Star Anise Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe

If you’re itching to shake up your usual cocktail routine, the Star Anise Gin Sour might just be the ticket. It’s got that crisp gin base, but with a warm, spicy kick from star anise—definitely not your average gin and tonic.

I really enjoy how this recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into something that looks impressive but isn’t a pain to make. The star anise is subtle, but it changes the whole vibe of the drink.

If you like playing around with new flavors in your cocktails, this one’s worth a try. Here’s how I put together my own Star Anise Gin Sour at home.

Star Anise Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail is all about the mix of star anise, citrus, and gin—bright, spicy, and a little bit unexpected. I usually balance the spice with honey syrup, and aquafaba gives it that nice frothy top.

You don’t need any fancy bar gadgets, just a few basics to keep things easy and fun.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid)
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Citrus juicer
• Muddler (optional, for star anise or ginger)
• Small saucepan (if you’re making honey syrup)
• Ice cubes
• Coupe or rocks glass
• Bar spoon

A shaker really helps blend the flavors and chill the drink quickly. The fine mesh strainer catches any bits you don’t want floating around.

If I don’t have a muddler, I just use the back of a spoon to press the ginger or spices. Making honey syrup ahead of time saves a bit of hassle.

Ingredients

• 2 oz London dry gin
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 star anise pod
• 1/4 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 oz aquafaba (chickpea brine, for foam)
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• 1 oz tonic water (optional, for topping)
• Ice cubes

Fresh citrus makes a big difference, so I always squeeze it myself. Sometimes I swap out the honey syrup for just simple syrup if I’m feeling like a lighter sweetness.

Aquafaba is a solid vegan choice for foam, and tonic water gives the drink a bit of fizz if you want to stretch it out a little. The star anise and ginger bring just enough warmth.

Instructions

• Add gin, lemon juice, lime juice, honey syrup, simple syrup, aquafaba, grated ginger, and star anise to your shaker.
• Dry shake (no ice) for about 15 seconds to get that froth going.
• Toss in some ice and shake again until everything’s nice and cold.
• Fine strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
• Top with tonic water if you want it lighter.
• Express orange peel over the glass, then drop it in for garnish.
• You can discard the star anise or leave it in for extra aroma.

I usually double strain for the smoothest texture. If I’m in the mood for something bold, I skip the tonic water, but it’s fun for a lighter version.

Aquafaba in the dry shake gives the drink that creamy head—kind of like a classic sour.

Notes

Star anise brings a unique, almost licorice vibe to the drink. I’ve found that one pod is more than enough; any more and it gets overwhelming.

Ginger brightens things up and pairs well with the herbal notes in London dry gin. Aquafaba makes a stable foam, but if you’re not avoiding animal products, egg white works too.

Honey syrup adds a deeper, floral sweetness compared to plain sugar. I always use fresh lemon and lime juice for that bright, sharp kick.

Sometimes I skip the tonic water for a more concentrated flavor. The orange peel really ties it all together with a hit of citrus oil. And if gin isn’t your thing, honestly, this mix works with vodka too.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the fresh, herbaceous flavors jump out at me. The gin brings this crisp, botanical vibe—honestly, it just feels bright and clean.

Then there’s the star anise. It adds a gentle licorice note, nothing overpowering, just smooth and kind of intriguing in every sip.

I’m a fan of how that plays with the citrus from the lemon juice. The tartness slices right through any sweetness, so the drink never feels cloying.

Textures and aromas make this cocktail more fun than you’d think. I catch light floral hints from the gin, and there’s this subtle spice from the star anise that lingers on the nose.

On the tongue, the cocktail is smooth and, if you go for the egg white, there’s a creamy, silky finish. The aftertaste? It’s fresh, with a gentle mix of lemon and that whisper of star anise hanging around.

The combo of gin, citrus, and spice keeps things clear and easy to enjoy. Honestly, if you’re into bright, herbal drinks with a little kick, this one’s worth a try.