Can You Make a Sour Cocktail Without Alcohol?

non-alcoholic sour cocktail in a coupe glass, lemon garnish

Classic Sour cocktails are praised for their bright citrus, balanced sweetness, and foamy texture—but alcohol isn't a requirement to enjoy this style. With the right ingredients, it's easy to mix a zero-proof Sour that delivers full flavor and satisfying complexity.

What Goes Into a Non-Alcoholic Sour?

To mimic the structure of a traditional Sour while skipping the spirit, you’ll need three core elements:

Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice for bright, acidic backbone
A sweetener like simple syrup, agave nectar, or honey syrup
A non-alcoholic base: choose from zero-proof whiskey alternatives, non-alcoholic gin, or even sparkling water for gentle fizz and complexity
Optional: egg white or aquafaba for silky mouthfeel and foam

Non-Alcoholic Sour Cocktail Recipe (Classic Style)

60 ml non-alcoholic spirit (whiskey or gin alternative, or soda water)
30 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml simple syrup (or adjust to taste)
Optional: 15 ml aquafaba (for foam)
Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish

How to Make It

Add all ingredients to a shaker (including aquafaba if using).
Shake without ice for 10 seconds to create foam.
Add ice, shake hard for 10–12 more seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.

ingredients for non-alcoholic sour cocktail on wood

Tips for a Flavorful Zero-Proof Sour

Try different non-alcoholic bases—some have botanicals or spices for extra depth.
Balance acidity and sweetness to suit your palate; start with equal parts lemon and sweetener, then adjust.
Experiment with bitters (there are also alcohol-free bitters) to add aromatic complexity.

Sour cocktails shine when their acid, sweetness, and body are in harmony. With careful mixing, spirit-free Sours can be just as satisfying and celebratory as their boozy cousins.