Sour Cocktails
82 cocktails with a sour flavor profile.
Amaretto Sour
none · Medium
A sophisticated twist on the 1970s classic that perfectly balances the sweet, nutty notes of Italian amaretto with the bite of bourbon and fresh acidity of lemon. The addition of egg white creates a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel that elevates this from a simple mixer to a craft cocktail staple.
Arnold Palmer
none · Easy
A refreshing non-alcoholic classic named after the legendary golfer who popularized it. It perfectly balances the tannins of black tea with the bright, citrusy acidity of fresh lemonade.
Aviation
gin · Medium
A sophisticated pre-Prohibition classic that captures the elegance of early 20th-century mixology. It is celebrated for its unique floral notes and striking pale-violet color, reminiscent of a clear sky at dusk.
Bee's Knees
gin · Easy
A bright and sophisticated Prohibition-era cocktail that uses honey and lemon to beautifully balance gin's botanical profile. Its name was 1920s slang for 'the best', perfectly describing its timeless appeal.
Between the Sheets
cognac · Medium
A sophisticated and potent Prohibition-era classic that balances the richness of cognac with the smoothness of white rum. It is a citrus-forward, spirit-heavy cocktail that serves as a bold and playful variation on the classic Sidecar.
Bloody Mary
vodka · Medium
The quintessential savory brunch cocktail, the Bloody Mary is a complex and spicy masterpiece. Known as a 'meal in a glass,' it perfectly balances the richness of tomato with sharp citrus and a kick of heat.
Blue Hawaii
rum · Easy
The quintessential tropical escape in a glass, the Blue Hawaii is famous for its vibrant azure hue and refreshing pineapple-forward profile. Created in 1957 by legendary bartender Harry Yee, it remains a global icon of Tiki culture and Hawaiian hospitality.
Bokbunja Fizz
wine · Easy
A vibrant and refreshing Korean-inspired fizz that showcases the deep, tart-sweet profile of Bokbunja black raspberry wine. This effervescent cocktail balances the rich berry notes with the botanical crispness of gin and a bright citrus finish.
Bramble
gin · Easy
A quintessential modern classic created in 1980s London, the Bramble marries the crispness of gin with bright citrus and the deep, autumnal sweetness of blackberry. Its signature aesthetic comes from the liqueur bleeding through a mountain of crushed ice.
Brandy Sour
brandy · Easy
A timeless classic that highlights the warmth of brandy balanced by the bright acidity of fresh lemon. The Brandy Sour is a smooth, sophisticated drink that predates the Whiskey Sour, offering a fruitier and more aromatic profile.
Brown Derby
whiskey · Easy
Named after the iconic hat-shaped restaurant in Los Angeles, this cocktail is a bright and refreshing blend of bourbon, grapefruit, and honey. It strikes a perfect balance between the richness of whiskey and the tartness of citrus, making it a timeless Hollywood classic.
Cape Codder
vodka · Easy
A crisp and straightforward highball that perfectly balances the clean profile of vodka with the tart, refreshing snap of cranberry. It is a quintessential American classic that remains a staple for its simplicity and reliability.
Clover Club
gin · Medium
A pre-Prohibition classic originating from Philadelphia, this cocktail is celebrated for its elegant pink hue and velvety texture. It perfectly balances the botanical bite of gin with the bright acidity of lemon and the luscious sweetness of raspberries.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
gin · Medium
A legendary 'hair of the dog' remedy popularized by Harry Craddock in the 1930s. This equal-parts classic perfectly balances tart citrus, sweet orange liqueur, and aromatized wine, with a haunting herbal finish from the absinthe rinse.
Cosmopolitan
vodka · Easy
The Cosmopolitan is a vibrant, pink-hued modern classic that masterfully balances tart citrus and cranberry with sweet orange notes. It became an international sensation in the 1990s as a symbol of urban sophistication and style.
Cuba Libre
rum · Easy
A classic highball that transcends the simple 'Rum and Coke' by adding essential brightness from fresh lime juice. Originating in Havana around 1900, it served as a toast to Cuban independence and remains a staple for its refreshing, effervescent character.
Daiquiri
rum · Easy
A quintessential Cuban classic that perfectly balances the sharp acidity of lime with the sweetness of sugar and the crisp profile of white rum. It is a refreshing, elegant cocktail that remains the benchmark for all rum-based sours.
