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Tequila Sour
This easy tequila sour mixes fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and tequila for a bold, refreshing cocktail. Shake it up fast for parties, happy hour, or any fun weekend plan.
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This easy tequila sour packs a bright citrus punch with a smooth finish. Fresh lemon juice and tequila mix up fast. Shake it all together in minutes for a fun drink-night favorite. Serve it chilled with a slice of lemon for the perfect happy hour treat.
Follow the step-by-step guide below to make this easy tequila sour at home. You'll find clear photos, pro tips, and tricks to help. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions to make sure your drink turns out perfect every time.
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You can mix this drink together in just two minutes, so it’s perfect for any last-minute party or happy hour. Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup balance the bold tequila for a smooth, sweet sip every time.
Serve this easy tequila cocktail at game night, weekend parties, or anytime you want something refreshing and fun. Every glass comes out bright, zesty, and ready to impress friends or guests.
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this tequila sour drink:
- 2 ounces of silver tequila
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce of light agave liquid sweetener
- 1 ounce of liquid egg whites (pasteurized in the carton)
- 2 to 3 drops of Angostura aromatic bitters
- 1 thin slice of lime on the rim of the glass, optional garnish
Pro Tip
If you want to make a few of these cocktails at once, I highly suggest juicing a few lemons and limes and keeping the juices in separate lidded glass containers (small mason jars work great). You can keep the freshly squeezed juices in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Substitutions and Additions
Change up your tequila sour cocktail with easy swaps and tasty add-ins! These simple ideas help make the drink your own. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
- Substitute Tequila: Use mezcal instead for a smoky flavor that adds depth to your tequila sour.
- Add Orange Liqueur: Mix in a splash of triple sec or Cointreau for a hint of orange and extra sweetness.
- Substitute Lemon Juice: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a sharper, tangy twist that still pairs well with tequila.
- Substitute Simple Syrup: Use agave syrup for a rich, natural sweetness that blends perfectly with tequila.
How to Make a Tequila Sour
Follow along with our step-by-step photos to mix the perfect drink in minutes. Use our tips and tricks below to get it just right. Let’s get started and shake up something fresh and fun!
Pro Tip
You can also use a 10 to 12-ounce cocktail glass filled halfway with ice and serve this drink on the rocks.
FIRST STEP: In the container of a cocktail shaker, add the silver tequila, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, light agave liquid sweetener, liquid egg white, and Angostura bitters.
Pro Tip
I like to keep my tequila in the refrigerator or freezer so that my drinks that are not served over ice stay nice and cold without getting diluted in ice. Tequila also goes down smoother when very cold if you drink it as a “shot” with salt and lime.
SECOND STEP: Add the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. Be very careful to hold a tight grip on the shaker lid, as the expanding egg whites may want to pop the lid off.
Pro Tip
If you add the ice before the first shake of the ingredients, you will dilute the mixture and not give the proteins in the egg whites enough chance to make a full, frothy foam topping.
THIRD STEP: Remove the lid and add ½ cup of ice to the cocktail shaker and shake for an additional 15 to 20 seconds. You want a lot of froth in your cocktail shaker.
FOURTH STEP: Pour the shaken cocktail, while straining out the ice in the shaker, slowly into a short 10-ounce cocktail glass (these are often called old-fashioned glasses or lowball glasses).
Pro Tip
If you use a smaller, 8-ounce, short cocktail glass, you will not have room for ice if you want to serve this on the rocks to keep it extra cold for sipping. The drink will fill the glass to the rim.
FIFTH STEP: You can add an optional garnish of thinly sliced lime on the rim of the glass.
How To Serve this Tequila Sour Recipe
You can serve this tequila sour at all kinds of parties, holidays, and fun get-togethers. It’s a classic cocktail made just for adults, and it tastes even better with the right food or snacks on the side.
- Serve for parties or weekend hangouts: This tequila whiskey sour brings big flavor and fast prep, so it’s perfect for hosting. Pair it with buffalo chicken dip or bacon-wrapped smokies.
- Serve during summer or spring: The fresh lemon and smooth tequila taste great in warm weather. Enjoy it with grilled beef kabobs or Mexican pizza outside.
- Serve for adult holiday celebrations: Shake up this cocktail for New Year’s Eve, Cinco de Mayo, or birthdays. Try it with loaded queso or mini pepper pizzas.
Why You'll Love This Tequila Sour Recipe
This margarita with sour mix keeps our readers coming back, and it’s not just about how good it tastes. It’s quick, simple, and always a hit when you're mixing drinks at home. Whether it's your first time making cocktails or your hundredth, this one always works.
- Easy to Make: You only need a few ingredients and five minutes to shake up something amazing.
- Great for Parties: It fits right in at game night, weekend hangouts, or anytime friends drop by.
- Fresh and Zesty: Lemon juice keeps it bright, and tequila adds a smooth kick that never feels heavy.
- Customizable: You can swap in mezcal, lime, or even orange liqueur to change things up.
- Always a Crowd Pleaser: Guests ask for seconds, and that says it all.
