Strawberry-Balsamic Tequila Sour Recipe

By
Niki Achitoff-Gray
Niki Achitoff-Gray
Niki Achitoff-Gray is the former editor-in-chief at Serious Eats and a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She's pretty big into oysters, offal, and most edible things.
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Updated August 29, 2018
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Rabi Abonour

Sweet, ripe strawberries are a natural match for balsamic vinegar. Mixed with fresh lime juice and mint, the combination makes for a refreshingly tart-sweet tequila cocktail you'll want in hand all summer long.

Note: To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using. Simple syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To make balsamic syrup, combine 2/3 cup supermarket-quality balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a simmer and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until reduced by 1/3. Allow to cool before using. Balsamic syrup can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator indefinitely.

Recipe Details

Strawberry-Balsamic Tequila Sour Recipe

Active 10 mins
Total 10 mins
Serves 1 serving
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • For the Cocktail:
  • 2 1/2 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced (about 7-8 medium berries)
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (see note)
  • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice from 1 lime
  • 1/4 teaspoon homemade or store-bought balsamic syrup or glaze (see note)
  • 10 mint leaves
  • 2 ounces silver tequila (100% agave)
  • Garnish: Additional sprigs of mint and/or whole strawberry

Directions

  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries, simple syrup, lime juice, and balsamic syrup until strawberries are completely dissolved. Add mint leaves and gently tap 5 times with muddler. (Do not over-muddle mint or it will taste bitter and muddy.) Add tequila to shaker and fill 2/3 full with ice.

  2. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Using a strainer, pour into a serving glass filled with ice. Garnish with additional mint or strawberry if desired.

Special equipment

Cocktail shaker, muddler, and strainer

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