📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Suze
Alcohol 10%
Calories 150 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 2g
Carbohydrates 11g
Prep time 4 minutes
Picture yourself sipping on the perfect cocktail, one that dances on your palate with a harmony of bitter and sweet. The Suze Sour is a refreshing drink with a unique taste, combining the herbal bitterness of Suze liqueur, the tang of fresh citrus, and the balance of sweetness. Let’s embark on a journey through its history, flavors, and the art of mixing one yourself. Ready to begin? Grab your shaker, and let’s dive in! ⬇️
History
The Suze Sour is a modern twist on classic sour cocktails, made with Suze, a French aperitif with over a century of history. It has become a favorite for those seeking something refreshingly different. This drink captures the essence of French sophistication in a glass.
- Suze was first created in 1889 by Fernand Moureaux.
- The cocktail’s name ‘Suze Sour’ blends the liqueur’s name with the traditional ‘sour’ family of cocktails.
- It gained popularity in Parisian bars before becoming a worldwide sensation.
The taste of a Suze Sour?
A Suze Sour is a delightful balance of bitter and sweet. You’ll first notice the herbal notes of Suze, followed by the zesty kick of lemon, all smoothed out with a touch of sugar.
I find the Suze Sour to be an invigorating delight, with its complex flavors that make each sip a new discovery.
Interesting facts about Suze Sour
- Suze is made from the gentian root, which gives it a natural earthy bitterness.
- The cocktail’s bright yellow color comes from the Suze itself, which is distinctively vibrant.
- Although the drink is French in origin, it has found fans across the globe.
Ingredients 📃
- Suze: 1.5 oz (45ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 oz (30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Egg white: 1 (30ml)
- Ice: As needed
The ideal vessel for this concoction is the Old Fashioned glass. Its wide brim allows the drink’s aromatics to reach the nose, enhancing the tasting experience. Alternatively, a coupe glass could serve well, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Recipe. How to make Suze Sour 🍹
- Add 1.5 oz of Suze, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of simple syrup to your shaker.
- Include the egg white, which gives the drink its silky foam.
- Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again until chilled.
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass and enjoy.
While the Suze Sour is undeniably delicious, it’s important to sip responsibly. The drink does contain sugar, but opting for a natural sweetener like agave can reduce the calorie count. Suze itself is crafted from gentian root, which has been used for its digestive benefits!
Food Pairings
Every cocktail deserves the perfect culinary partner, and the Suze Sour is no exception. The following food pairings complement the drink’s complex profile, enhancing the overall experience.
Charcuterie
The savory flavors of cured meats balance the bitterness of the Suze Sour, making for a delightful contrast on the palate.
Grilled Vegetables
The charred, smoky taste of grilled veggies pairs wonderfully with the herbal notes of the cocktail.
Soft Cheeses
Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert offer a rich counterpoint to the Suze Sour’s sharpness.
I adore the Suze Sour for its refreshing and invigorating twist on the classic sour formula; it’s simply a joy to drink.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Adjust the simple syrup to suit your sweetness preference.
- Make sure to shake well to create the perfect frothy top.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Suze 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 Suze Sour
- Lemon juice: Can be swapped with lime for a tangier edge.
- Simple syrup: Try honey or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness.
- Egg white: Can be omitted for a lighter version or replaced with aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
Suze Sour Variations
Spiced Suze Sour
- Ingredients: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Recipe: Sprinkle the pepper into the mix before shaking for a spicy kick.
Herbal Suze Sour
- Ingredients: Include a sprig of thyme or basil.
- Recipe: Muddle the herbs with the syrup before adding the other ingredients.
Berry Suze Sour
- Ingredients: Add a handful of fresh berries.
- Recipe: Muddle berries with the syrup for a fruity twist.
A ‘Virgin Suze Sour’ would replace the Suze with a bitter non-alcoholic aperitif and exclude the egg white. Shake well with the lemon juice and syrup for a non-alcoholic treat.
Q&A
Can Suze Sour be made without egg white?
Absolutely! The egg white adds frothiness, but you can omit it for a lighter texture.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of Suze?
Yes, there are non-alcoholic bitters that mimic the flavor profile of Suze.
How can I make my Suze Sour less sweet?
Simply reduce the simple syrup, or use a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer.
What’s a quick fix if my Suze Sour is too bitter?
Try adding a bit more syrup or a splash of soda water to mellow the bitterness.
Are there health benefits to drinking Suze Sour?
In moderation, the gentian root in Suze can aid digestion, but remember, alcohol should always be enjoyed responsibly.
Can I batch make Suze Sours for a party?
Of course! Pre-mix the ingredients, excluding the ice and egg white, and shake individually when ready to serve.
