There’s something effortlessly elegant about a sour cocktail—and the Emerald Sour takes it a step further with a fresh, herbaceous twist. This vibrant drink is built around our Emerald Syrup, a blend of mint, basil, and rosemary that brings botanical depth and a touch of sweetness.
Whether you use vodka for a cleaner canvas or gin for more complexity, this cocktail is both refreshing and refined. Best of all, if you have an herb garden you are probably already growing what you need.
If you’re a fan of foam, adding a little egg white or aquafaba gives this drink a silky texture and that dreamy top layer perfect for nestling a little herb bouquet garnish. Personally, I will always add a little egg white foam to my drinks. The look and texture always makes me smile. But have no fear, it’s still tasty even without a little foam.
Sip it slowly on a spring patio or serve it at your next summer cocktail hour with friends.
Emerald Sour Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka or gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz Emerald Syrup (recipe here)
- Optional: 0.5 oz egg white or aquafaba
- Garnish: Small sprig of mint + thyme, tied together or gently placed
Instructions
- If using egg white or aquafaba, add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and giving it a dry shake (no ice) for 15 seconds to build foam.
- Add ice and shake again for 20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish with a mini herb bouquet and serve immediately.
Cocktail Tools
- Cocktail Shaker (or this Mason Jar shaker lid)
- Coupe Glasses (we also like this one and this one)
- Stemless Wine Glasses
- Channel Knife
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cocktail strainer
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Citrus juicer
- Lemon Juice
Mocktail Version – Emerald Garden Fizz
Ingredients
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz Emerald Syrup
- 2–3 oz soda water
- Optional: 0.5 oz aquafaba for foam
- Garnish with mint and thyme
Instructions
Shake lemon juice, syrup, and aquafaba (if using) in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a glass and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish.
Twists to Try
- Swap the Spirit: Try white rum for a mojito-inspired sour, or go bold with mezcal for a smoky herbal surprise (if you can drink mezcal… which sadly, I can not).
- Citrus Variations: Replace lemon with lime or a splash of grapefruit juice for a more tropical profile.
- Herb Focus: Adjust the syrup blend to highlight one herb—just mint for a cooling effect, or rosemary for a deeper, woodsy note.
- Green Tea Addition: Add a splash of green tea for a spa-day-in-a-glass vibe.
This cocktail is as much about the vibe as it is the flavor—clean, green, and totally sip-worthy.
