Classic Tequila Sour Recipe (Frothy & Perfectly Balanced)

While the Margarita may be the undisputed king of tequila cocktails, its sophisticated cousin, the Tequila Sour, deserves a place in the spotlight. This cocktail is a celebration of balance, texture, and the complex flavors of agave.

A classic sour at its core, this drink combines tequila, fresh lime juice, a touch of sweetener, and the magical ingredient that sets it apart: egg white. The result is a cocktail with a stunningly silky, frothy cap and a perfectly harmonious blend of earthy tequila, bright citrus, and gentle sweetness.

If you love a well-made Whiskey Sour or Pisco Sour, this tequila-based rendition is a must-try. It’s elegant, refreshing, and surprisingly simple to master.

Why You’ll Love It

• Luxurious Texture: The egg white creates a rich, creamy, and velvety foam that is incredibly satisfying to sip.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: This isn’t a sweet drink. It’s a beautifully balanced cocktail where the earthy notes of the tequila shine, perfectly complemented by tart lime.
• Sophisticated & Elegant: The frothy top and simple garnish make this a visually impressive cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.
• A New Tequila Experience: Moves beyond margaritas to showcase tequila’s versatility in a classic cocktail format.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Single Cocktail (US)	Single Cocktail (Metric)
Spirit
Reposado Tequila	2 oz	60 ml
Citrus
Fresh Lime Juice	1 oz	30 ml
Sweetener
Agave Nectar	¾ oz	22.5 ml
Texture
Fresh Egg White	1 large	approx. 30 ml
Garnish
Angostura Bitters	3 drops	3 drops

Ingredient Notes

• Tequila: A good quality 100% agave Reposado tequila is highly recommended. The slight aging gives it notes of oak and vanilla that add a wonderful depth and complexity to the sour. A Blanco tequila will also work for a crisper, more agave-forward flavor.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must. The bright, acidic pop of fresh juice is essential to cut through the richness of the egg white and balance the sweetness.
• Agave Nectar: This sweetener, derived from the same plant as tequila, is a natural pairing. Its flavor harmonizes beautifully with the spirit. You can substitute with a 1:1 simple syrup if you don’t have agave nectar on hand.
• Egg White: This is the key to the cocktail’s signature foam and silky texture. It adds no flavor. For those with concerns about raw eggs, pasteurized liquid egg whites (use 1 oz / 30 ml) are a perfect and safe alternative.

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail Shaker: A Boston or cobbler-style shaker is necessary to perform the dry and wet shakes.
• Jigger: For accurate measurements to ensure a perfectly balanced drink.
• Hawthorne & Fine-Mesh Strainers: Double-straining is the professional technique to achieve the smoothest, most velvety foam.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Dry Shake: Combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and egg white in a cocktail shaker without ice. Seal the shaker tightly and shake with vigor for about 15 seconds. This initial shake emulsifies the egg white, creating a thick, stable foam.
2. The Wet Shake: Carefully open the shaker and fill it about two-thirds full with ice. Seal it again and shake hard for another 15-20 seconds. The shaker should become intensely cold and frosted on the outside.
3. Strain and Serve: Double-strain the cocktail by pouring it through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
   • Pro Tip: If serving in a rocks glass, use a single large ice cube to minimize dilution.
4. Garnish: Allow the foam to settle for 30 seconds to form a dense cap. Carefully dot three drops of Angostura bitters onto the center of the foam. Serve immediately.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Tequila Sour is a multi-sensory experience. The aroma is dominated by the spicy, herbal notes of the bitters on the foam.

The first sip is a textural dream: the light, airy foam gives way to the silky-smooth liquid. The flavor is a perfect interplay of tart lime and the earthy, vanilla, and caramel notes of the reposado tequila, all bound together by the subtle sweetness of the agave. The finish is clean, refreshing, and beautifully balanced.

Garnishing and Presentation

Elegance in simplicity is the key to garnishing a Tequila Sour.

• Glassware: A chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass beautifully showcases the cocktail and its foam cap. Alternatively, an Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube is a modern and stylish choice.
• The Bitters: The traditional garnish is a few drops of Angostura bitters dotted onto the foam, which adds an aromatic complexity. For a decorative touch, you can gently drag a cocktail pick through the dots to create a small design. A simple lime wheel or twist is also a classic option.

