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    Recipes » Drinks

    Mezcal Sour

    Published: Apr 25, 2023 · Modified: May 28, 2023 by The Sage Apron - This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This mezcal sour cocktail is tart and smoky featuring lime, pineapple juice, Angostura bitters and a frothy egg white.

    A mezcal sour cocktail with a layer of whipped egg white and swirls of bitters.

    This cocktail recipe uses an egg white for a creamy textured cocktail layered with a frothy whipped topping.

    For another delicious mezcal cocktail, try our Spicy Mezcal Margaritas!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make An Egg White Sour
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • You May Also Like...
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Ingredients

    Ingredients needed for a mezcal sour cocktail.
    Ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
    • Mezcal
    • Pineapple Juice
    • Lime Juice
    • Simple Syrup
    • Angostura Bitters
    • Egg White

    Choosing The Best Mezcal

    Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from the hearts of roasted agave plants. The roasting process gives this spirit its signature smooth and smoky flavor.

    For the highest quality, we recommend choosing a small sustainable mezcal producer.

    Our favorite brands of mezcal include:

    • Bahnez
    • Ilegal
    • Sombra
    • Del Maguey

    Most lines of mezcal will include some higher-end single varietal of agave spirits that are best suited for sipping neat. For making cocktails, a joven (young/ clear) mezcal made from blended agave is ideal.

    How To Make An Egg White Sour

    The key to making a sour style cocktail with a creamy texture and frothy egg white topping is a double shake. Here's how it's done:

    1. Add the mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to a cocktail tin. Add ONE ice cube. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. (See the Bartender's Note, below!)
    2. Then, fill the tin with ice and shake again for 20 - 30 seconds until ice cold. Strain the drink into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
    3. Finish the drink with a few drops of Angostura bitters. We like to drag a toothpick through the drops of bitters to create hearts or decorative swirls for a classic sour garnish.

    If you love an egg white sour, be sure to try our Lavender Empress Gin Sour, too!

    Bartender's Note: The Double Shake - Egg white cocktails almost always benefit from a double shake. The first shake whips the egg white and creates a creamy texture. The second shake is with ice and chills and dilutes the drink.

    Bartenders will achieve this frothy texture (on the first shake) a few different ways. Most common, you will find the "dry shake" - which uses no ice at all. We like to use just one ice cube, that helps to break up the egg white and incorporate a little more air.

    Finally, some bartenders will use the spring from a Hawthorne strainer added directly to the cocktail tin. This method seems fun but is ultimately messy and unnecessary, in our opinions. It does make good whipped cream, though!

    How To Garnish With Bitters

    Pouring a frothy double shaken sour into a fluted coupe glass.
    Dashing droplets of Angostura bitters on the frothy egg white layer of a sour cocktail.
    Using a pick to swirl the droplets of bitters to garnish the mezcal sour.

    After double shaking, the strained cocktail will naturally separate creating two distinct layers. The frothy egg white topping creates the perfect nest to hold your bitters. Carefully dash a few droplets of bitters on the surface of the drink. Then, use a cocktail pick (or toothpick) to drag the bitters through the droplets to create a heart pattern or dramatic swirls.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is it safe to use a raw egg white in a sour cocktail?

    Yes! In the United States, the FDA requires that eggs be pasteurized and refrigerated. Pasteurization is a rapid heating process that effectively kills bacteria, including salmonella.

    If you are outside of the United States, I recommend using pasteurized eggs for sours and other raw preparations.

    What can I substitute for an egg white in a sour cocktail?

    If you are uncomfortable using raw eggs in a sour cocktail you can substitute one egg white for 2 Tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).

    Aquafaba is a vegan alternative that will mimic the egg whites creamy and frothy textures.

    You May Also Like...

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    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave us a star rating and share your photos @TheSageApron

    Recipe

    A mezcal sour cocktail with a layer of whipped egg white and swirls of bitters.

    Mezcal Sour

    Author: The Sage Apron
    This delicious drink balances tart smoky and sweet flavors with a note of tropical pineapple and a rich and creamy texture.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 minutes minutes
    Total Time 3 minutes minutes
    Yield 1 cocktail
    Course Aperetif
    Cuisine Mexican, New American

    ADJUST SERVINGS

    Special Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker (or Mason Jar with Lid)
    • Hawthorne Cocktail Strainer
    • Cocktail Pick (or toothpick) (for garnishing with bitters)

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 ounces mezcal
    • 1 ounce pineapple juice
    • 1 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
    • 1 ounce simple syrup
    • 1 large egg white pasteurized** or 2 Tablespoons aquafaba
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters plus more for garnishing
    • Ice as needed for shaking

    Instructions
     

    • Add mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white and 2 sages of Angostura bitters to a cocktail tin. Add 1 ice cube and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, to wipe the egg white.
    • Fill the cocktail tin with more ice and shake again for 20 - 30 seconds or until icy cold. Use a Hawthorne strainer to strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
      (Alternatively, you can serve this drink over a large cube in a rocks glass.)
    • To garnish, carefully dash a few droplets of Angostura bitter on the surface of the drink. Use a cocktail pick (or toothpick) to swirl the droplets into a pretty pattern. Cheers!

    Notes

    ** All eggs sold in the United States are pasteurized in-shell as mandated by the FDA. 
    * A Note About Salt

    Unless otherwise noted, all recipes on The Sage Apron are developed using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt. It is a great all-purpose salt for cooking and baking. If using table salt, reduce quantities by about half.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    Let's Keep In TouchFollow us on Instagram @TheSageApron

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. L says

      May 06, 2024 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new fav drink to make- it’s the only cocktail I’ve made at home since a month or so ago when I discovered this recipe. So delicious!

      Reply
      • The Sage Apron says

        May 07, 2024 at 12:26 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that! I haven't made one in a bit, but now I'm going to make one tonight! Thanks for leaving a kind comment, I appreciate it so much. Cheers!

        - Taylor

        Reply

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