. Don’t love it overly sour? Substitute lemon for lime. Sweet tooth? Opt for orange or a more tart option like grapefruit. As long as you’re guided by the golden ratio of two parts liquor, one part sour and one part sweet, you can’t go wrong.
3 MINS READ
Amaretto Sour
Often recommended for people newer to cocktails because it’s approachable and balanced, the Amaretto Sour is the perfect tipple when you want immaculate Amalfi Coast vibes without having to pay for a flight over there. Sigh. Despite its name, which comes from the Italian word amaro (bitter), amaretto is sweeter than bitter, made from apricot kernels, almonds and peach stones for a rich, nutty flavour. It’s also a versatile spirit, often used in desserts, coffee and cocktails. So, what makes the Amaretto Sour so moreish? It’s all in the flavour balance – nutty sweetness meets tart lemon juice and bitters, while egg white adds a smooth, frothy finish. You can’t go wrong!
3 MINS READ
Rocket Gimlet
Yeah, a pear and rocket salad is great, but have you tried rocket in a cocktail? It’s a bit of a mind-bending ingredient, adding a tongue-tingling kick we can’t get enough of. A twist on the classic Gimlet, this modern version brings herbaceous, savoury notes that complement gin’s botanical flavours. The amount of rocket you use depends on how much peppery heat you want – baby leaves are milder, while mature ones pack more intensity (especially if they’re homegrown!). And please, use freshly squeezed lime juice. We know we bang on about ‘fresh is best,’ but trust us – it makes all the difference.
4 MINS READ
Gin Sour
Another member of the Sour cocktail family, the Gin Sour combines a base spirit, citrus, sweetener and, optionally, a dash of egg white. If you choose to include it, a dry shake (shaking the ingredients before adding ice) will help achieve a silky, foamy texture. Skipping the egg white won’t make the drink any less delicious – it’s just a matter of preference (and what you’ve got on hand). The beauty of a Gin Sour lies in its simplicity, making it easy to adapt. It’s also perfectly balanced: the tartness of lemon juice, the sweetness of sugar syrup, and the botanical complexity of gin come together for a refreshing yet sophisticated sip.
2 MINS READ
Brandy Sour
There’s something undeniably sophisticated about sipping a Brandy Sour – especially when it’s garnished with a maraschino cherry. It’s all in the details. This cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet, sour (obviously) and fruity, with a velvety texture thanks to the emulsified egg white. Brandy takes centre stage here, so choose wisely. Generally sweeter than whisky, brandy offers a fragrant experience with floral, fruity and zesty top notes. Like whisky, some brandies are aged in oak, adding layers of spice and complexity.
2 MINS READ
Coconut Tamaretto Sour
When it comes to cocktails, we love the classics as much as anyone. But sometimes, it’s fun to shake things up – like with the Coconut Tamaretto Sour, a Dan’s Daily original. This tropical twist on the Amaretto Sour combines tamarind for added depth and complexity. You’ve likely had tamarind without realising – it’s a staple in Thai and Malaysian cuisine (think soups, curries and even desserts), bringing a tangy-sweet flavour worth savouring. Somewhere between an Amaretto Sour and a Whiskey Sour, this cocktail is sweet, sour and zesty with a bold flavour punch. To set it apart from a traditional Sour, we’ve swapped egg white for coconut cream, adding extra richness and a smooth, velvety finish.
4 MINS READ
New York Sour
The New York Sour is essentially a Whiskey Sour with a twist – a float of red wine on top. You might be thinking, wine? In a sour? It sounds unexpected, but it adds a fruity depth and some serious visual flair. So if you’re after a simple cocktail with a bit of theatrics, this is it. Despite its name, the New York Sour likely originated in Chicago before gaining popularity in NYC. Try using bourbon for caramel and vanilla notes that balance the wine’s fruitiness and the zing of lemon juice. As for the wine, a fruity red like shiraz or merlot works best to complement the whiskey’s warmth.
2 MINS READ
Sumo in a Sidecar
When you’re done picturing what a sumo in a sidecar would actually look like, turn your attention to this recipe. A playful take on the classic Sidecar, this modern version swaps Cognac and triple sec for sake and apricot brandy, while keeping the signature lemon juice. Using sake as the base creates a slightly lower ABV than the original, and the beauty of this swap is its versatility. Saké can be sweet, dry, fruity, floral, earthy, nutty or spiced, so each variation brings something new. Experiment with different types, and you’ll never make the same cocktail twice.
2 MINS READ
Pisco Sour
One of the original – and oldest – Sours, the Whiskey Sour has been sipped for over 150 years, according to the history books. Honestly, when something tastes this good, it certainly should stand the test of time. There are plenty of reasons to love this tipple: for starters, it’s versatile – whether you decide to switch up the liquor, or sour or sweet element, the end result will almost always be tasty. For those who love a smokier finish, we suggested a peated Scotch. Don’t love it overly sour? Substitute lemon for lime. Sweet tooth? Opt for orange or a more tart option like grapefruit. As long as you’re guided by the golden ratio of two parts liquor, one part sour and one part sweet, you can’t go wrong.
3 MINS READ
Tokyo Sour
This is one good-lookin’ cocktail – almost as appealing as those cheap flights to Japan you were eyeing last week (yeah, us too). Whether a Tokyo trip is on the cards or not, a Tokyo Sour will bring a taste of Japan to your next dinner party. Pair it with sashimi, agedashi tofu and charred edamame for the full experience. Inspired by the Kyoto Sour, this version swaps out green Tabasco for a togarashi-rimmed glass, adding just the right amount of spice. A sharp hit of lemon and grapefruit juice keeps it true to its name, while the saké balances everything out perfectly.
Keen to mix up some more drinks at home? Check out our growing collection of cocktail recipes, which are all written and tested by our team of experts.
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Authour image
Emily ReedEmily is a Melbourne-based writer partial to a good pét nat. Her hobbies include lining up songs on Spotify at house parties and hovering near cheese platters.
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CocktailsOtherWhisk(e)yRumGin'Best of' listsDrySpicyCreamySummerSourEasySweetFruityWinterBitterCognac & BrandyEntertaining
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