Angostura Sour

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We haven’t had a drink around here in a while. I don’t know what’s wrong. We’ve certainly been drinking, dranking even (Beyoncé reference—sorry, I can’t stop). Truth be told, it might be because once a delicious cocktail is poured I often don’t want to take the time to photograph it— I just want to drink it. I’ll try to be more patient and less selfish.

This little cocktail is remarkable. In addition to being delicious, it is distinguished by its use of Angostura bitters as its only alcoholic ingredient. That’s crazy! Bryan found the recipe while cleaning out some bookmarks over the weekend and we both agreed we needed to make it immediately. That very afternoon Bryan shook this beauty up and we both loved it. LOVED IT. I’ve talked about our love of Angostura bitters before (during the great (and exaggerated) bitters shortage of 2009!), and this is a wonderful showcase for the full spectrum of flavors in that ubiquitous bottle with the ill-fitting label. The bitters allegedly have restorative properties and were originally marketed as a health tonic- so this will fit in perfectly to your January juice cleanses. Bottoms up!

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Angostura Sour (from the NY Times)

  • 1 egg white
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 1/2 ounces Angostura bitters
  • 1 ounce simple syrup (50/50)

Pour the egg white and lime juice into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Add the bitters and syrup, fill with ice and shake hard for another 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

24 comments to “Angostura Sour”

  1. I’m going to need a bigger bottle of bitters!

  2. Love this. I’ve been playing around with a lot of cocktails, but never thought to use bitters this way. Great idea.

  3. There is no shame in reciting Beyoncé lyrics BECAUSE SHE IS A GODDESS.
    It just gives her more powers of epic proportions because she is a queen. Haha.
    And I totally know how you feel about wanting to drink something as soon as you pour it, smoothies and boozy drinks just look so inviting, especially when you style it just so. ^_^

  4. I haven’t made myself a drink in FOREVER! It’s just not right….and this looks so dang good.

  5. My boyfriend and I have made this a couple of times before, so I know why you devoted a blog entry to it. The egg white adds that silky texture for all the complexity of the bitters to ride upon. Amen: a truly delicious drink.

  6. Somehow I missed Your Drink. I need to catch up quick.

  7. I must try this out. Love bitters and have some in my cupboard. Bet it is amazing!

  8. Sounds delicious & creamy because of the egg! I’m a huge fan of a Trinidad sour which includes bourbon, LOTS of Angostura bitters, orgeat syrup and lemon juice.

  9. Egg white and alcohol everything! I’m feeling healthier already.

  10. Is there a trick to get that much out of the bitters bottle quickly? Does the little shaker cap pop out? I so have to try this over the weekend.

  11. Hey Whitney- I had the same thought, but it wasn’t so hard or time consuming.

  12. This drink is DELICIOUS! I have had the flu/cold for 5 long days and I just made this. I think I’m better!! Thank you!

  13. Guess what?! I can drink now!! (sort of.) This looks soooo good.

  14. This looks great! And that’s certainly my idea of a juice cleanse.

  15. Shut. The. Front. Door. Angostura as the sole alcohol?! I’m in love!! Cannot wait to try this.

  16. I’m pouting. Day 12 of the South Beach Diet – no alcohol or carbohydrates! Looks amazing, though – I’ll put it in my back pocket for later!

  17. Sipping this as a type. So good, so simple! Curious to try this with other types of bitters too. Thanks for sharing.

  18. Sipping this as I type. So good, so simple! Curious to try this with other types of bitters too. Thanks for sharing.

  19. I am a huge fan of bitters although maybe not as huge a fan as you are of Beyonce (or maybe I am)! I love mine in soda – just soda; so good. I add drops to all my cocktails as of recent though, gin & tonics, whiskey & rye, martinis (give it a try). Bitters does have healing properties; I put drops on my tongue before eating spicy meals (Urban Moonshine is my favorite for that) I am off to make an Angostura Sour….thanks for the post.

  20. Ohh, I still haven’t got totally comfortable with drinks containing eggs… But I like the bitters very much so I think I will give it a try anyway. So thanks for the inspiration!

  21. I’m on the search for the perfect coupe glass..where did you find yours?

  22. Such a pretty color! I have all the ingredients so I am probably making this tonight. Thanks!

  23. Hey Alex- I pick them up at thrift stores, you can usually find them for about $.50 each. I have an assortment. The simple ones that many bars use, are made by Libbey and are also available for cheap online.

  24. I’ve recently taken a liking to bitters and now I must make this. Also, that’s a really good photo of the finished product!

What do you think?