Autumn Gin Sour: A Cozy and Citrusy Twist on a Classic

As the crisp autumn air rolls in, I love embracing cocktails that bring warmth, spice, and a hint of seasonal nostalgia. That’s exactly why the Autumn Gin Sour is one of my go-to drinks when fall arrives.

It takes the classic Gin Sour and gives it a seasonal upgrade with apple cider, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup. The result? A perfectly balanced cocktail that’s both bright and cozy—ideal for sweater weather, festive gatherings, or simply unwinding after a long day.

If you’re a fan of sour cocktails but want something with a little extra fall charm, this Autumn Gin Sour is a must-try. Let’s get into how to make this smooth, tangy, and aromatic drink!

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

A perfect mix of tart, sweet, and spiced. The balance of gin, citrus, and fall flavors makes this drink shine.
Easy to make. Just a few simple ingredients and a quick shake, and you’re ready to sip!
Smooth and velvety texture. The egg white (or aquafaba) gives it a rich, silky mouthfeel.
Great for fall gatherings. Serve this at your next autumn dinner party, and it’s guaranteed to impress.

The Best Autumn Gin Sour Recipe

Ingredients

2 oz gin (a botanical gin works best)
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (balances the sweetness)
¾ oz maple syrup (adds warmth and depth)
1 oz apple cider (brings in that cozy autumn flavor)
1 egg white (for a smooth, foamy texture)
2 dashes angostura bitters (for a spiced finish)
Ice cubes
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

How to Make It

Step 1: Dry Shake the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider, and egg white. Shake without ice for about 10–15 seconds. This helps the egg white create a rich, velvety foam.

Step 2: Add Ice and Shake Again

Now, add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15–20 seconds. This chills the drink and further froths up the egg white for that signature sour cocktail texture.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. If you want a perfectly smooth drink, use a fine mesh strainer to remove any ice shards.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Drop two dashes of angostura bitters on top of the foam and swirl them with a toothpick for a beautiful design. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for a festive fall touch.

Step 5: Sip and Enjoy!

Take a moment to appreciate the aroma of citrus, gin botanicals, and warm spices before taking your first sip. It’s smooth, balanced, and full of cozy autumn flavor!

Fun Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some creative ways to customize your Autumn Gin Sour:

1. Spiced Autumn Gin Sour

Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the shaker for extra warmth.
This pairs beautifully with the apple cider and maple syrup!

2. Smoky Autumn Sour

Swap gin for mezcal to add a rich, smoky depth to the drink.
The combination of smoky, tart, and sweet is incredible.

3. Cranberry Gin Sour

Add ½ oz cranberry juice for a tart, festive twist.
Garnish with sugared cranberries for a holiday-ready cocktail.

4. No-Egg White Version

If you prefer a vegan-friendly option, swap egg white for aquafaba (chickpea water).
You’ll still get that creamy foam without using eggs.

5. Sparkling Autumn Gin Sour

Top the drink with a splash of sparkling water or prosecco for a bubbly finish.
Great for celebrations or when you want a lighter feel.

Tips for the Perfect Autumn Gin Sour

Use a quality gin. A gin with warm, herbal, or citrus-forward notes works best for this cocktail.
Fresh is best. Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and high-quality apple cider for the best flavor.
Shake well! The dry shake is essential for a creamy foam, so don’t skip it.
Adjust the sweetness. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup. If you prefer it more tart, increase the lemon juice slightly.
Chill your glass. A cold glass enhances the drinking experience and keeps your cocktail crisp.

What to Serve with an Autumn Gin Sour

This cocktail pairs beautifully with fall-inspired dishes. Here are a few perfect food pairings:

Charcuterie board with aged cheeses and nuts – The drink’s citrus and spice contrast beautifully with rich cheeses.
Roasted butternut squash or pumpkin dishes – The earthy sweetness of squash complements the maple and apple cider.
Spiced nuts or candied pecans – A crunchy snack that enhances the cozy flavors of the cocktail.
Apple pie or crisp – Because why not double down on apple flavor?
Savory rosemary crackers or breads – The herbal notes pair wonderfully with the botanicals in the gin.

Wrapping Up

The Autumn Gin Sour is the ultimate cocktail for anyone who loves the balance of bright citrus and cozy fall flavors. Whether you’re sipping this drink by the fire, at a dinner party, or while watching the leaves change outside, it’s the perfect way to embrace the season.

Are you a gin lover? Will you be trying this classic fall cocktail? Let me know in the comments if you give it a shot—or if you have any creative twists of your own! Cheers to fall and fabulous cocktails! 🍂🍸