If you are a fan of the smoky taste of Mezcal, you are going to go crazy for this Mezcal Sour recipe! And if you are new to the world of Mezcal, this is a great introductory drink that showcases Mezcal's delicious flavor and versatility.
There are so many sour recipes available because it is such a popular type of cocktail - and this Mezcal version is definitely one of my favorites. The classic foamy top gives the drink a creamy quality that's unmatched.
A Mezcal sour is a perfect blend of smokiness, layers of citrus, and a touch of sweetness. It's a refreshing cocktail that is a perfect for happy hour any time of year!
Looking for more Mezcal recipes? Try my Mezcalita recipe next!
Ingredient Notes
Classic sour cocktails have three parts to them: liquor, citrus, and sweetener. This Mezcal Sour follows that same principle. The cocktail ingredients you will need are:
- Mezcal - Like tequila, Mezcal is a type of alcohol that is made from the agave plant. The agave is cooked in pits in the ground and this is where it gets its signature smoky flavor from. You can use any type or brand of Mezcal to make this recipe.
- Fresh Lime juice - Fresh citrus juice is always best! I like to use lime juice for this recipe but you can also use fresh lemon juice or even orange juice instead.
- Angostura bitters - A few drops of bitters add a layer of complexity, intensifies the flavor of other ingredients, counteracts the harshness of acidic contents, and decreases the harshness of spirits. You can also use them as an optional garnish.
- Agave syrup (or simple syrup) - Because Mezcal is also derived from the agave plant so we like to use agave syrup in this drink for sweetness, but you could also use simple syrup or even maple syrup as a substitute.
- Egg white - To give a sour cocktail that silky finish, we add egg white to the cocktail shaker and give it a good shake to create that beautiful frothy finish. You can substitute the egg white for aquafaba (chickpea water) for a vegan alternative.
See the recipe card below for complete ingredient list with measurements.
Vegan Mezcal Sour Option
This mezcal cocktail can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based ingredient to replace the traditional egg white.
Aquafaba is a great substitute for egg whites in cocktails. Simply drain the liquid from a can of chickpeas and use it in place of the egg white. It provides a similar frothy texture and does not affect the flavor of the cocktail.
The "Dry Shake" Technique
People have been adding egg whites to cocktails since the 1860s to give the drink a creamy foam finish. The best way to incorporate egg white into a cocktail is by using a method called The Dry Shake.
The Dry Shake technique requires you to shake your cocktail twice. The first shake is without ice cubes and the second shake is with ice. This is the best way to create an egg white foam because:
- The first shake (without ice) - The first shake mixes the drink and allows the protein in the egg to begin to form foam without being diluted by the ice.
- The second shake (with ice cubes) - This shake chills the drink and strengthens the egg white foam. Strain it into the glass and you’ll get a thick, frothy egg white on top.
How to Make a Mezcal Sour Cocktail
Properly mixing a sour cocktail requires a few pieces of bar equipment and extra shaking steps, but the end result is totally worth it!
- STEP ONE: Mix the lime juice, mezcal, Angostura bitters, agave syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker and shake for one minute, until frothy.
- STEP TWO: Fill the shaker with ice and shake for an additional minute.
- STEP THREE: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving glass. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.
Expert Tips
- It's all about the strain - Make sure to strain your cocktail well using a fine-mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer. This will ensure that your cocktail is the best texture and will make sure there are no unwanted bits.
- Use fresh ingredients - Always use fresh ingredients, such as citrus juice, to get the best flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, which can have a flat taste and may contain preservatives.
- Double shake it - For the ultimate sour cocktail, start with a dry shake that excludes the ice, then add the ice and shake it again. This will give your sour cocktail the best texture without getting diluted.
- Chill your serving glass - To make the cocktail extra frosty, place your cocktail glasses in the freezer 30 minutes before making the Mezcal Sour. This ensures that your cocktail stays super cold and doesn't instantly come to room temperature.
More sour cocktail recipes to try:
If you have tried this recipe, we would love it if you leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below!
Consuming raw egg whites poses a risk of food-borne illness.
Recipe
Mezcal Sour
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Strainer
- 1 Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Mezcal
- 2 ounce Lime Juice or lemon
- 1 ounce Simple Syrup
- 2 Egg Whites or aquafaba for a vegan alternative
- 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Mix the lime juice, mezcal, Angostura bitters, agave syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker and shake for one minute, until frothy.4 ounces Mezcal, 2 ounce Lime Juice, 1 ounce Simple Syrup, 2 Egg Whites, 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for an additional one minute.Ice Cubes
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into two serving glasses. Garnish as desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- It's all about the strain - Make sure to strain your cocktail well using a fine-mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer. This will ensure that your cocktail is the best texture and will make sure there are no unwanted bits.
- Use fresh ingredients - Always use fresh ingredients, such as citrus juice, to get the best flavor. Avoid using bottled juice, which can have a flat taste and may contain preservatives.
- Double shake it - For the ultimate sour cocktail, start with a dry shake that excludes the ice, then add the ice and shake it again. This will give your sour cocktail the best texture without getting diluted.
- Chill your serving glass - To make the cocktail extra frosty, place your cocktail glasses in the freezer 30 minutes before making your Mezcal Sour. This ensures that your cocktail stays super cold and doesn't instantly come to room temperature.
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