Homemade Sour Mix and a Whiskey Sour

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We are so happy that it is Friday.  To kick off the weekend we are going to talk about some Bar Basics.  Items that every home bar should have.  The first item we want to talk about is a Sour Mix. It is basically equal parts citrus along with simple syrup.  It is slightly sweet but full of sour in a good way.  When mixed with the right alcohol it creates a fantastic cocktail.  This recipe for Homemade Sour Mix along with a Whiskey Sour is about to brighten up your weekend.

Sours are often thought of as lazy day drinks, think puckery citrus cocktails, margaritas, and daiquiris;  traditional “vintage” cocktails.   The first time we were reintroduced to these traditional sour drinks was with the daiquiri which is a rather sultry drink, especially nice on a hot summer night.  Another timeless sour drink is the whiskey sour, and it is perfect served any time of the year.  Sours are straightforward and not complicated.  You basically need a base spirit, sour mix and an egg white (this is optional).

Most pre-made sour mixes are full of over processed sugar as well as preservatives.  After trying a few different sour mixes, we decided to venture into the kitchen to make our own.   We worked on this recipe a few times using equal parts lemon and lime as well as using kumquats (just imagine juicing all those little guys), it was good but not sour enough.  The last few times we used oranges, particularly Seville oranges, and the recipe came out perfect.  Slightly sweet and not overly sour, just enough to cut through the sugar.  Your homemade sour mix will last for a week in the fridge.  If, you don’t plan on using within the week, add a teaspoon of vodka to help preserve the freshness.  Warning it is so good it probably won’t last the entire week.

Recipe:  Homemade Sour Mix

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup of water

1 cup fresh citrus juice: I used 4 limes, 1 Meyer lemon, and 3 Seville oranges

How To:

In a medium saucepan over low heat, add all of the ingredients.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Cook for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let cool.

Strain to remove any pulp.

Pour into a sterile bottle.

Keep in the fridge until ready to use.

Makes almost 2 cups.

Recipe:  Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

* makes two drinks

3 ounces whiskey

4 ounces sour mix

handful of ice

2 orange wedges

cherry

ice cubes

 How To: