What is one characteristic of a sour cocktail?

A sour cocktail is defined by its hallmark balance between acidity and sweetness. This balance is typically achieved through the use of fresh citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, which introduces the acidic component, and a sweetener, such as simple syrup or another liqueur, which smooths out the tartness.

The equilibrium between these two elements is crucial as it allows the flavors to complement each other, creating a refreshing drink that is neither overwhelmingly sweet nor excessively tart. This contrasts sharply with options that suggest either a lack of acidity or a dominance of sweetness or other flavor profiles, which deviate from the classic characteristics of sour cocktails.

Understanding this balance is fundamental for bartenders as it influences the overall taste and drinkability of the cocktail, making the accurate combination of sour and sweet essential for creating quality sour cocktails.