A direct descendant of punch, the basic sour forms the template for a host of modern drinks. First mentions of the sour, made from a base spirit, citrus, sugar and water and served neat in a small bar glass, can be traced to the mid-19th century. The name—a reference to the citrus component—is a bit misleading, as the drink can be quite sweet, but this version strikes a dry and citrusy balance between gin and lemon juice. Some versions add an egg white for a frothier version, like in the Whiskey Sour, which is arguably the most iconic of the sour family.
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