A Suze Sour is one of those cocktails that’s both simple and full of character. It’s bright, a little bitter, and has a silky texture that makes every sip feel special. Made with Suze, a French liqueur known for its earthy gentian root base, this drink brings a refreshing twist to the classic sour. I’ve made this cocktail countless times, and it always hits the spot-especially when I want something a little different from the usual.
Suze Sour
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Old Fashioned glass or coupe glass
Ingredients
– Suze: 1.5 oz (45 ml)
– Fresh lemon juice: 1 oz (30 ml)
– Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15 ml)
– Egg white: 1 (or about 30 ml)
– Ice: Enough to fill your shaker
Method
- Pour the Suze, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.
- Add the egg white. This gives the drink its smooth, frothy top.
- Dry shake first-shake everything without ice for about 15 seconds. This helps the egg white foam up nicely.
- Add a good handful of ice to the shaker. Then shake again, this time until the outside of the shaker feels cold-about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass or a coupe glass for a more elegant touch.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same zing.
– Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a drier drink, reduce the syrup to ¼ oz (7 ml).
– If you’re not into raw egg white, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) is a great vegan alternative. Use about 30 ml.
– To get that perfect foam, make sure to shake hard during the dry shake.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the Suze, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Don’t add the egg white or ice until you’re ready to shake and serve-those need to be fresh for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines when paired with small bites. Here are a few of my go-to snacks when I serve a Suze Sour:
– Charcuterie: The saltiness of cured meats balances the drink’s bitter edge.
– Grilled vegetables: Especially ones with a bit of char-think zucchini, peppers, or eggplant.
– Soft cheeses: Brie or Camembert add creaminess that plays nicely with the tart citrus.
About Suze & Its Flavor
Suze is a French aperitif that’s been around since 1889. It’s made with gentian root, which gives it a distinct herbal bitterness and earthy depth. The flavor is bold-kind of like a more floral cousin of Campari, but without the sweetness. Its bright yellow color comes naturally from the gentian root.
When mixed into a sour, Suze’s bitterness is mellowed by the citrus and simple syrup. The result is a cocktail that’s layered, refreshing, and just a little unexpected.
I thought I’d share this recipe because it’s become my go-to cocktail for warm evenings-especially when I want something that feels a little fancy without being fussy.
Substitutions & Variations
Want to change things up? Here are a few easy swaps and twists:
- Citrus: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a more tropical edge.
- Syrup: Use honey syrup (equal parts honey and water) or agave nectar instead of simple syrup.
- No egg white? Leave it out for a lighter version or use aquafaba for a vegan option.
Try These Flavor Variations
Spiced Suze Sour
– Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper before shaking for a subtle heat that plays well with the bitterness.
Herbal Suze Sour
– Muddle a sprig of thyme or basil with the syrup before adding the rest of the ingredients for an herbal twist.
Berry Suze Sour
– Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries with the syrup to bring a fruity brightness to the drink.
Virgin Suze Sour
– Use a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif in place of Suze and skip the egg white. Shake with lemon juice and syrup for a refreshing mocktail.
Common Questions
Can I skip the egg white?
Yes! The egg white adds texture and foam, but the drink is still delicious without it.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of Suze?
There are non-alcoholic bitters available that mimic Suze’s flavor. Look for gentian-based aperitifs.
How do I fix a Suze Sour that’s too bitter?
Add a little more syrup or a splash of soda water to round it out.
How sweet is this cocktail?
It’s balanced. If you like it drier, use less syrup. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more.
Can I make a batch for a party?
Absolutely! Mix the Suze, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time in a pitcher. Keep it chilled. When it’s time to serve, shake individual portions with egg white and ice.
Final Thoughts
The Suze Sour is one of those drinks that keeps surprising you. It’s got a little bitterness, a little brightness, and a lot of personality. Whether you’re new to Suze or already a fan, this cocktail is an easy way to enjoy its complex flavor. Serve it with a few good snacks, and you’ve got yourself a great start to any evening.
