Tequila Sour

Ratings: from .

PREP TIME 5 min

Cocktail Type

Tequila

Great for

Dinner Party

Difficulty

Easy

Tequila Sour with white foam on top

We love tangy drinks, and the Tequila Sour more than delivers. This classic cocktail has the perfect balance of sweet and sour with a delicious tequila kick. Made with just a few simple ingredients, including tequila, fresh lime, simple syrup, and egg white, it’s a great drink for just about any occasion. 

QUICK TIPS

01

Tequila is the star of this cocktail, so choose one you enjoy drinking neat.

02

Use fresh citrus juice for a bright and zesty result. 

03

Shake the cocktail vigorously to create a creamy, frothy foam.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

2 Oz

60 Ml

2 Parts

0.75 Oz

22.5 Ml

0.75 Parts

Fresh lime juice
0.25 Oz

7.5 Ml

0.25 Parts

Fresh lemon juice (optional)
0.5 Oz

15 Ml

0.5 Parts

Simple syrup
1
Egg white
Lemon or lime wheel to garnish
0
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

01

Add the tequila, lime juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to an ice-filled shaker

02

Shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds, until the egg white is frothy and the ingredients are well combined

03

Strain into an ice filled rocks glass

04

Garnish the rim with a lemon or lime wheel and serve

A little history behind the Tequila Sour

The Tequila Sour is a variation of the classic sour cocktail, a family of drinks known for their balance of citrus, sweetener, and a liquor base. While the Whiskey Sour often gets the spotlight, the Tequila Sour has carved out its own place thanks to the vibrant flavors of tequila, especially when using a high-quality option like Espolòn Reposado.

This cocktail offers a lively Mexican twist on the traditional sour, blending the sharpness of lime with the earthy and slightly smoky notes of reposado tequila. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for something bold yet balanced.

Also see: Trending Cocktail Flavors with Espolòn Tequila: Recipes and Expert Tips

Why use egg white in a Tequila Sour?

The addition of egg white may seem unusual, but it plays an essential role in creating that silky, smooth texture that makes the Tequila Sour stand out. When shaken vigorously, egg white forms a frothy foam that not only adds a luxurious mouthfeel but also mellows out the sharper notes of tequila and lime.

Don’t worry—egg whites in cocktails are safe to consume as long as you use fresh, pasteurized eggs. If you’re hesitant, some bartenders substitute aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for egg whites, which gives the same frothy effect and is a great vegan alternative.

Go pro: Your Guide To Making Egg White Cocktails The Easy Way

Garnish ideas beyond the lime wheel

While a lemon or lime wheel is a classic garnish, why not switch things up and get creative with your Tequila Sour presentation? Try a dehydrated citrus slice for a more rustic look or add a sprinkle of salt or chili powder to the rim for a fun, spicy twist.

You could also garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme for a touch of herbal complexity. If you want to add some color, thin slices of blood orange are a striking garnish that complements the citrusy notes of the drink.

Choosing the right tequila

For a Tequila Sour, reposado tequila like Espolòn Reposado works wonderfully because its aging process in oak barrels brings subtle layers of vanilla, caramel, and warm spices, adding depth to the cocktail. Reposado tequila has a smoother, richer flavor profile than its blanco counterpart, which can sometimes come across as sharper.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, you could even try a lightly aged añejo for an extra level of richness, though it might slightly overpower the citrus notes. Always opt for 100% agave tequila to ensure the best quality and taste.

More cocktails to explore if you love the Tequila Sour

If the balance of tart and sweet with a punchy tequila base in the Tequila Sour appeals to you, here are some more cocktails you should try:

  • Margarita: The ultimate classic tequila cocktail, featuring lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila.
  • Paloma: A vibrant blend of tequila, grapefruit soda, and a squeeze of lime.
  • Tequila Sunrise: A stunningly layered drink with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, perfect for sunny days.
  • Mexican Mule: A zesty twist on the Moscow Mule, made with tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer, served in a chilled copper mug.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Absolutely! While the egg white adds a creamy, frothy texture, it’s not essential for the flavor. If you’re not a fan of using eggs or are looking for a vegan option, substitute aquafaba for a similar effect or simply skip it for a lighter version of the cocktail.

The beauty of the Tequila Sour lies in its flexibility. Lime is traditionally used for its bright, tangy flavor, but adding a splash of lemon juice can bring a rounder, slightly sweeter citrus profile. Feel free to experiment to find the perfect balance for your taste.

A rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass is ideal for serving a Tequila Sour. Its wide rim allows the citrus aromas to come forward, enhancing the overall experience. If you want to serve it “up” without ice, a coupe glass makes for an elegant presentation.

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