star spangled sour
A name indicating how I feel about the state of affairs right now.
I’m sure I’ve written this already, but I don’t really care much about July 4th. Never have. As a kid I was petrified by fireworks, as an adult fairly unfussed, and the beach lost its appeal years ago. As did having a social life. So we’ll probably spend a lowkey day at home, likely poolside because I bought cute swimwear and want to try it out.
A good cocktail is always a must, though, when any sort of holiday is involved. I’m not a star spangled person, but I am sour, and I do love a frilly little drink. A rum sour is a neat twist on the traditional whiskey sour, and this guy amps up with a bit of grapefruit juice for a different experience. The bonus? Pretty little berry-infused ice cubes to garnish.
This is really easy shit, so let’s get gettin’.
Ice, Cubed
Use whatever ice cube tray you have for this task. Any shape, and really any size. If you want to go true fancy, use the big round ice cubes and shove a bunch of berries inside. Pretty cool looking.
I used some blueberries and raspberries, but you can stick whatever sounds nice into the trays. I think watermelon would be fun (hell, even just freeze watermelon juice in the ice cube trays) or sliced up strawberries. I love the pop of color they add to the drink, and when the cubes inevitably melt, you have something to munch at the bottom of your glass.
As for the drink itself, you don’t even have to muddle anything. Just stir some white rum with honey, lemon, and grapefruit juice. I like to rim the glasses with chili sugar for a touch of spice and an elegant sparkle, then add the ice cubes and pour the drink overtop. Garnish with extra berries and a flower. Cheers.
No matter what you do, have a safe 4th. Don’t shoot fireworks off too close to your being, nor at other people, and if you pass around this tasty sip, please don’t drive.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Try out these festive summer cocktails:
star spangled sour
Ingredients
- blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, for ice cubes (optional)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz grapefruit juice
- 2-3 tsp honey, or to taste
- sparkling water, to top
Instructions
- If making the ice cubes: drop 1-2 berries in each ice slot, depending on how big the cubes will be. Cover with water and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass. Toss together the sugar and chili powder on a shallow plate, then dip and twirl the rim of the glass into the sugar to coat.
- Add the rum, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and honey to the glass. Stir to combine. Top with a few ice cubes and a splash of sparkling water, if desired.
