Sherry Sour Cocktail Recipe

Sherry Sour Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Sherry Sour is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed to have originated in Spain, where sherry was first produced. The cocktail quickly gained popularity among the upper class and was often enjoyed at social gatherings and parties. The Sherry Sour is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed by both cocktail enthusiasts and those who prefer a lighter, more refreshing beverage.

  • Origin: Spain
  • Popular among the upper class
  • Versatile and enjoyable for various tastes

How Sherry Sour Tastes?

The Sherry Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and slightly nutty flavors. The sherry provides a rich and complex base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness to balance the sour notes, resulting in a smooth and satisfying drink.

Interesting facts about Sherry Sour

  • Sherry is a fortified wine made from white grapes, primarily grown in the Jerez region of Spain
  • There are several types of sherry, ranging from dry to sweet, which can be used to create different variations of the Sherry Sour
  • The Sherry Sour is often garnished with a lemon twist or cherry, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation

Ingredients

Sherry

Sherry is a fortified wine with a broad spectrum of flavors, from dry to sweet. In our Sherry Sour, we use 2 oz to provide a robust foundation. It's the star of the show, bringing a nutty and complex flavor profile that dances with the sour elements. If you reduce it, you might end up with a cocktail that's too tart, and if you increase it, the drink can become too heavy.

Alex Green

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is the sour counterpart to our sherry, adding 1 oz provides the perfect pucker. It's all about balance; too little and your drink is flat, too much and you're making a lemonade stand. Fresh is best – bottled juice can sometimes throw a spanner in the works with its artificial preservatives.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

Sweetness enters the stage with 0.5 oz of simple syrup. It's the peacekeeper between the sour and the sherry. Without it, the cocktail can be bracingly tart. If you're feeling adventurous, try using honey or agave syrup for a different sweet twist!

Emma Rose

Egg White

Egg white, our cocktail's frothy friend, gives a silky-soft mouthfeel and that gorgeous foam on top. The whole egg white emulsifies when shaken, making the drink smooth and luxurious. If left out, you'll miss the creamy texture that elevates the Sherry Sour from good to 'where have you been all my life?'

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

Finally, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters contribute a mysterious herbal complexity and a hint of spice. It's like adding a pinch of magic dust that ties all the flavors together. Try substituting with orange bitters for a subtle change-up in essence.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish

The garnish is the equivalent of a top hat for a cocktail. A lemon twist or cherry adds a zesty flair or a touch of sweet sophistication, respectively. It's about looks and a hint of aroma. Without it, your drink can pull off the casual look, but why not dress to impress?

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Sherry Sour Drink

  1. Combine the sherry, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters in a cocktail shaker
  2. Shake without ice for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer
  • Double strain the cocktail to remove any unwanted egg white lumps

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie: The nutty and dry profile of sherry pairs well with the savory flavors of cured meats.
  • Cheeses: Aged cheeses, such as Manchego, complement the acidity and depth of a Sherry Sour.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes, like shrimp cocktail or calamari, can balance the cocktail's tanginess.

Main Courses

  • Roasted Poultry: The refreshing citrus notes in the Sherry Sour cut through the richness of dishes like roasted chicken or turkey.
  • Paella: Enhance the Spanish vibe with a classic paella, allowing the flavors of the sherry to shine alongside the dish's saffron and seafood.

Desserts

  • Almond Cake: The nutty nuances of the cocktail go hand in hand with almond-based desserts.
  • Lemon Tart: Echoing the citrus from the lemon juice, a lemon tart marries beautifully with the Sherry Sour's acidity.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Sherry Sour

  • Sherry: Can be substituted with other fortified wines like Port or Madeira
  • Simple Syrup: Can be replaced with honey or agave syrup
  • Egg White: Can be omitted for a vegan version or replaced with aquafaba

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Sherry Berry Sour

Swap out the traditional sherry for a fruit-infused sherry like a berry sherry. Along with the other ingredients, muddle a few fresh berries at the bottom of the shaker before adding the rest of the components. This twist will introduce a fruity sweetness that complements the sherry's depth.

Nutty Amaretto Sour

Replace 1 oz of the sherry with amaretto liqueur. The sweetness of the almond-flavored amaretto will create a nuttier Sherry Sour, heightening the harmony between the sweet and sour elements of the cocktail.

Sparkling Sherry Sour

After straining the cocktail into the coupe glass, top it off with a splash of sparkling wine or cava for a celebratory fizz. The effervescence adds a lightness that makes the sherry notes dance even more lively on your palate.

In case you forgot basics how to make Sherry Sour

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Sherry Sour

What type of glass is best for serving a Sherry Sour?

A Sherry Sour is traditionally served in a chilled coupe glass. However, it can also be served in other glassware such as a rocks glass if preferred.

How do I chill a glass for serving Sherry Sour?

You can chill a glass by filling it with ice cubes and letting it sit for a few minutes. Pour out the ice cubes before pouring the cocktail into the glass.

What's the origin of the name 'Sherry'?

The name 'Sherry' is an anglicisation of Jerez, the Spanish town where the drink was first produced.

What is the alcohol content of Sherry?

The alcohol content of Sherry can vary widely, but it typically ranges from 15% to 22%.

What type of sherry is best for a Sherry Sour?

While the choice of sherry depends on personal taste, medium-dry sherries like Amontillado or Oloroso are commonly used in a Sherry Sour.

What if I don't have Angostura bitters?

If you don't have Angostura bitters, you can substitute it with other types of bitters or omit it altogether. However, the bitters add complexity to the taste of the cocktail.

More similar recipes to Sherry Sour!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe