This vegan gin sour recipe is easy and delicious. It uses aquafaba in place of egg whites for a perfectly foamy top. Made with forsythia simple syrup, it’s lightly floral, sweet-tart, and totally perfect for springtime sipping.

⭐️ What is a Vegan Gin Sour?

I’ve been obsessed with cocktails ever since going to a mixology and beverage photography retreat in England last September. They are as much fun to create as they are to drink!

This vegan gin sour recipe is made by using an electric milk frother to whiz gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and aquafaba (in place of egg whites) in a cocktail shaker. Then adding ice cubes and shaking until chilled before pouring it into a glass. It is slightly sweeter and citrus-forward than a traditional gin sour. I promise, it’s perfectly balanced, and you won’t taste the aquafaba!

Let’s unpack this delicious gin sour so you can start sipping pronto. 🙌🏼

It’s just as much fun to play with the flavor of classic cocktails, by using seasonal simple syrup. This spring, I’m loving forsythia simple syrup!

Forsythia is among my favorite edible flowers and one of the first signs of spring. There’s even a huge old bush growing in my backyard hedge! This edible flower is perfect for steeping in simple syrup. It tastes light and floral, like capturing spring in a jar. I just know you’re going to love it too!

forsythia flowers growing in a hedge — Forsythia growing in my hedge.

⭐️ Aquafaba in Cocktails

Once you discover the magic of aquafaba in cocktails, you’ll open the door to a world of beverage possibilities. It’s frothy, totally natural, and amazing!

Many cocktail recipes include raw egg whites. They help create a creamy mouthfeel and a foamy top. They also round out the sharpness of citrus and alcohol, making the drink feel more luxurious and balanced.

Happily, aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), mimics the properties of egg whites, making it an excellent vegan alternative. This is how we make a gin sour vegan without egg and zero compromises.

Does this vegan cocktail taste like aquafaba?

Fresh lemon, sweet simple syrup, and the complexity of gin conceal the aquafaba taste. If you find the taste of aquafaba very off-putting, reduce the amount to 1½ oz (3 tablespoons), keeping in mind there will be less foam. Or omit it altogether for a stronger cocktail with no foam.

🔖 Ingredients & Equipment

You’ll find the complete ingredient list with measurements and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s an overview of everything you’ll need.

Gin- Choose a gin that you really love. It makes a big difference in how the recipe tastes. I tested this recipe with London dry gin. Citrus forward or floral gins would also work well.

Aquafaba- Use in place of egg whites to make this recipe vegan. Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans).

Lemon juice- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright clean flavor.

Forsythia simple syrup- Just like regular simple syrup, only steeped with fresh forsythia blossoms.

Ice cubes- Use ice cubes instead of crushed ice, which melts quickly, diluting your drink.

Equipment:

Cocktail shaker- A cocktail shaker makes a noticeable difference when mixing cocktails with multiple ingredients. It rapidly mixes and cools the drink when shaken with ice. It also incorporates air for a smooth mouthfeel and foamy top.

Electric milk frother- This kitchen essential is the best way to get perfect froth. It’s quick, easy, and never fails.

🌼 How to Make Forsythia Simple Syrup (with photos)

When you’re ready to make this recipe, scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post. You’ll find the complete ingredient list with measurements there.

1. Add the water, sugar, and salt to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Gently stir until the whole mixture becomes a bubbling mass. Simmer for 2 minutes, reducing the heat, if necessary, while the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat.

2. Tumble the forsythia blossoms into the simple syrup. Gently mix to wet the blossoms. They will begin to wilt and turn brown, and that’s okay.

3. Transfer the mixture to a heatproof jar. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before securing the lid. Place the jar in the refrigerator for 8-72 hours to steep the blossoms. The longer the syrup steeps, the more floral it will taste.

4. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean glass jar. It will be a lovely golden yellow. Store in the fridge until ready to use. It will keep for 2 weeks.

🍸 How to Make a Vegan Gin Sour (with photos)

1. Add the gin, aquafaba, lemon juice, and forsythia simple syrup to a dry cocktail shaker. (No ice yet!) Use an electric milk frother (best option) to wiz the liquid until light and frothy. Or vigorously dry shake until frothy.

2. Fill the cocktail shaker half full of ice cubes, secure the lid, add, and shake for 30 seconds until well chilled.

3. Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist or forsythia blossoms. Enjoy!

💛 Helpful Tips

Can I make this recipe with regular simple syrup?

Yes! If forsythia blossoms are out of season, regular simple syrup will taste just as delicious.

You may also enjoy the botanical taste of lavender simple syrup or pine needle syrup in this recipe and other gin cocktails.

What type of gin works best in this recipe?

Since one-third of our drink is gin, use a gin that you really love. I’m a big fan of London dry gin and that’s what I tested this recipe with. If you like a botanical-forward gin, look for “citrus forward or floral notes” on the label.

Dry Mix First

Be sure to mix the ingredients without ice first using an electric milk frother. When the liquid is light and foamy, then go ahead and add ice cubes. This is super important to achieve a foamy top.

❓FAQs

Can you freeze aquafaba?

You sure can! In fact, I tested this recipe with frozen aquafaba. After you open a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drain the liquid into a small freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. I find it doesn’t froth as well as fresh aquafaba, though.

Are forsythia edible flowers?

Yes, forsythia flowers are an edible flower. They are mild, slightly floral, and more often used for garnish than for taste. When harvesting, make sure the blossoms are free from herbicides and pesticides.

How strong is a vegan gin sour?

This cocktail is around 13% ABV (alcohol by volume), depending on the dilution after shaking with ice. This is similar to standard white wine. It is considered a strong drink, although it doesn’t taste super strong. Definitely a sipper! 🙌🏼

🍹More Vegan Cocktails to Enjoy

The exciting thing about vegan gin sour recipe is that it is the perfect base for mixing other cocktails. Here are some more to try:

French 75

Omit the aquafaba and split the recipe between 2 champagne glasses. Top each glass with 3 oz (6 tablespoons) of champagne or sparkling wine. It’s my go-to drink when I’m feeling festive.

Vegan White Lady

Add ½ oz (1 tablespoon) of Cointreau or triple sec to the ingredients. Then follow the recipe as written. This vegan cocktail is super refreshing, poured over ice cubes in a rocks glass for summer sipping.

Classic Cocktails

Gin and Tonic with Pine Needle Syrup is a botanical twist on the classic G&T. Try it with forsythia simple syrup and lemon instead of lime this season.

Easy Homemade Vegan Baileys Irish Cream might be my favorite creamy vegan cocktail of all time. I love sharing it in decorative bottles during the holidays! It makes a great mixer for a Mudslide, Baileys White Russian, and Baileys Espresso Martini.

Voila! You are officially a mixologist! I hope you have the best time with this fun little recipe. It is the best way to celebrate spring using the first blooms of the season. 🌼

Happy sipping, and I’ll see you next time!

X,o,

Vegan Gin Sour Recipe with Forsythia Simple Syrup

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