This Autumn Gin Sour is a refreshing drink, perfect for those cozy fall evenings! It mixes gin, lemon juice, and a touch of sweet maple syrup for a lovely twist.
Shaking this drink is like giving it a little dance! I love serving it over ice with a slice of lemon. It’s a fun way to toast to sweater weather! 🍂🥂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: Use a smooth gin that you enjoy! I prefer a London Dry style, but you can also go for an herbaceous gin to add extra flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best! If you’re in a pinch, you can use bottled lemon juice, but it won’t taste as fresh. Don’t skip this for the drink’s brightness!
Cherry Syrup/Grenadine: This adds a lovely color and sweet touch. If you want to keep it lighter, you could swap it with a splash of pomegranate juice for a more tart option.
Maple Syrup: This adds warmth and sweetness. For a lighter option, try agave syrup or honey. Just adjust to your taste since these are sweeter.
Egg White: This creates that beautiful foam. If you’re avoiding raw eggs, consider aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a good vegan substitute!
How Do I Create the Perfect Foam for My Drink?
Getting the right foam from the egg white or aquafaba is crucial for that nice texture. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a dry shake: Combine all liquid ingredients without ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This incorporates air and starts the emulsification.
- Then, add ice and shake again for another 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture.
- When you strain it into your glass, you’ll see that lovely creamy foam sitting on top! Don’t rush this part, as it really makes a difference in the final presentation and mouthfeel.
How to Make an Autumn Gin Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz cherry syrup or grenadine (for autumnal red color and subtle sweetness)
- 1/2 oz maple syrup (adds rich autumn flavor)
- 1/2 oz egg white (for foam and texture)
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: fresh cherries on a skewer and a lemon wedge
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Autumn Gin Sour takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll be shaking up a delightful cocktail that’s sure to impress your guests or give you a cozy treat at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients
Take a cocktail shaker and add the gin, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, cherry syrup (or grenadine), and egg white. This is where all the flavors come together to make a fantastic drink.
2. Shake It Up (Dry Shake)
Put the lid on your shaker and give it a good vigorous shake for about 15 seconds without any ice. This helps to mix and aerate the egg white, creating a nice froth!
3. Chill It Down
Now, add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Put the lid back on and shake again for another 15-20 seconds. You want it to be nice and cold!
4. Strain and Serve
Carefully strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Watch out for that beautiful foam on top – it’s a sign of a well-made cocktail!
5. Add Your Garnish
To make it look extra special, garnish your drink with fresh cherries on a skewer and a lemon wedge on the rim. It’s all about the presentation!
6. Enjoy!
Serve it right away and enjoy your frothy, autumn-inspired gin sour. Cheers to cozy flavors and fall vibes!
img src=”https://seasoningmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/autumn-gin-sour.webp” alt=””>
Can I Make This Drink Without Egg White?
Yes! If you’re looking for a vegan option or want to avoid raw egg whites, you can substitute with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). Use the same amount (1/2 oz) for a similar foamy texture.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, start by reducing the maple syrup to 1/4 oz and adjusting to your taste. You can balance it out with a bit more lemon juice if needed to enhance the tartness.
What Can I Use Instead of Cherry Syrup or Grenadine?
If you don’t have cherry syrup or grenadine, you can use pomegranate juice for a tart kick. Just keep in mind that it won’t provide the same sweetness, so you may want to add a touch more maple syrup to balance it.
How Do I Store Leftover Ingredients?
For any leftover cherry syrup or grenadine, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a month. Fresh lemon juice can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!