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Homemade Sour Mix

This homemade sour mix takes about ten minutes to prepare and transforms your cocktails with the bright, clean flavors of fresh citrus. The perfect balance of tart lemon and lime with subtle sweetness creates a foundation that lets your spirits shine. Once you make this, you will never go back to bottled mix.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 cocktails
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
Citrus Base
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 5 to 6 lemons
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice about 4 limes
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional for extra brightness

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Citrus juicer or reamer
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Glass jar or bottle with tight fitting lid
  • Microplane or zester (optional)

Method
 

  1. Roll your lemons and limes firmly on the counter using your palm to break down the internal membranes and extract more juice.
  2. Cut each fruit in half and juice thoroughly using a citrus reamer or juicer. Aim for about 1 cup of lemon juice and 1/2 cup of lime juice.
  3. Pour the fresh juice through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or measuring cup to remove pulp and seeds.
  4. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, about 3 to 4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  5. If using lemon zest, add it to the warm simple syrup and let it steep for about 5 minutes to extract the essential oils.
  6. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.
  7. Strain out the zest if used, then pour the cooled simple syrup into the strained citrus juice. Whisk thoroughly until completely combined.
  8. Taste and adjust. If too tart, add simple syrup one tablespoon at a time. If too sweet, add more lemon juice.
  9. Pour the finished sour mix into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid. Label with the date and refrigerate.

Notes

For best results, let the sour mix rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using to allow flavors to meld. Store in glass rather than plastic to keep the citrus tasting bright. Keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Shake well before each use as some separation is natural.