A Simple Tequila Sour Recipe with Big Flavor

This tequila sour recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic whisky sour, bringing bold agave flavor to the forefront. This cocktail balances tart lemon and lime juice with the perfect touch of sweetness, complemented by a creamy texture from the egg white, creating its signature frothy top. It’s a simple yet sophisticated drink that showcases the crisp, earthy notes of high-quality tequila in a cocktail that feels both familiar and unexpected, perfect for any fan of classic sours.

Recently, I’ve been reaching for tequila more often, drawn to its clean, complex character. While a classic margarita is my usual go-to, I wanted something that would highlight tequila differently—something a bit more spirit-forward but still approachable, like a riff on a whiskey sour. That’s how this tequila sour was born—elegant, easy to make, and perfectly creamy. It’s quickly become my go-to for relaxed evenings when I want a refreshing, no-fuss cocktail.

If you love tequila cocktails, be sure to check out our Summer Rhubarb Margarita recipe or shake things up with a bold Tequila Espresso Martini.

Ingredients (and Substitutes)

Here’s all the ingredients you’ll need to make this tequila sour recipe

• Tequila – I recommend a good blanco tequila for a bright, clean flavor, or a reposado tequila for a touch of oaky richness.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice adds crisp, tart balance. All lime juice works in a pinch, but lemon keeps the sour smooth.
• Lime Juice – Adds extra citrus zing that pairs perfectly with tequila. Always use freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
• Demerara Simple Syrup – Adds rich sweetness and subtle caramel notes. Regular simple syrup or honey syrup also works well.
• Angostura Bitters – A dash of bitters adds depth and balances the citrus. Orange bitters are a good alternative for a brighter twist.
• Egg White –The egg white creates a creamy texture and frothy top. If you prefer to avoid raw eggs, you can use aquafaba from a can of chickpeas. Simply, use a tablespoon of aquafaba in place of the egg white for a similar frothy effect.
• Ice – Key for chilling and creating that velvety foam of a typical sour cocktail.
• Maraschino Cherry – A sweet, classic garnish that adds a touch of color and a hint of cherry flavor.

How to Make a Tequila Sour Cocktail

Dry Shake: To make this tequila sour recipe, start by adding the tequila, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, demerara simple syrup, bitters, and egg white to a cocktail shaker, without ice. Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds to create a nice frothy texture from the egg white. Don’t skip this step! A good dry shake is essential for creating the creamy layer of foam in the final cocktail

Shake: Next, add a big handful of ice cubes to the shaker, then shake again for at least 30 seconds. This time, shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch. This chills the drink while keeping the foam nice and frothy.

Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or rocks glass. Garnish with a twist of lime peel for a touch of citrus fragrance and a maraschino cherry for a sweet finishing touch.

Questions on how to make the best tequila sour

What type of tequila is best for a Tequila Sour?

For a great Tequila Sour, the type of tequila you choose can make a big difference in the flavor profile of the cocktail. Since tequila is one of the main ingredients, it’s important to use a good tequila that complements the balance of sweet and sour elements. Tequila blanco is a popular choice for its clean, fresh flavor that complements the citrus in a Tequila Sour. If you prefer more depth, reposado tequila adds a rich, oaky character that enhances the drink’s complexity.

How do I make the egg-white foam on a sour cocktail?

To make the egg-white foam on a classic sour cocktail, you can use the dry shake method, which is an extra step where you shake the ingredients without ice first. This helps emulsify the egg white, creating a rich, frothy foam. If you prefer not to use egg white, aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) works as a great substitute and provides a similar frothy texture.

Tequila Sour Recipe

This tequila sour recipe is a bright, citrusy twist on the classic sour cocktail, featuring tequila, fresh lemon and lime juice, demerara syrup, bitters, and egg white for a creamy, frothy finish. It’s simple to make yet full of bold, refreshing flavor that highlights the earthy notes of good tequila. Perfect for relaxed evenings or impressing guests with an easy, elegant drink!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails

Equipment

• Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lemon juice freshly squeezed
• ½ oz lime juice freshly squeezed
• 2 oz demerara simple syrup recipe in notes
• 3 dashes angostura bitters
• 1 egg white
• ice
• maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

 

• Dry Shake: Add tequila, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, bitters and egg whites to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
• Shake: add the ice to the cocktail shaker and vigorously shake again until the sides of the shaker are cold, at least 30 seconds.
• Serve: strain the drink into your glass and garnish with xxx.

Notes

Recipe for demerara simple syrup – To make demerara simple syrup, combine equal parts demerara sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove from heat and let cool. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Keyword Tequila Cocktail, Tequila Espresso Martini, Tequila Sour