This fun, fast, and fresh recipe earns its spot on your go-to cocktail list.
Recipe FAQ
Here are the top questions readers ask when making this easy tequila sour recipe at home:
Can I make a tequila sour without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, you can make it without a shaker. Use a mason jar with a lid or a tightly sealed cup.
Do I have to use fresh lemon juice in a tequila sour?
Fresh lemon juice works best in a tequila sour. Bottled juice can taste bitter and change the drink’s balance.
What’s the best tequila to use in a tequila sour recipe?
Use a smooth, 100% agave tequila blanco for the best tequila sour. It mixes clean and doesn’t overpower the lemon.
How long should I shake a tequila sour?
Shake for about fifteen seconds. This mixes everything evenly and chills the drink quickly.
Should I add ice to the tequila sour before serving?
Yes! Ice keeps the drink cold and makes it feel extra refreshing.
How do I make a tequila sour sweeter?
To make your tequila sour sweeter, add a little extra simple syrup and taste as you go.
Can I double this tequila sour recipe for a group?
Yes, you can double or triple this recipe. Just keep the ingredient ratios the same.
What glass should I use for a tequila sour?
Serve your tequila sour in a lowball or rocks glass. These glasses work great for cocktails with ice.
Why does my tequila sour taste too strong?
If your tequila sour tastes too strong, add more simple syrup or lemon juice to balance the flavor.
Serving FAQ
Can I pre-pour tequila sours for guests?
Yes, pour tequila sours into glasses just before guests arrive. Keep them chilled and give a quick stir before serving.
What’s the best season to serve tequila sours?
Serve tequila sours during spring or summer when you want something cool, citrusy, and quick to shake up.
Are tequila sours good for holiday celebrations?
Yes, tequila sours work great for holidays like New Year’s Eve or Cinco de Mayo. They’re fast, festive, and refreshing.
Is this tequila sour recipe okay for kids?
No, tequila sours are an adult-only cocktail. Always serve this drink to guests over 21.
Storage FAQ
Follow the steps below to keep your tequila sour tasting fresh and smooth. These tips and tricks help you store it the right way without losing flavor or texture.
Can I prepare tequila sour ahead of time?
Yes, mix the tequila, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to one day.
What’s the best way to store leftover tequila sour?
Store any leftover tequila sour in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. Shake it before serving again.
Can I freeze tequila sour?
No, freezing tequila sour isn’t a good idea. The texture and flavor won’t hold up well after thawing.
How do I store tequila sour with egg white added?
If you add egg white, serve the drink right away. Egg white doesn't store well and may change texture.
Can I batch tequila sour and chill it before a party?
Yes, you can batch the drink and chill it a few hours ahead. Just stir well before pouring over ice.
Tequila Sour
This easy tequila sour mixes fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and tequila for a bold, refreshing cocktail. Shake it up fast for parties, happy hour, or any fun weekend plan.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce light agave liquid sweetener
- 1 ounce liquid egg whites (pasteurized in the carton)
- 2 to 3 drops Angostura aromatic bitters
- 1 thin slice of lime on the rim of the glass (optional garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- In the container of a cocktail shaker, add the silver tequila, freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, light agave liquid sweetener, liquid egg whites, and bitters.
- Add the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. Be very careful to hold a tight grip on the shaker lid, as the expanding egg whites may want to pop the lid off.
- Remove the lid and add ½ cup of ice to the cocktail shaker and shake for an additional 15 to 20 seconds. You want a lot of froth in your cocktail shaker.
- Pour the tequila sour, while straining out the ice in the shaker, slowly into a short 10-ounce cocktail glass (these are often called old-fashioned glasses or lowball glasses).
- You can add an optional garnish of thinly sliced lime on the rim of the glass.
Notes
- If you want to make a few of these cocktails at once, I highly suggest juicing a few lemons and limes and keeping the juices in separate lidded glass containers (small mason jars work great). You can keep the freshly squeezed juices in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- I also like making a “sour mix” at home to keep on hand for quick assembly of this and other cocktails that call for sour mix (or fresh citrus and liquid sweetener). For four drinks, you can premix in a mason jar ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ cup light agave, and 10 to 12 dashes of bitters. Shake well and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This can easily be doubled or tripled, depending on how many cocktails you plan to make.
- If you do not want to buy agave liquid sweetener, you can swap it out 1:1 ratio with a basic store-bought simple syrup. I like how the flavor of the agave compliments the tequila, but either liquid sweetener will work.
If you use a smaller, 8-ounce, short cocktail glass, you will not have room for ice if you want to serve this on the rocks to keep it extra cold for sipping. The drink will fill the glass to the rim. - I like to keep my tequila in the refrigerator or freezer so that my drinks that are not served over ice stay nice and cold without getting diluted in ice. Tequila also goes down smoother when very cold if you are drinking it as a “shot” with salt and lime.
- If you add the ice before the first shake of the ingredients, then you will dilute the mixture and not give the proteins in the egg whites enough of a chance to really make a full, frothy foam topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 259IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Laura L. says
So good! I’ll definitely serve this the next time friends come over.