Finding The Best Gin for Gin Sour - Tips & Recommendations

Understanding the different types of gin is crucial when selecting the best gin for a Gin Sour cocktail. Like with most classic gin cocktails, dry gins are the most common type of gin and are known for their juniper-forward flavor. Citrus-forward gins have a more prominent citrus flavor and are perfect for those who prefer a lighter gin flavor. Additionally, the botanicals used in gin production play a significant role in the flavor profile of the gin and make a difference in the taste of the Gin Sour cocktail.

When choosing the best gin for a Gin Sour cocktail, there are several top gin brands to consider. Classics like Tanqueray, Beefeater 24, or Plymouth Gin work great. But more modern products like Hendrick's or Monkey 47 also make for an excellent Gin Sour.  

Each gin brand has its unique flavor profile, and it's essential to choose a gin that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail. In this article, we will explore the different types of gin, the role of botanicals in gin, and the top gin brands for Gin Sour cocktails.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the different types of gin is crucial when selecting the best gin for a Gin Sour cocktail.
• The botanicals used in gin production play a significant role and can make a difference in the taste of the Gin Sour cocktail.
• When choosing the best gin for a Gin Sour cocktail, it's essential to consider the unique flavor profiles of various gins.

Understanding the Gin Sour

The Gin Sour cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for many years. It is a simple cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and sugar. The cocktail is shaken with ice and strained into a glass. Garnish it with a lemon peel or, if you used egg white, with a few drops of Angostura bitters. 

Gin Sour Ingredients

The Gin Sour is made with a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at any liquor store or grocery store. Here are the ingredients:

• Gin: The base of the cocktail, gin is a clear spirit that is made from juniper berries and other botanicals. The type of gin used in the cocktail can affect the taste of the cocktail.
• Lemon Juice: The sour element of the cocktail, lemon juice, should be fresh for the best flavor. The amount of lemon juice used can also affect the taste of the cocktail.
• Simple syrup: The sweetener of the cocktail balances the sourness of the lemon juice. You can use a rich syrup or gomme syrup alternatively for a better mouthfeel.

Making the Gin Sour Cocktail

To make the Gin Sour cocktail, combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Then shake the drink vigorously to chill and mix the ingredients. The cocktail is then strained into a glass and garnished with a few drops of Angostura bitters and/or a lemon peel. Some even use a cocktail cherry, but I don't recommend them in this drink.

If you prefer your Gin Sour to have a frothy top of white foam, you need to add either egg white or aquafaba (aka chickpeas water). This doesn't only look better, but also improves the texture of your drink. To get a great foam, perform a dry-shake (shake without ice for 10 seconds) before shaking the cocktail with ice.

The proportions of the ingredients can vary depending on personal preference. A standard recipe for the Gin Sour is:

• 2 oz gin
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz sugar

However, some prefer a stronger or weaker cocktail and adjust the proportions accordingly.

Best Gin for Gin Sour

When making a Gin Sour, choosing the ideal gin is crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. So which gin should you use? Is genever even an option? While personal preference plays a role, certain gins work better in this classic cocktail. Here are some recommendations for the best gin to use in a Gin Sour:

1. Tanqueray London Dry Gin 

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is a classic choice for a Gin Sour. Its blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and angelica root, give it a crisp, clean taste that pairs well with the sourness of the lemon juice. It also has a higher alcohol content (47.3% ABV) than other gins, which helps it stand up to the other ingredients in the cocktail.

2. Beefeater 24 

Beefeater 24 Gin is a modern gin flavored with 12 botanicals, including Japanese sencha tea and grapefruit peel. This gin has a citrusy and floral flavor profile that pairs well with the tartness of a Gin Sour. Beefeater 24's unique blend of botanicals makes it an excellent choice for those who want to add a modern twist to their Gin Sour cocktail.

Overall, these top gin brands are perfect for creating a delicious and refreshing Gin Sour cocktail. Whether you prefer a classic London dry gin or a more modern and complex gin, there is a gin out there that will suit your taste preferences.

3. Plymouth Gin

Plymouth Gin is a unique option for a Gin Sour. It is a style of gin that is only made in one place - Plymouth, England - and has a distinct flavor profile. Its botanicals include juniper, coriander, and cardamom, which give it a slightly spicier taste than other gins. This can add a nice complexity to the cocktail, especially when paired with a sweeter simple syrup.