El Diablo
tequila · Easy
The El Diablo is a sophisticated tequila highball that perfectly balances the earthy notes of agave with the deep, dark sweetness of blackcurrant. The addition of ginger ale and lime creates a refreshing, effervescent drink that is both approachable and complex.
El Floridita Daiquiri
rum · Medium
A sophisticated variation of the classic Daiquiri, famously associated with the El Floridita bar in Havana. This version, often identified as the 'Hemingway Special' or 'Daiquiri No. 4', introduces grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur for a complex, tart, and refreshing profile that balances the rum's sweetness.
Fallen Angel
gin · Easy
A sophisticated pre-prohibition classic that balances the sharp botanicals of gin with a cooling, subtle hint of mint. Originally popularized in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, it offers a crisp and refreshing profile with a lingering herbal complexity.
Final Ward
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated modern classic created by Phil Ward in 2007. It's a riff on the Last Word that replaces gin with rye whiskey and lime with lemon, offering a spicier and more grounded herbal experience.
Fitzgerald
gin · Easy
The Fitzgerald is a modern classic created by Dale DeGroff at the Rainbow Room. It is essentially a Gin Sour made more complex and aromatic with the addition of Angostura bitters, offering a crisp and sophisticated profile.
Fog Cutter
rum · Hard
A potent and legendary Tiki classic created by Victor Bergeron. This 'vaso de fiera' blends multiple spirits with citrus and nutty orgeat for a complex, refreshing, but dangerously strong profile.
Footloose
vodka · Easy
A vibrant and spirited cocktail created by Wesley Moore, blending the tart sweetness of raspberry vodka with the bright citrus of Cointreau and a touch of herbal bitters. It is a modern classic that offers a sophisticated yet fun flavor profile, reminiscent of a refined Cosmopolitan with added depth from the bitters.
French 75
gin · Medium
A sophisticated and effervescent classic that balances the botanical notes of gin with sharp citrus and the crisp luxury of champagne. Created during WWI and named after the French 75mm field gun, it is known for its elegant presentation and surprisingly potent kick.
Frisco Sour
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated and herbal evolution of the classic Whiskey Sour, featuring the spicy backbone of rye whiskey and the complex botanical sweetness of Benedictine. It offers a drier, more aromatic profile than a standard sour, making it an excellent choice for a refined evening sip.
Gimlet
gin · Easy
A sharp, refreshing classic known for its botanical punch and citrus clarity. Originally conceived as a medicinal drink for the British Navy to prevent scurvy, it remains a sophisticated staple of the cocktail world.
Gin Daisy
gin · Medium
A refreshing Victorian-era classic that serves as a delightful bridge between a Sour and a Fizz. The Gin Daisy balances the botanical notes of gin with zesty lemon and the fruity sweetness of grenadine, served over crushed ice for a perfect summer cooler.
Gin Fizz
gin · Medium
A legendary refreshing classic that balances the botanical notes of gin with bright citrus and effervescent soda. It is the quintessential thirst-quencher of the 'fizz' family, known for its clean, crisp, and revitalizing character.
Gloom Lifter
whiskey · Medium
A sophisticated twist on the Whiskey Sour, the Gloom Lifter lives up to its name by brightening the spirit with a splash of Cognac and the fruity sweetness of grenadine. Popularized by David Embury in 1948, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of tart lemon, rich whiskey, and a silky texture from the egg white.
Gold Rush
whiskey · Easy
A refined modern classic originating from New York's Milk & Honey bar. The Gold Rush is a simple yet sophisticated variation of the Whiskey Sour, substituting honey syrup for sugar to create a richer, more complex flavor profile with floral undertones.
Grand Hotel
gin · Medium
A sophisticated classic from the golden age of hotel bars, the Grand Hotel cocktail blends the botanical complexity of gin with the lush sweetness of apricot. It is a refined, spirit-forward drink that balances dry herbal notes with a bright, fruity finish.
Greyhound
vodka · Easy
The Greyhound is a refreshingly tart and simple classic that perfectly balances the crispness of vodka with the bold, bitter-sweet profile of fresh grapefruit juice. It’s a bright, easy-to-make drink that has remained a staple for brunch and warm afternoons since the mid-20th century.
