Tequila Sour recipe
A bright, agave-forward evolution of the classic sour featuring crisp lime and velvety foam.
Method: Shake and strain ·
Glass: Rocks glass ·
Time: 5 min ·
Difficulty: Advanced ·
Family: Modern Classics
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blanco tequila (Highland or lowland 100% agave)
- 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice (Strained)
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup (1:1 ratio)
- 0.75 oz Egg white (From one large egg)
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters (For garnish on foam)
How to make a Tequila Sour
- Combine blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker tin without ice.
- Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and build a rich foam structure.
- Add ice to the shaker tin and shake hard again for 12 to 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish the top foam with three dashes of Angostura bitters, drawing a toothpick through them for a patterned finish.
Garnish
the top foam with three dashes of Angostura bitters, drawing a toothpick through them for a patterned finish
Pro tip
Measure carefully, keep the dilution controlled, and serve Tequila Sour as soon as it is cold and balanced.
History of the Tequila Sour
While the whiskey sour dates back to the mid-19th century, applying its template to agave spirits gained prominence during the late 20th-century craft cocktail renaissance. Bartenders realized that unaged blanco tequila's herbal, peppery profile provided a striking counterpoint to citrus and sugar, establishing the drink as a modern classic across international cocktail bars.
Flavour profile
Citrus, Boozy, Herbal, Sweet
Variations
- Guadalajara Sour — Swap simple syrup for rich agave nectar and add a quarter-ounce of reposado tequila for deeper oak complexity.
- Oaxacan Sour — Split the base equally between blanco tequila and mezcal, introducing a subtle smoky undertone.
- Verde Sour — Muddle three fresh basil leaves into the shaker tin before the dry shake for an herbal, garden-fresh profile.
Practise making the Tequila Sour in the free Virtual Bar game.