Drambuie Sour Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Whisky
Alcohol 16%
Calories 230 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 20g
Prep time 2 minutes

Imagine finding the perfect balance of sweet, spice, and everything nice in a glass. That’s the Drambuie Sour, a cocktail that weaves a tale with each sip. Here, we’ll explore its rich history, tantalizing taste, and how to craft it to perfection. Ready to become a Drambuie Sour connoisseur? Let’s dive in ⬇️

History

The Drambuie Sour is a timeless cocktail with a Scottish twist, born from the legendary Drambuie liqueur. It’s treasured for its unique blend of flavors and has been enjoyed for generations. This drink is more than just a mix; it carries a legacy in every glass.

• The name ‘Drambuie’ is derived from the Scottish Gaelic phrase ‘an dram buidheach’, meaning ‘the drink that satisfies’.
• Drambuie itself is a golden liqueur made from scotch whisky, honey, herbs, and spices.
• The Drambuie Sour became popular as a way to soften the strong flavors of the liqueur while highlighting its complexity.

The taste of a Drambuie Sour?

A sip of a Drambuie Sour is like a symphony in your mouth, with the sharpness of lemon cutting through the smooth, sweet honey. It’s a refreshing concoction that leaves you with a warm, herbal aftertaste, reminding you of its Scottish roots.

I have a soft spot for Drambuie Sours because they balance sweetness and tartness just right, making them a captivating drink for any occasion.

Interesting facts about Drambuie Sour

• Drambuie was reputedly the secret recipe of Bonnie Prince Charlie, which he brought to Scotland in 1745.
• During Prohibition in the United States, the Drambuie Sour was a clever disguise for the potent taste of bootlegged spirits.
• The cocktail has evolved over time, with bartenders around the world adding their own twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

• Drambuie: 1.5 oz (45ml)
• Fresh lemon juice: 1 oz (30ml)
• Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
• Egg white (optional): 1
• Angostura bitters: a dash
• Ice cubes

Old Fashioned glass is the iconic choice for serving a Drambuie Sour, as its wide brim allows the aromas to tantalize your senses before each sip. Alternatively, a Whiskey Tumbler can also cradle the cocktail comfortably, offering a similar sensory experience.

Recipe. How to make Drambuie Sour

1. Combine 1.5 oz of Drambuie, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of simple syrup in a shaker.
2. If desired, add 1 egg white for a frothy texture.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
4. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a dash of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.

The Drambuie Sour, while delightful, is indeed a treat to be sipped in moderation. It’s rich in flavor but also in sugar and calories. For a lighter twist, swap out simple syrup for a natural sweetener and enjoy the same complex flavors with a tad less guilt.

Food Pairings

Every sip of a Drambuie Sour can be elevated with the right food companion. Here are some perfect pairings to enhance your cocktail experience.

Charcuterie

The herbal notes of Drambuie Sour make it a fantastic companion to a platter of cured meats and artisan cheeses, balancing saltiness with its sweet and sour profile.

Spicy Appetizers

The zesty lemon in a Drambuie Sour cuts through the heat of spicy dishes like buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers, creating a harmonious taste sensation.

Dark Chocolate

The sweetness of Drambuie and the bitterness of dark chocolate are a match made in heaven, contrasting and complementing each other in every bite and sip.

I’m partial to the warmth that a Drambuie Sour brings, it’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds, with just enough zing to keep things interesting.

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Bartender Advice

• Always use fresh lemon juice for a bright and zesty flavor that can’t be mimicked by bottled versions.
• For an extra smooth texture, don’t skip the egg white—it adds a silky froth that elevates the drink.
• Experiment with the amount of simple syrup to find the perfect balance between sweet and sour to suit your personal taste.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Drambuie Sour, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Drambuie Sour

• Simple syrup: Adjust the sweetness or use honey for a different kind of sweet profile.
• Lemon juice: Try lime juice for a tangier twist on the classic sour.
• Bitters: Experiment with different bitters to add unique undertones to your cocktail.

Drambuie Sour Variations

Rusty Nail Sour

• Ingredients: Add Scotch whisky to the classic recipe.
• Recipe: Mix Drambuie with Scotch and lemon juice, then shake and serve over ice.

Thistle Sour

• Ingredients: Incorporate Cointreau and orange juice.
• Recipe: Blend Drambuie with Cointreau, orange juice, and lemon, then shake and serve chilled.

Highland Margarita

• Ingredients: Tequila and triple sec join the mix.
• Recipe: Combine Drambuie, tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, shake well, and serve with a salt rim.

To make a non-alcoholic version of the Drambuie Sour, simply mix lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of non-alcoholic bitters. Shake well with ice, pour into your glass, and garnish with a cherry.

Q&A

What makes the Drambuie Sour unique?

It’s the Drambuie! This liqueur’s blend of honey and spices gives the cocktail a distinctive sweetness and depth that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Can I make a Drambuie Sour without egg white?

Absolutely, the egg white is optional. It’s used primarily to add a creamy texture and a frothy top, but the drink will still be delicious without it.

Is there a specific type of bitters I should use?

Angostura bitters are the traditional choice, but feel free to experiment with others to find your favorite flavor.

How can I make my Drambuie Sour less sweet?

Try reducing the simple syrup or swapping it for a less sweet alternative, like agave nectar or a sugar-free substitute.

What’s the best way to garnish a Drambuie Sour?

A classic lemon twist or a maraschino cherry works beautifully, but an orange slice or a sprig of fresh mint could be delightful twists.

Can I batch make Drambuie Sours for a party?

You sure can! Mix the ingredients in a large jug, but leave out the ice until you’re ready to serve to keep it from diluting.