Stone Sour

The story

The Stone Sour is a variation of the classic sour cocktail, believed to have originated in the mid-20th century. It gained popularity due to its unique combination of fruit flavors, particularly the use of apricot brandy and orange juice. This drink has remained a staple in cocktail culture for its refreshing taste and balance of sweetness and acidity.

How it tastes

The Stone Sour offers a fruity and tangy flavor profile, with the apricot brandy providing sweetness and depth, while the orange juice adds brightness. It is best served as a refreshing option during warmer months or as a light aperitif.

Getting it right

The key to a successful Stone Sour lies in the balance of ingredients and proper shaking. Ensuring that the cocktail is well-chilled and mixed thoroughly will enhance the flavors and create a smooth texture. Straining into a chilled glass is also essential for presentation.

Variations

• Stone Sour with Whiskey — Replace apricot brandy with whiskey for a richer flavor while maintaining the same citrus elements.
• Tropical Stone Sour — Incorporate pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a tropical twist.

Substitutions

• Apricot Brandy — Peach schnapps or another fruit brandy can be used as an alternative.
• Sweet and Sour Mix — You can make your own by mixing equal parts of lemon juice and simple syrup.

Questions

Can I make a Stone Sour without apricot brandy?

Yes, you can substitute apricot brandy with another fruit brandy or even whiskey for a different flavor profile.

Is the Stone Sour a strong cocktail?

With an ABV of around 10%, the Stone Sour is relatively light compared to other cocktails, making it a good choice for casual sipping.

What glass should I use for a Stone Sour?

A whiskey sour glass is recommended for serving the Stone Sour, but any short glass will work.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026