If you love a cocktail that feels elegant but approachable, the Blackberry Earl Grey Sour is going to win you over. This drink brings together bold bourbon (or gin if you prefer a lighter, more botanical base), the citrusy floral depth of Earl Grey tea, and the natural sweetness of blackberries.
The result is a cocktail that’s layered and just the right amount of tart.
Much like a classic sour, the balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetness shines through here. But the addition of blackberry and Earl Grey syrup takes it into a whole new dimension, adding complexity without complicating the recipe (those tannins from the tea really do wonders).
Use egg white or aquafaba for a silky foam on top, and you’ll have a bar-worthy drink in your own kitchen.
Some people don’t like the smell of egg white, and especially not aquafaba, so float a few drops of blackberry juice or Earl Grey Syrup on top of the foam to bring those drink aromas to the front.
Oh, and make sure you always use FRESH eggs in your sours. You shouldn’t smell your egg white if your eggs are fresh.
Twist Ideas
- Gin Botanical Boost: Use gin to bring out floral notes and complement the Earl Grey.
- Berry Swap: Try raspberries or blueberries instead of blackberries for a fun seasonal variation.
- Honey Infusion: Replace simple syrup with honey Earl Grey syrup for a richer sweetness. WARNING: the honey flavor will change the Earl Grey taste and can overpower it.
- Sparkling Finish: Add a splash of soda water on top for a lighter, spritz-like style.
Why You’ll Love It
- Beautifully Balanced: Sweet berries, tart lemon, and aromatic tea flavors in every sip.
- Customizable Base: Works with bourbon for richness or gin for a lighter, herbal feel.
- Craft Cocktail Feel: Egg white (or aquafaba) adds that professional foamy texture.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Blackberries shine in summer, but frozen berries work year-round.
Blackberry Earl Grey Sour Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or gin
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Earl Grey syrup (simple syrup steeped with Earl Grey tea)
- 0.5 oz blackberry purée (or muddle 4–5 fresh blackberries)
- Optional: 0.5 oz egg white or aquafaba
- Garnish: skewer of blackberries or a small lavender sprig
Instructions
- Add bourbon or gin, lemon juice, Earl Grey syrup, blackberry purée, and egg white/aquafaba (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
- Dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to create foam.
- Add ice and shake hard again for another 15–20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries or a sprig of lavender.
Mocktail Version
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Earl Grey syrup
- 0.5 oz blackberry purée
- 2 oz soda water
Shake with ice, strain into a coupe or rocks glass, and garnish with blackberries or lavender.
