Why sours are the hot new summer drink — and how to make one

May 27, 2023

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When the sun is shining at the beach, whatever you’re sipping needs to beat the heat. Satisfyingly tart and just a little sweet, sours are a slam-dunk.

They’re a category of cocktails that come at you with a good measure of refreshing citrus balanced by sugar, honey or agave-based syrup and your spirit of choice.

In fact, that's the crux of their one-two-three simple structure — and what makes them so versatile.

It's merely a matter of some fresh-squeezed lemon, lime or grapefruit; a bit of sweetener (play around with liqueurs like elderflower, cassis or pamplemousse for an extra bit of dimension); and a liquor you love.

Whiskey's your jam? Go classic whiskey sour, or one of that cocktail's multiple riffs. Is vodka your go-to? Hello, cosmo! Love tequila? The margarita is the most popular sour on the planet.

And never fear, brandy lovers — you won't be left out. You can happily sip on a sidecar. Dial into your desired flavor profile and shake up this season's quenching cocktail crush with one of these lip-smacking recipes from popular Hamptons haunts — as well as an East End-inspired sip I created myself.

Courtesy of Coche Comedor, 74A Montauk Hwy., Amagansett

2.5 ozs. Tapatío Blanco Tequila • .75 oz. strawberry shrub • .75 oz. fresh lime juice • .5 oz. Combier L’Original orange liqueur

Combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well for about 15 seconds, or until well-chilled. Double strain into a double old-fashioned (optionally rimmed with Tajín seasoning) over a jumbo ice cube.

Courtesy of Amy Zavatto, author of "Forager's Cocktails: Botanical Mixology With Fresh, Natural Ingredients"

2 ozs. Sagaponack Farm Distillery gin • 1 oz. fresh lemon juice • .75 oz. simple syrup • 1 oz. rosé wine, such as Wölffer's 2022 "Summer in a Bottle" • Nasturtium flower or lemon-peel garnish

In a shaker with ice, shake first three ingredients for about 15 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled glass. Using the back of a spoon, slowly pour the rosé until a pink layer floats atop. Garnish with a nasturtium flower or wide lemon peel.

Courtesy of Page at 63 Main, 63 Main St., Sag Harbor

2 ozs. Absolut Grapefruit • .75 oz. Giffard Crème de Pamplemousse • Splash fresh grapefruit juice • Splash fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well for about 15 seconds, or until well-chilled. Strain into martini glass and garnish with a lime peel.

Courtesy of Mavericks Montauk, 51 S. Edgemere St., Montauk

2 ozs. bourbon • 1 oz. lemon • 1 oz. aquafaba or an egg white • .75 oz. poppy seed simple syrup (or plain simple syrup)

Combine ingredients in a shaker without ice and shake well for 30 seconds, or until the aquafaba or egg white is very frothy. Add ice and shake again for 15 seconds, or until well-chilled. Strain into an ice-filled highball or Collins glass.