Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic11.2% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- 2 ozGinBase
- 1 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
- 1/2 tsp superfineSugarSweetener
- 1OrangeCitrus
- 1Maraschino CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrain
- In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into a sour glass and garnish with the orange slice and the cherry.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Gin Sour?
- The Gin Sour is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 11.2%. A standard serving contains approximately 228 calories.
- What does a Gin Sour taste like?
- Gin Sour has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sugar, Lemon, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Gin Sour?
- Gin Sour pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Gin Sour?
- The Gin Sour has an ABV of approximately 11.2%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 228 calories, 18.4g sugar, 24.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Gin Sour typically served?
- Gin Sour is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Gin Sour?
- If you enjoy Gin Sour, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Gin Sour at home?
- Yes. The Gin Sour uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Whiskey Sour Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Gin Sour with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.