4. Hendrick's Gin

For those looking for a more floral and herbaceous Gin Sour, Hendrick's Gin is a great choice. Its recipe includes rose petals and cucumber, which give it a refreshing and unique taste. While it may not be a traditional choice for this cocktail, it can add a fun twist to the classic recipe.

Overall, the best gin for a Gin Sour depends on personal preference and the specific flavors you want to highlight in the cocktail. However, these four gins are great starting points for anyone looking to make a delicious and balanced Gin Sour.

5. Monkey 47 Gin

Monkey 47 Gin is a German gin that contains a whopping 47 botanicals, including lingonberries and blackberries. This complex gin has a fruity and floral flavor profile that pairs well with the tartness of a Gin Sour. Monkey 47's unique set of botanicals makes it an intriguing choice for those who want to experiment with different flavors in their Gin Sour. 

Choosing the Right Gin: Dry vs Citrus-forward vs Botanical-rich

When it comes to making a Gin Sour cocktail, the choice of gin can make a significant difference in the final taste. There are several types of gin available in the market, and choosing the right one can be daunting. In this section, we will explore the three main types of gin and their suitability for a Gin Sour cocktail.

Citrus-forward Gin for Gin Sour

Citrus-forward gin is a type of gin that has a prominent citrus flavor and aroma. It is an excellent choice for a Gin Sour cocktail as it complements the sourness of the lemon juice. Citrus-forward gin is typically made by adding citrus peels during the distillation process, giving it a refreshing and zesty taste.

Some of the popular citrus-forward gins for a Gin Sour cocktail include:

• Tanqueray No. Ten
• Bombay Sapphire
• Beefeater 24

Dry Gin for Gin Sour

Dry gin is the most common type of gin and is characterized by its juniper-forward flavor, especially in London Dry Gin. It is an excellent choice for a Gin Sour cocktail as it provides a balanced flavor that complements the other ingredients. Dry gin is typically made by distilling neutral spirits with juniper berries and other botanicals.

Our recommended dry gins for a Gin Sour cocktail include:

• Hendrick's Gin
• Plymouth Gin
• Sipsmith London Dry Gin

Botanical-rich gin for a Gin Sour

Botanical-rich gins are infused with a huge variety of botanicals, giving them a complex and layered flavor. It is an excellent choice for a Gin Sour cocktail as it provides a unique taste that can elevate the drink. Botanical-rich gin typically contains one or more unique botanicals that make these gins so unique in taste.

Some of our preferred botanical-rich gins in a Gin Sour are:

• The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
• Monkey 47 Gin
• Roku Gin

The Role of Botanicals in Gin

Gin is a spirit that is flavored with botanicals, which are a mixture of herbs, spices, and fruits. The botanicals used in gin vary, but they typically include juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel.

The botanicals used in gin are what give it its unique flavor profile. Juniper berries are the most important botanical in gin, as they lend it its distinctive piney flavor. Coriander is also commonly used in gin, as it provides a citrusy, spicy flavor. Angelica root is used in gin to add a musky, earthy flavor, while citrus peel brings bright, zesty flavors.

When making a Gin Sour cocktail, using a botanical-rich gin like Monkey 47 or The Botanist can make for a great drink. A gin with a complex flavor profile will provide a more unique and flavorful cocktail. Sometimes that's good, but in other cases, it may also ruin your drink. Choose your gin wisely, and keep in mind that it should work well with fresh lemon as this is another essential element of a Gin Sour.

Conclusion

After conducting thorough research and taste tests, it is clear that not all gins are equal in this classic cocktail. When choosing a gin for a Gin Sour, it is vital to consider the botanicals used in the distillation process. A gin with a strong juniper flavor will provide a classic taste, while a gin with more citrus or floral notes can add a unique twist to the cocktail. 

Some of the top gins for a Gin Sour cocktail include Tanqueray No. Ten, Beefeater 24, and Hendrick's. These gins offer a range of botanicals and flavors that complement the tartness of the lemon juice, and the sweetness of the simple syrup.

Ultimately, the best gin for a Gin Sour cocktail will depend on personal taste preferences. I highly recommend experimenting with different gins to find the one that suits individual tastes.