Hallabong Sour
soju · Medium
A bright and refreshing twist on the classic sour, featuring the distinctive sweetness of Jeju Island's Hallabong tangerine. The clean taste of soju allows the vibrant citrus notes to shine, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail that is both tangy and sweet.
Hemingway Daiquiri
rum · Medium
A sophisticated twist on the classic Daiquiri, famously preferred by Ernest Hemingway at El Floridita in Havana. It swaps sugar for grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur, resulting in a drier, more complex, and bracingly refreshing cocktail.
Honeymoon
brandy · Medium
A Prohibition-era gem that marries the crispness of apple brandy with the botanical depth of Benedictine. Its complex profile of fruit, herbs, and citrus made it a legendary favorite at Hollywood's famous Brown Derby restaurant.
Hurricane
rum · Medium
A legendary New Orleans export, the Hurricane is a sweet, fruity, and remarkably potent tropical drink. It balances the richness of dark rum with bright citrus and exotic passion fruit flavors, served in its iconic namesake glass.
Jack Rose
brandy · Medium
A pre-Prohibition classic that highlights the crisp flavor of American apple brandy. Its striking pink hue comes from grenadine, while the applejack provides a robust, fruity backbone balanced by tart lemon.
Jasmine
gin · Medium
A sophisticated modern classic that pulls off a remarkable magic trick: despite containing absolutely no grapefruit, the combination of Campari, lemon, and orange liqueur creates a convincing illusion of fresh pink grapefruit juice. It is crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balances tart and bitter notes.
John Collins
whiskey · Easy
A refreshing and tall whiskey sour, the John Collins is the bourbon-based sibling to the famous Tom Collins. Crisp, effervescent, and perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, it highlights the caramel notes of the whiskey against a bright citrus backdrop.
Kamikaze
vodka · Easy
A sharp, citrusy classic that balances the clean bite of vodka with sweet orange and tart lime. Known for its refreshing intensity, it is one of the definitive 'sour' cocktails of the modern era.
Korean Mule
soju · Easy
A refreshing East-meets-West twist on the classic Moscow Mule, substituting vodka with Korea's most popular spirit, Soju. The clean, slightly sweet profile of Soju pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of ginger beer and tart lime, creating a balanced and crushable highball.
Last Word
gin · Easy
A complex, herbal, and perfectly balanced pre-Prohibition cocktail known for its distinct pale green hue. It features equal parts of each ingredient, creating a sharp, botanical, and refreshingly tart flavor profile.
Leave It to Me
gin · Easy
Leave It to Me is a compact, old-school gin cocktail with bright citrus, soft berry sweetness, and a dry herbal core. It is often described as an Aviation-adjacent template that swaps floral violet tones for raspberry notes. The result is elegant, slightly tart, and surprisingly complex for such a short ingredient list.
Lion's Tail
whiskey · Medium
A Prohibition-era classic that offers a unique and spicy twist on the Whiskey Sour family. The distinctive warmth of Allspice Dram (Pimento Dram) pairs perfectly with bourbon, creating a complex, aromatic cocktail that is particularly comforting in cooler weather.
London Buck
gin · Easy
A crisp and invigorating highball, the London Buck balances the botanical complexity of gin with the effervescent sweetness and spice of ginger. Often referred to simply as a Gin Buck, it is the quintessential refreshing long drink for warm afternoons.
Luna Rossa
vodka · Easy
Luna Rossa is a bright, modern Italian-leaning highball built on cucumber-mint vodka and bergamot liqueur. Its profile is crisp and aromatic, with cooling vegetal notes balanced by fresh lime acidity and soft sweetness. Served long over ice with soda, it drinks like a garden-fresh aperitivo cocktail.
Madras
vodka · Easy
The Madras is a bright and refreshing vodka highball that perfectly balances tart cranberry with sweet citrus. It is a simple yet classic variation of the Cape Codder, prized for its vibrant appearance and easy-drinking nature.
Mai Tai
rum · Medium
The quintessential Tiki cocktail, the Mai Tai is a complex masterpiece that showcases the depth of aged rum. Created by Victor 'Trader Vic' Bergeron in 1944, it perfectly balances nutty orgeat and bright citrus for a refreshing yet potent tropical experience.
