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    Home » Cocktails » Classic Tequila Sour Recipe

    Published: Mar 31, 2022 · Updated: Aug 1, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Classic Tequila Sour Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Short cocktail glass on a tray next to a lemon and bottle of tequila with text that says "tequila sour".

    Need a tasty quick and easy tequila cocktail? No problem! This 3-ingredient Tequila Sour recipe comes together in just minutes and has a fresh lemon flavor that is perfectly refreshing to sip any time.

    A glass with a tequila sour recipe in it next to a fresh lemon and bottle of tequila.
    This tequila cocktail is so super easy but has a delightful citrus taste.

    I don't know why I didn't try this tequila sour cocktail earlier! I fell in love with the whiskey sour a few years ago but I super love tequila. So this simple drink just makes sense!

    This post is not sponsored however I did do a sponsored post with Lobos 1707 and created this tasty Ginger Tequila Lemonade. I enjoy the flavor and will be sharing more cocktails with it.

    With minimal ingredients and a fresh taste, a sour is a classic cocktail that can be modified easily with other flavors to create a bunch of drinks which is my favorite for keeping a home bar small. Also try a delish Amaretto Sour, Cherry Vodka Sour or Strawberry Whiskey Sour ASAP!

    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Tequila Sour

    Why This Recipe Works

    If you love tequila cocktails, you'll love this refreshing drink. With lemon flavor and a touch of sweetness, it's so easy to make and delightful to sip.

    Similar to a margarita (just missing the Triple Sec), this drink lets the tequila flavor shine through in a really nice way.

    This Tequila Sour with no egg is straightforward and foolproof. All you need is a shaker.

    If you're not a fan of tequila, this might not be for you (browse my vodka recipes or Moscow Mule Variations instead).

    But if you do enjoy tequila, this may become a go-to recipe for your happy hour drinking.

    Is lime more your thing? Stop what you are doing and immediately make this Tequila Gimlet Recipe! It's so so so good. And just as easy as this recipe.

    Woman holding a cocktail shaker with text next to it.

    Ingredients

    Bottle of tequila, fresh whole lemon and a bottle of simple syrup on a counter.
    • tequila
    • fresh lemon juice
    • simple syrup

    See recipe card for quantities.

    You can use agave instead of simple syrup if you prefer.

    Instructions

    Woman adding tequila to a cocktail shaker.

    Add tequila, fresh lemon juice and agave to a cocktail shaker.

    Woman shaking a cocktail shaker.

    Add ice and shake well.

    *Check out my favorite bar tools post to learn more about this cocktail shaker. It's awesome.

    Woman straining a tequila sour from a cocktail shaker into a short glass.

    Strain into a short cocktail glass. I like to sip this one straight up but you can serve it over ice if you prefer.

    I garnished this tequila sour with a small edible flower but you could also use a lemon wedge or slice.

    Note: While there are "rules" for making cocktails, I believe we can be a little more flexible when making drinks at home!

    Variations

    What is so great about mixing up classic cocktails at home is that you can modify them to create more variations or in a way that you would enjoy it more.

    • Spicy - Muddle fresh serranos or jalapenos in the cocktail shaker with the lemon juice before adding the tequila, agave and ice. Then shake up and serve!
    • Flavored syrups - Want to add another layer of flavor? Use flavored simple syrups. A strawberry simple syrup or even blackberry simple syrup would be super tasty.
    • Egg - If you're looking for a great foam on top of your cocktail (which also adds a creaminess) you can add egg. Here's how to use egg in cocktails.
    • Herbs - Whether you muddle the fresh herbs in the cocktail shaker or just use them as a garnish, herbs are a quick way to add to the drink experience.
    • Fruit - Muddle fresh fruit in the shaker as a way to add a boost of flavor. You may want to use a fine mesh sieve as you strain into the cocktail glass to remove all the fruit particles.
    • Rim the Glass - Adding a little salt or a sugared rim is a great way to add a touch of flavor and little extra fun. Or add dried rose petals! So cute!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use sweet and sour mix instead of fresh lemon juice?

    Yes, you can use sweet and sour mix instead of fresh lemon juice. But I always try to use fresh citrus whenever making cocktails. You get a brighter flavor that is so refreshing.

    Can I use a different type of liquor?

    Yes, if tequila isn't your thing, you can use whiskey, gin, rum, or vodka.

    Is there a basic ratio for creating a sour cocktail?

    Traditionally, you can use this ratio for making any kind of sour cocktail: 2 parts spirit, 1 part sweet (simple syrup) and 1 part sour (fresh citrus).

    A cocktail on a tray with a lemon a bottle of tequila and a black and white striped planter.

    A Tequila Sour is a classic, citrusy cocktail that you must make! You're going to love it!

    Make sure you don’t lose this recipe by saving it for later! Also, for more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest, Instagram and like my page on Facebook. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!

    Related Recipes

    • This Tequila and Coke is a must-try! It's totally easy and super tasty.
    • A Tequila and Soda is one of my favorite easy tequila cocktails to make. It's so simple but absolutely refreshing!
    • Red wine and tequila absolutely go together! Here are 3 Red Wine and Tequila cocktails you should try.
    • A Basil Margarita is full of fresh herbal flavor and a fun twist on a classic tequila drink.
    Close up of a short cocktail glass with a tequila sour topped with an edible flower garnish.

    Tequila Sour

    This is the best Tequila Sour recipe. This easy tequila cocktail is made with fresh lemon juice for a bright citrus flavor that is perfect for summer sipping. With just 3 ingredients, this drink is ready to enjoy in under 5 minutes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 3 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 220kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Equipment

    • 1 cocktail shaker

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces Tequila blanco
    • 1.5 ounces lemon
    • 1 ounce simple syrup

    Instructions

    • Add tequila, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
    • Add ice and shake well.
    • Strain into a fresh cocktail glass.

    Notes

    I used Lobos 1707 Tequila Joven which means it is a blanco tequila with a little bit of reposado mixed in. You can use regular silver, white or blanco tequila or reposado if you prefer.
    Variations to this cocktail recipe:
    • Spicy - Muddle fresh serranos or jalapenos in the cocktail shaker with the lemon juice before adding the tequila, agave and ice. Then shake up and serve!
    • Flavored syrups - Want to add another layer of flavor? Use flavored simple syrups. A strawberry simple syrup or even blackberry simple syrup would be super tasty.
    • Egg - If you're looking for a great foam on top of your cocktail (which also adds a creaminess) you can add egg. Here's how to use egg in cocktails.
    • Herbs - Whether you muddle the fresh herbs in the cocktail shaker or just use them as a garnish, herbs are a quick way to add to the drink experience.
    • Fruit - Muddle fresh fruit in the shaker as a way to add a boost of flavor. You may want to use a fine-mesh sieve as you strain into the cocktail glass to remove all the fruit particles.
    • Rim the Glass - Adding a little salt or a sugared rim is a great way to add a touch of flavor and little extra fun. Or add dried rose petals! So cute!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1drink | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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