How to Make Homemade Lemon Sour Mix

With this recipe you will become a cocktail pro in no time! Since you are here, check out this white mocha sauce, this sugar cookie syrup recipe, as well as this brown sugar syrup recipe.

This is the best lemon sour recipe!

Sometimes the store-bought lemon sour mix is full of artificial flavors and that’s why I think whenever you can make your own, go for it! Especially when it is this simple. Make a big batch using this simple recipe and keep this handy bottle of sour mix in the fridge for whenever you are ready to make your drinks you’ll have it ready. 

This is especially perfect for when you’re hosting a cocktail party and want to impress your guests by using a homemade sour drink mix!

Ingredients for this lemon sour mix

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this drink mixer. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Water: This combined with the sugar is used to make homemade simple syrup 
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works great in this. We will be using part sugar, and part water to make the simple syrup.  
• Lemon juice and Lime Juice: Fresh citrus juice will allow us to make our sour mix that much better! The fresh limes and fresh lemons pair so well together too!

How to make the best lemon sour mix?

This is how you can make a homemade lemon sour mix. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

1. Pour the white sugar and water into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves. 
2. ​Add in the lemon juice and the fresh lime juice and stir to combine. 
3. ​Remove from the heat and let it cool down completely.
4. ​Sieve the liquid into your storage container, either a bottle or a mason jar, and store it for later. 

Why do you need to make this recipe?

• This is a quick no no-fuss recipe. It only takes a few minutes of your time to make. 
• It is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. If you don’t everything can be found at your local grocery store! 
• Making this recipe at home allows you to customize it to your liking. Make it sweeter, more tangy, or whatever else you prefer. 
• This recipe is more budget-friendly because the store-bought version is a whole lot more expensive. 
• You can use this lemon sour mix in lots of cocktails, so it’s super versatile. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What is a lemon sour mix?

A lemon sour mix is a pre-made mixture used in cocktails, typically containing lemon juice and a sweetener. It is a convenient way to add the necessary sour and sweet elements to a drink without having to juice fresh lemons and measure out sugar or simple syrup each time.

Lemon sour mix can vary in sweetness and tartness depending on the brand and recipe. It is commonly used in cocktails like whiskey sours, margaritas, and other sour-style drinks.

How to store this lemon sour mix?

You can store this lemon sour mix in a tall syrup glass or you can even put it in a mason jar. Store in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. 

Can I add different citrus fruits to this sour mix?

Of course! Some delicious variations to add to your own sour mix would be adding grapefruit juice or orange juice. You could also mix in some blood oranges, key limes, yuzu, or even tangerines!

What drinks can be made with this Lemon sour recipe?

Here are some of crowd crowd-favorite cocktail recipes that can be made with lemon sour:

• Margaritas
• Boston sour
• Whiskey sour
• Lemon drop martini
• Vodka Collins
• Amaretto sour
• Rum cocktails
• Japanese lemon sour
• New York Sour
• Tom Collins

You can even use it in homemade lemonade if you don’t want an alcoholic drink! I did this and it turned out so good! 

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if fresh lemons and limes are not available.

Does Sour Mix Have Alcohol in It?

This mix doesn’t have any alcohol in it, but it can be used in your favorite cocktails which can have alcohol if you are using alcoholic drinks. I also like to make a non-alcoholic sour cocktail.

Is sour mix the same as margarita mix?

The two are very similar but the margarita mix is made with part simple syrup and part lime juice while this one is made with lemon and lime fresh juice and simple syrup. 

How to Make Homemade Lemon Sour Mix

If you enjoyed this lime lemon sour mix recipe, make sure to pin it for later!