Makgeolli Sour
makgeolli · Medium
A sophisticated Korean twist on the classic sour. This cocktail highlights the natural creaminess and subtle lactic tang of Makgeolli, balanced by bright citrus and the clean finish of Soju.
Margarita
tequila · Easy
The Margarita is perhaps the most famous tequila cocktail in the world, perfectly balancing the earthy bite of agave with bright citrus and a touch of sweetness. Its refreshing profile and iconic salt rim have made it a global staple of summer gatherings and cocktail bars alike.
Matador
tequila · Easy
The Matador is a refreshing tropical classic that highlights the natural affinity between earthy tequila and sweet pineapple. While often eclipsed by the Margarita, its simple three-ingredient build offers a bright and balanced alternative for tequila lovers.
Mexican Mule
tequila · Easy
A spirited twist on the classic Moscow Mule, replacing vodka with tequila for an extra layer of earthy agave flavor that stands up beautifully to the spicy ginger beer. Crisp, refreshing, and full of character, it is an ideal companion for spicy cuisine.
Mojito
rum · Medium
A refreshing Cuban classic that masterfully balances sweetness, bright citrus, and the cooling aroma of fresh mint. It is widely considered the ultimate summer highball for its crisp and invigorating character.
Moscow Mule
vodka · Easy
A refreshing and zesty highball that famously helped popularize vodka in the United States during the 1940s. It combines the crisp bite of vodka with the spicy heat of ginger beer and the bright acidity of fresh lime.
Naked and Famous
mezcal · Easy
Created in 2011 by Joaquín Simó at New York's Death & Co, this modern classic is an equal-parts masterpiece. It delivers a vibrant, complex balance of smoky agave, herbal sweetness, and sharp citrus that has earned it a spot on the IBA official list.
New York Sour
whiskey · Medium
A visually striking twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, distinguished by a float of dry red wine. The wine adds a layer of fruity complexity and dryness that perfectly balances the sweet and tart whiskey base.
Omija Spritz
wine · Easy
A vibrant and refreshing Korean-inspired twist on the classic Italian Spritz. This cocktail highlights the unique 'five-flavor' profile of Omija berries—sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and pungent—beautifully balanced by dry sparkling wine and a clean touch of soju.
Paloma
tequila · Easy
The Paloma is a refreshing, citrus-forward Mexican classic that perfectly balances the earthy agave notes of tequila with tart lime and the bittersweet sparkle of grapefruit soda. Often cited as Mexico's most popular cocktail, it's a lighter, more effervescent alternative to the Margarita.
Paper Plane
whiskey · Medium
A modern classic created by Sam Ross in 2008, the Paper Plane is a perfectly balanced riff on the Last Word. It combines the warmth of bourbon with the bittersweet complexity of Amaro Nonino and Aperol, brightened by fresh lemon juice.
Penicillin
whiskey · Medium
A modern classic created by Sam Ross at Milk & Honey in New York. The Penicillin masterfully balances the spicy bite of ginger and honey with the sharp citrus of lemon, all topped with a signature smoky Islay Scotch aroma.
Pink Lady
gin · Medium
A pre-Prohibition classic that dates back to the early 1900s. Known for its lovely pink hue and silky texture derived from egg white, this cocktail balances the botanical notes of gin with the fruitiness of applejack and pomegranate grenadine. Despite its delicate appearance, it packs a considerable punch.
Pisco Sour
brandy · Medium
The Pisco Sour is the definitive South American classic, balancing the potent floral character of grape brandy with sharp citrus and a silky, meringue-like texture. It is a sophisticated sour that is as visually elegant as it is refreshing.
Porn Star Martini
vodka · Medium
A provocative and globally beloved modern classic that blends exotic passion fruit with smooth vanilla. This multi-sensory cocktail is famous for its vibrant color and the ritual of a sparkling wine sidecar.
Ramos Gin Fizz
gin · Hard
A legendary New Orleans classic known for its meringue-like foam head and silky, cloud-like texture. This floral and creamy masterpiece is a sophisticated blend of citrus and botanicals that requires significant effort and patience to perfect.
