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Cocktail History
The Garden Sour is a modern cocktail that was created in 2017 by Giffard, a brand of liqueurs and syrups. The recipe was released alongside the premiere of their Rhubarbe Liqueur and was meant to highlight its unique spring-inspired flavor by pairing it with smoky mezcal, citrus, celery, and soda water.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Soda Water: This is a type of water that has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure. I used Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water.
Mezcal: This is a spirit made in Mexico with agave, sugar, and alcohol that is aged in an underground pit lined with wood. I used Del Maguey Vida Mezcal.
Rhubarb Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with rhubarb, citrus, sugar, and alcohol. This recipe specifically calls for Giffard Rhubarbe Liqueur, but I used Edinburgh Gin Distillery Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur.
Lemon Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lemon. I used freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Rich Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with 2:1 white sugar and water. I made mine using this stovetop recipe.
Celery Bitters: This is a food product made with celery, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Fee Brothers Celery Bitters.
Rhubarb Ribbon: This is a rhubarb slice that has been thinly cut into a strip.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
Peeler: This is used to peel ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Pale pink with an ombré effect
• Aroma: Light, earthy agave and rhubarb
• Taste: Cooling flavor that features mezcal depth offset with, sweet rhubarb, citrus, and celery notes
• Finish: More grassy mezcal
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “I hadn’t tried very many spring mezcal drinks before tasting this one, but the Garden Sour is the most delightful I’ve come across so far. I really liked how refreshing the recipe was, and while the mezcal is prominent, it’s not overwhelming in any way. This is another great gateway to enjoying the smoky agave spirit’s taste in other beverages, and it’s a truly lovely, light, and airy sip for this time of year.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Difford’s Guide, an online guide to cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs.
Garden Sour
The Garden Sour is a modern cocktail that was created in 2017 by Giffard, a brand of liqueurs and syrups. The recipe was released alongside the premiere of their Rhubarbe Liqueur and was meant to highlight its unique spring-inspired flavor by pairing it with smoky mezcal, citrus, celery, and soda water.
Ingredients
Method
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Add mezcal, rhubarb liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, celery bitters, cubed ice to shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh cracked ice.
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Top with soda water.
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Stir gently for 3-5 more seconds.
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Position rhubarb ribbon around the outside of the ice in the glass.
