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    Home » Blog » Beverages » Homemade Sour Mix

    Homemade Sour Mix

    Published: Mar 14, 2023 by Aimee Mars · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Homemade sour mix recipe in a pitcher.

    Your home bar isn’t complete without Homemade Sour Mix – the ultimate secret weapon for elevating cocktails. With its zingy blend of fresh lemon and lime juice, sweetened with just the right amount of sugar, it’s the perfect ingredient to add a burst of flavor to your favorite cocktails.

    Homemade sour mix in a pitcher.

    Sour Mix Uses

    Sour mix is a key ingredient in many popular cocktails, including margaritas, whiskey sours, and daiquiris. It adds a bright, tangy flavor to drinks and can be easily made at home using just a few simple ingredients. It is a versatile cocktail ingredient that can be used in a variety of drinks such as:

    1. Margaritas: Use it in place of lime juice and Simple Syrup to make a Classic Margarita or even a unique one such as a Vodka Margarita.
    2. Whiskey sours: Mix whiskey, homemade sour mix, and a dash of bitters for a refreshing and classic whiskey sour. Shake with ice and serve up or over ice.
    3. Daiquiris: Blend rum, homemade sour mix, and fruit (like strawberries or raspberries for a Raspberry Daiquiri) with ice for a frozen daiquiri that’s perfect for hot summer days.
    4. Collins cocktails: Use homemade sour mix to make a Tom Collins or a Raspberry Collins. Just add gin or vodka, soda water, and ice to a glass, and top with sour mix.
    5. Shots: Many shots such as the Green Tea Shot or the White Tea shot use sour mix and the homemade version always makes them taste better.
    6. Mocktails: Homemade sour mix can also be used to make non-alcoholic drinks. Mix it with soda water, ginger ale, or iced tea for a refreshing and flavorful mocktail.

    How to Make Homemade Sour Mix

    Sour mix recipe process steps 1 and 2.
    1. Dissolve the sugar. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.
    2. Juice the lemons and limes. While the sugar is dissolving (it won’t take long) go ahead and juice your lemons and limes. You can finish juicing them while the Simple Syrup mixture cools.
    Homemade sour mix process step 3.
    1. Add the juices. Pour both the lemon juice and lime juice into the mixture and stir it to combine.

    Ingredients Needed

    Homemade sour mix ingredients.
    • Sugar – Granulated sugar is the preferred sweetener because it dissolves easily in water, creating a consistent and smooth texture. Other sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup may have distinct flavors that could alter the taste of the sour mix.
    • Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed lemon juice is preferred because it provides a bright and tangy flavor that is difficult to replicate with bottled or concentrated lemon juice. You’ll need about 5 to 6 lemons to get 1 cup of Lemon Juice.
    • Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed lime juice is an important component of this sour mix recipe because it adds a distinct flavor and acidity that is essential to many classic cocktails. The juice of fresh limes has a bright, citrusy flavor that is difficult to replicate with bottled or concentrated lime juice.

    FAQS

    How long does homemade sour mix last?

    Homemade sour mix can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Can you freeze homemade sour mix?

    Yes, you can freeze homemade sour mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

    Can I adjust the ratio of lemon and lime juice?

    Yes, you can adjust the lemon and lime juice to your liking when making a sour mix recipe. However, keep in mind that altering the ratio may affect the overall flavor of your cocktails.

    Homemade sweet and sour mix in a pitcher.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Cool the syrup quickly. Don’t let the sugar and water mixture overheat. You want to just dissolve the sugar and to cool it quickly you can mix in ½ cup or less of ice or place it in the fridge.
    • Strain the mix. Straining the mix through a fine mesh strainer can remove any pulp or seeds from the juice, resulting in a smoother and more consistent texture.
    • Make it ahead of time. Homemade sour mix can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This can save time when making cocktails, as the mix is readily available.
    • Add flavor variations. You can add flavor variations to your homemade sour mix by infusing the mix with herbs or spices. Start with a Rosemary Simple Syrup instead or infuse the mix with thyme or cinnamon.

    Recipes that Use Sour Mix

    • Pomegranate martini garnished with orange peel.
      Pomegranate Martini
    • Clover club cocktail garnished with fresh raspberries.
      Clover Club Cocktail
    • Margaritas in two glasses with salted rim and a bowl of limes behind.
      Simple Margarita Recipe
    • Rum margarita in a glass with a mint leaf.
      Rum Margarita Recipe
    Homemade sour mix in a pitcher.

    Sour Mix Recipe

    Your home bar isn't complete without Homemade Sour Mix – the ultimate secret weapon for elevating your cocktails. With its zingy blend of fresh lemon and lime juice, sweetened with just the right amount of sugar, it's the perfect ingredient to add a burst of flavor to your favorite cocktails.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 3 cups
    Calories: 285kcal
    Author: Aimee Mars

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Citrus Juicer

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Sugar
    • 1 cup Water
    • 1 cup Lemon Juice
    • ½ cup Lime Juice

    Instructions

    • Dissolve the sugar. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.
    • Juice the lemons and limes. While the sugar is dissolving (it won't take long) go ahead and juice your lemons and limes. You can finish juicing them while the Simple Syrup mixture cools.
    • Add the juices. Pour both the lemon juice and lime juice into the mixture and stir it to combine.

    Notes

    • Cool the syrup quickly. Don’t let the sugar and water mixture overheat. You want to just dissolve the sugar and to cool it quickly you can mix in ½ cup or less of ice or place it in the fridge.
    • Strain the mix. Straining the homemade sour mix through a fine mesh strainer can remove any pulp or seeds from the juice, resulting in a smoother and more consistent texture.
    • Make it ahead of time. Homemade sour mix can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. This can save time when making cocktails, as the mix is readily available.
    • Add flavor variations. You can add flavor variations to your homemade sour mix by infusing the mix with herbs or spices. Start with a Rosemary Simple Syrup instead or infuse the mix with thyme or cinnamon.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 69g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AimeeMarsLiving or tag #AimeeMarsLiving!

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