Rum Punch
rum · Easy
A vibrant and refreshing Caribbean staple that balances the depth of aged rum with a bright medley of tropical fruit juices. It is the quintessential island drink, offering a perfect harmony of sweetness and citrus acidity.
Salty Dog
gin · Easy
The Salty Dog is a crisp and refreshing highball that balances the tart, slightly bitter notes of grapefruit with the botanicals of gin. Its defining characteristic is the salt rim, which enhances the citrus flavors and provides a savory contrast.
Scorpion Bowl
rum · Medium
A legendary Tiki communal punch created by Victor 'Trader Vic' Bergeron in the 1940s. It is a complex, refreshing, and deceptively potent mixture of rums, brandy, and citrus, tied together by the nutty sweetness of orgeat.
Screwdriver
vodka · Easy
A timeless highball that defines simplicity, the Screwdriver pairs the neutral clarity of vodka with the bright, acidic sweetness of orange juice. It is an iconic brunch staple celebrated for its refreshing and accessible profile.
Sidecar
cognac · Medium
The Sidecar is a quintessential classic cocktail that emerged at the end of World War I. It offers a perfectly balanced profile of rich cognac, bright citrus, and subtle sweetness from the orange liqueur.
Singapore Sling
gin · Hard
A vibrant, tropical masterpiece created in the early 20th century at Singapore's Raffles Hotel. It offers a complex, bittersweet profile with lush pineapple notes and an herbal backbone from Bénédictine. This refreshing gin-based classic is the ultimate summer long drink.
Soju Mule
soju · Easy
A refreshing Korean adaptation of the Moscow Mule, swapping vodka for soju to create a smoother and slightly sweeter highball. The spicy warmth of ginger beer and the sharp tang of lime make it an incredibly easy-drinking cocktail.
Tom Collins
gin · Easy
A quintessential refreshing highball that perfectly balances the botanical notes of gin with bright citrus and sparkling water. It is essentially a sparkling lemonade spiked with gin, making it an all-time favorite for warm weather.
Tommy's Margarita
tequila · Easy
A celebrated modern classic that evolves the traditional Margarita by swapping orange liqueur for agave nectar. This modification creates a cleaner profile that emphasizes the natural botanical notes of high-quality 100% agave tequila.
Twentieth Century
gin · Medium
Named after the iconic luxury train running between New York and Chicago, this cocktail is a sophisticated masterpiece of balance. It combines the botanical notes of gin with the subtle sweetness of white cacao and the crisp acidity of lemon for a bright yet silky finish.
Virgin Mary
none · Medium
The Virgin Mary is the sophisticated non-alcoholic sibling of the Bloody Mary, offering a rich, savory, and spicy profile. It's a complex blend of tomato juice, citrus, and sharp spices that makes it the ultimate savory brunch companion.
Virgin Mojito
none · Easy
A refreshing, non-alcoholic twist on the classic Cuban highball. This mocktail delivers a crisp burst of citrus and aromatic mint, making it an ideal choice for cooling down on a hot summer afternoon.
Vodka Sour
vodka · Easy
The Vodka Sour is a refreshing and approachable classic that highlights the clean profile of vodka against sharp citrus and sweet syrup. Its silky texture, often enhanced by egg white, makes it a sophisticated yet simple choice for any occasion.
Whiskey Sour
whiskey · Easy
A quintessential classic that perfectly balances the rich, woody notes of bourbon with tart citrus and a touch of sweetness. The optional egg white adds a luxurious, silken texture and a beautiful frothy head that carries the aromatic bitters.
White Lady
gin · Medium
A sophisticated and crisp gin-based sour that serves as a counterpart to the Sidecar. It is renowned for its clean, sharp citrus profile and elegant white appearance, especially when prepared with the optional egg white for a velvety mouthfeel.
Yuzu Makgeolli
makgeolli · Easy
A refreshing Korean fusion cocktail that balances the creamy, earthy body of traditional rice wine with the vibrant, aromatic citrus of yuzu. It is an approachable, low-alcohol drink perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy profile with a slightly effervescent finish.
Zombie
rum · Hard
The quintessential Tiki cocktail created by Donn Beach, known for its incredible potency and complex layers of fruit and spice. This legendary drink combines three types of rum with fruit juices and exotic syrups, delivering a flavor that is dangerously smooth despite its very high alcohol content.