Trinidad sour

Trinidad sour is a strong and tangy cocktail made with rye whiskey, orgeat syrup, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. It is a popular drink in Trinidad and Tobago and has gained popularity in other parts of the world as well.

Trinidad sour recipe

  • 4.5 cl Angostura bitters
  • 3 cl orgeat syrup
  • 2.25 cl fresh lemon juice
  • 1.5 cl rye whiskey

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shake well with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Directions for how to make the Trinidad sour

  1. Add 4.5 cl of Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Measure and pour 3 cl of orgeat syrup into the shaker.
  3. Squeeze 2.25 cl of fresh lemon juice and add it to the shaker.
  4. Add 1.5 cl of rye whiskey to the shaker.
  5. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  6. Close the shaker and shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
  7. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  8. Optionally, garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist or a cherry on top.
  9. Serve and enjoy responsibly.

Tips for how to make the perfect Trinidad sour

  • Use high-quality Angostura bitters for the best flavor.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled juice for a fresher taste.
  • Adjust the sweetness level to your preference by adding more or less orgeat syrup.
  • Shake the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice for at least 10 seconds for a well-mixed and frothy drink.
  • Garnish with a dash of Angostura bitters on top for a final pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Alcohol-free alternative to the Trinidad sour

One alcohol-free alternative to Trinidad Sour is the “Virgin Trinidad Sour”. This drink can be made by substituting the rye whiskey in the original recipe with a non-alcoholic alternative such as Seedlip Spice 94 or Lyre’s American Malt. Other ingredients such as orgeat, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters can be used in the same proportions as the original recipe to maintain the flavor and balance of the drink. For a sweeter version, one can add a splash of pineapple juice or honey syrup to achieve a similar taste. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a cherry for a tropical twist. The Virgin Trinidad Sour offers all the flavor and complexity of the original, without the alcohol.

Trinidad sour fun facts

  1. The Trinidad sour was invented by bartender Giuseppe Gonzalez in New York City.
  2. The drink’s signature ingredient is Angostura bitters, which is produced in Trinidad and Tobago.
  3. Despite its name, the Trinidad sour is not a traditionally sweet cocktail, as it also includes ingredients like orgeat syrup and lemon juice for balance.
  4. Many bartenders have put their own spin on the Trinidad sour recipe, including adding unexpected ingredients like sherry or IPA beer.
  5. The intense red color of the Trinidad sour comes from the Angostura bitters, which is typically used only in small amounts as a garnish.