Apricot brandy anchors the Stone Sour, shaken with orange juice and sweet and sour mix and strained into a whiskey sour glass. The apricot brandy's low ABV and fruit-forward character make this a lighter, sweeter member of the sour family than most, with little of the bite that a full-strength spirit would bring. At roughly 6 percent ABV it is mild and easy-drinking, often regarded as an entry-level cocktail. For newcomers it offers a gentle, approachable introduction to the spirit-citrus-sweetener structure that defines the sour.
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Stone Sour
ส่วนผสม
- Apricot Brandy 1 oz
- Orange juice 1 oz
- Sweet and Sour 1 oz
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Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled whiskey sour glass, and serve.
The Stone Sour is a simple, approachable sour cocktail made with apricot brandy, orange juice, and sweet and sour mix, shaken and strained into a whiskey sour glass. It is lighter and sweeter than most sours due to the apricot brandy's low ABV and fruit-forward character. Often considered an entry-level cocktail, it offers a gentle introduction to the sour family.
History & Origins
The Stone Sour is a modern American cocktail of disputed origin, likely emerging from American bar culture in the 1970s and 1980s when apricot brandy and sweet-and-sour mixes were popular bar staples. Some accounts suggest it was created as a gentler alternative to the Whiskey Sour for customers who preferred less spirit-forward drinks. It shares its name with the rock band of the same name, though no verified connection exists.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Sweet apricot and orange with the tangy sour mix providing a tart edge. Palate: Light and sweet with apricot brandy's fruity character leading, complemented by fresh orange juice and the tart sweet and sour mix's citrus acidity. Finish: Clean, refreshing, and slightly tart with a lingering apricot sweetness.
Pro Tip
Use freshly squeezed orange juice and homemade sour mix for a significantly cleaner, more vibrant result than commercial alternatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients in a Stone Sour?
A Stone Sour is made with apricot brandy, orange juice, and sweet and sour mix, shaken together and strained into a whiskey sour glass. The low ABV of apricot brandy and its fruit-forward sweetness make this a lighter, gentler entry into the sour cocktail family.
How does the Stone Sour differ from a classic Whiskey Sour?
The Stone Sour substitutes apricot brandy for whiskey, producing a sweeter, fruitier, and lower-ABV cocktail compared to the more assertive, spirit-forward Whiskey Sour. The addition of orange juice also differentiates it, softening the sour mix with additional fruity sweetness.
Who is the Stone Sour typically recommended for?
The Stone Sour is often recommended as an entry-level cocktail for those new to the sour category, offering an approachable sweetness without the sharp spirit character of whiskey or gin sours. It can serve as a gateway drink that introduces drinkers to the spirit-citrus-sweetener balance fundamental to the sour family.
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