There’s something incredibly refreshing about a Gin Kiwi Sour. It’s tangy, a little sweet, and has that bright, green pop that makes it just as fun to look at as it is to sip. The fresh kiwi brings a tropical twist to a classic gin sour, and when it’s made right-lightly frothy, citrusy, and smooth-it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Gin Kiwi Sour
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s easy to make, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll be making it again and again.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Coupe or martini glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin – Use your favorite brand. A floral or citrus-forward gin works beautifully.
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh kiwi juice – About 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and blended, then strained.
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice – Fresh is key for that bright, zesty finish.
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup – Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your kiwi is.
– 1 egg white – For that silky, foamy top. Optional but recommended.
– Ice – For shaking.
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a tight lid)
– Fine mesh strainer – To catch kiwi seeds and pulp
– Jigger or small measuring cup
Method
- In a shaker (no ice yet), add the gin, kiwi juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
- Dry shake for about 20 seconds. This means shaking without ice to help the egg white foam up nicely.
- Add a generous handful of ice and shake again-this time hard-for another 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass using a fine mesh strainer to catch any seeds or pulp.
- Garnish with a thin slice of kiwi on the rim or floating on top.
Tips & Tricks
– Use ripe kiwi. It should feel slightly soft when pressed-this means it’s sweet and juicy.
– No juicer? Just blend the kiwi and strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
– Shaking without ice first helps the egg white foam up better. That’s what gives the drink its signature frothy top.
– Not into egg whites? You can leave it out, or swap in aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a vegan alternative-use about 1 tbsp.
Make-Ahead Notes
– You can prep the kiwi juice and simple syrup up to 2 days ahead. Store both in the fridge in airtight containers.
– The cocktail itself is best made fresh because of the egg white foam.
Substitutions
– Gin: Try vodka for a milder flavor or a cucumber gin for a twist.
– Lemon juice: Lime juice works too, giving it a sharper edge.
– Simple syrup: Use honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) for a more natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs perfectly with:
– Sushi – The light, clean flavors match the cocktail’s crispness.
– Grilled chicken skewers – The smoky char works well with the bright citrus and kiwi.
– Fresh fruit salad – Especially ones with melon, pineapple, or berries.
I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a little trick I picked up: if your kiwi is on the tart side, add just a touch more syrup or a splash of orange juice to round it out.
Variations to Try
Spicy Kiwi Sour
– Add a splash (0.25 oz / 7 ml) of jalapeño syrup for a kick.
– Shake everything as usual and garnish with a thin chili slice (if you’re feeling bold).
Kiwi Collins
– Replace the egg white with soda water.
– After shaking, pour over ice and top with soda water for a fizzy, tall drink.
Kiwi Mojito-Inspired
– Muddle fresh mint and kiwi together.
– Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake, strain into a glass with ice, and top with soda water.
Virgin Kiwi Sour
– Skip the gin. Use sparkling water and a splash of tonic instead.
– Still add lemon juice, kiwi juice, and syrup-shake with ice for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.
Storage
– Simple syrup: Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Kiwi juice: Best used within 2 days. Keep it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before using.
FAQ
Can I use bottled kiwi juice?
You can, but fresh kiwi really makes a difference in flavor and color.
Do I have to use egg white?
Not at all. It’s there for texture. You can leave it out or use aquafaba instead.
How do I make simple syrup?
Just combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat gently, stir until dissolved, and let it cool.
What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?
Use a mason jar with a tight lid. Just be sure to shake it really well.
Can I scale this up for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need. Shake in batches for best results.
–
This Gin Kiwi Sour is fresh, fun, and easy to make at home. Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself or shaking a batch for friends, it’s a bright, zesty cocktail that always hits the spot. Try switching up the flavors or make it a mocktail-the base recipe is super flexible. Happy shaking!
