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Sour Mix

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Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 5 min. Cook: 10 min.

Makes

3-2/3 cups

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
Create your own sour mix at home following this easy-to-make recipe. You can adjust the flavor by using either all lemon or lime juice or varying the proportions of lemon to lime juice.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sour Mix
Sour Mix Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup lime juice

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until sugar is dissolved, 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature.
  2. Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Add lemon and lime juices. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Sour Mix Tips

What drinks use sour mix?

There are numerous ingredients available to a bartender when mixing craft cocktails, and sour mix is one of the most popular and adaptable. You'll find it in such classics as the Tom Collins and the Belmont Breeze.

What can I use instead of sour mix?

While this sour mix recipe is simple to make, we understand sometimes you need something in a hurry. Sour mix is both sweet and sour, so if you need to make a swap, you'll want to make sure you add both so the taste will be comparable. Using equal parts lemon juice or lime juice and simple syrup or soda is the safest bet.

Is homemade sour mix better than store-bought mix?

Yes, we firmly believe homemade sour mix is significantly better than any store-bought mix. It will certainly be fresher than something sitting on a store shelf. Also, if you make it yourself, you can customize it to your personal taste: You can use all of the lemon or lime or add in other citrus flavors, like grapefruit, you can increase or decrease the amount of sugar, or even swap in a little honey for a little different flavor.

How long will homemade sour mix last?

Sour mix is something you can mix up ahead of time and keep stored in your refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. If you want to store it for longer, pop it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

—James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Culinary Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 tablespoon: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 7g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.