Star Anise Gin Sour Cocktail
This unique gin sour features bright citrus, warm star anise, honey syrup, and aquafaba for a silky foam. Herbaceous, tangy, and gently spiced—a modern twist on a classic sour, perfect for adventurous sippers.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Muddler
- Small saucepan
- Ice cubes
- Coupe or rocks glass
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz honey syrup 1:1 honey and water
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 pod star anise
- 0.25 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- 1 oz aquafaba chickpea brine, for foam
- orange peel for garnish
- 1 oz tonic water optional, for topping
- ice cubes
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 create foam.
- Add ice and shake again until cold.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
- Express orange peel over the glass and garnish. Leave star anise in for aroma, or discard as preferred.
Notes
Use only one star anise pod to avoid overpowering the drink. Ginger and aquafaba create a modern, silky sour. Swap egg white for aquafaba if not vegan. For a bolder drink, skip tonic water. Always use fresh citrus for best flavor.