Cocktail History and Trivia

The Tequila Sour is a direct descendant of the original sour cocktail template (spirit, citrus, sugar), which dates back to the 1860s. While the Whiskey Sour is the most famous member of this family, virtually any spirit can be used.

The Tequila Sour gained popularity as cocktail enthusiasts began to explore tequila beyond the Margarita, recognizing its potential in classic templates. It shares its structure and the use of egg white with the famous Pisco Sour from Peru, showcasing a Latin American affinity for this style of frothy, refreshing drink.

Variations & Swaps

• Vegan Sour: Substitute the egg white with 1 oz (30 ml) of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) to create a beautiful vegan foam.
• Spicy Tequila Sour: Muddle 2-3 slices of fresh jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients for a fiery kick.
• Smoky Sour: Use a mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky, complex, and intriguing variation.
• No Egg White: If you prefer to omit the egg white, simply shake all other ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. It will be a delicious, but not frothy, tequila sour.

Batching & Dilution

Due to the egg white foam, this cocktail is best made fresh to order. However, you can prep a base mix for a party to speed things up.

1. Create the Base: In a large bottle, combine 2 cups (16 oz / 480 ml) of reposado tequila, 1 cup (8 oz / 240 ml) of fresh lime juice, and ¾ cup (6 oz / 180 ml) of agave nectar. Stir or shake to combine. This base will make 8 cocktails.
2. Serve Individually: To make each drink, add 4 ¼ oz (127.5 ml) of your chilled base mix and 1 oz (30 ml) of pasteurized egg white to a shaker. Perform the dry and wet shake as directed for a perfect foam every time.

Serving Suggestions And Pairings

Serve the Tequila Sour as a sophisticated apéritif. Its bright, refreshing profile is perfect for stimulating the appetite before a meal.

It pairs exceptionally well with Mexican-inspired cuisine. Serve it alongside fresh ceviche, guacamole with tortilla chips, shrimp tacos, or light, salty appetizers.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Lack of Foam: The dry shake is essential. If your foam is weak, you may have skipped this step or not shaken vigorously enough. Also, ensure your shaker is completely clean, as any residual fat or soap can kill the foam.
• Cocktail Tastes Eggy: This can happen if your eggs are not fresh. Always use the freshest eggs possible. Using pasteurized egg whites from a carton can also help eliminate any potential off-aromas.
• Unbalanced Flavor: If your drink is too tart, you may need a little more agave nectar. If it’s too sweet, a touch more lime juice will bring it back into balance. Adjust to your personal taste.

Tequila Sour: FAQs

What does the egg white do in a Tequila Sour?

The egg white is a texturizing agent. It does not add any flavor. When shaken, the proteins in the egg white trap air, creating the cocktail’s signature thick, creamy foam and a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.

Is it safe to drink raw egg whites?

While the risk of salmonella from fresh, store-bought eggs is extremely low, you can eliminate any concern by using pasteurized eggs or pasteurized liquid egg whites, which are readily available in most grocery stores and are completely safe.

What is the difference between a Tequila Sour and a Margarita?

A Margarita is in the “Daisy” family of cocktails, traditionally containing tequila, lime juice, and an orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec, often served with a salt rim. A Tequila Sour is in the “Sour” family, traditionally containing tequila, lime juice, a sweetener (like agave or simple syrup), and often an egg white for texture.

Can I use a blender to make this?

Shaking is strongly recommended. A blender will create a foam, but it also pulverizes the ice, resulting in a thin, slushy texture rather than the rich, silky consistency achieved through a proper dry and wet shake.

Recipe Card

Nutrition

• ABV: Approximately 23%
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sugar: 18 g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate. Actual values may vary. Please drink responsibly and ensure you are of legal drinking age.

You May Also Like…

• White Christmas Margarita: The Prettiest Holiday Cocktail
• Classic Daiquiri Recipe: The Ultimate Rum Cocktail
• Gin Gimlet: A Crisp and Timeless Classic
• Corpse Reviver Recipe: A Classic Cocktail to Wake the Dead