Mixology Monday No. 82, February 17th: Sours

Some of the most iconic cocktails are Sours. Of David Embury's core six cocktails two are sours: The Daiquiri and the Sidecar.

There is a reason for this: A perfectly balanced sour is a work of art. What has happened to the Margarita shows exactly what is at stake when mixes replace bartender skill.

For this month's MxMo I suggest that we test the sour to the limit: Are there citrus besides lemon, lime and grapefruit that works in a Sour? Is citrus the only possible souring ingredient? Could vinegar or other tart fruits or vegetables be used? Let's also include the Daisies and the Fizzes - that widens the playing field with eggs and whatever makes you fizz to play with.

Let's play with the garnish - or just take Jerry Thomas's advice from The Bon Vivant's Companion: In mixing sours be careful and put the lemon skin in the glass.

Here is how you play:

• Find or create a recipe that somehow fits the definition of a Sour, a Daisy or a Fizz, then post the recipe, including a photo and your remarks, on your blog, tumblr, or website. If you lack one of those, feel free to post on eGullet’s Spirits and Cocktails forum.
• Include the MxMo logo in your post, plus links back to the Mixology Monday and Ginhound sites.
• Let me know about your post before midnight on Monday night, February 17th by posting a link to your post in the comment section on this post or by sending me an email at andreadoria56 (at) gmail (dot) com.