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Cocktails

Tequila Sour

Served in a Whiskey Sour Glass

Reviewed by , Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic26.7% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
157 cal26.7% ABV1.42 US std4.1g sugar5.8g carbsAbout these numbers

Difficulty

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Best for: Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Seafood Dinner

Ingredients & Tools

BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
  • 2 ozTequilaBase
  • Juice of 1/2LemonCitrus
  • 1 tspPowdered SugarSweetener
  • 1/2 sliceLemonCitrus
  • 1CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker

How to Make It

ShakeTop
  1. Shake tequila, juice of lemon, and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
  2. Add the half-slice of lemon, top with the cherry, and serve.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.

Best For

Seafood DinnerTaco Night

Food Pairings

Mexican CuisineSeafoodSpicy Food

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 caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.Make it simplerTry drinks with three ingredients or fewer.

Swap notes

Base spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.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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Cocktail recipesMocktail alternativesFood pairingsFlavors

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Tequila Sour?
The Tequila Sour is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 26.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 157 calories.
What does a Tequila Sour taste like?
Tequila Sour has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Lemon, Tart, Sugar. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Tequila Sour?
Tequila Sour pairs well with Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Spicy Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Tequila Sour?
The Tequila Sour has an ABV of approximately 26.7%. That's approximately 1.42 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 157 calories, 4.1g sugar, 5.8g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
When is a Tequila Sour typically served?
Tequila Sour is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Taco Night. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
What drinks are similar to a Tequila Sour?
If you enjoy Tequila 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 Tequila Sour at home?
Yes. The Tequila 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 Tequila 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.