The sour cocktail family is a time-honored classic, dating back to the 19th century when bartenders balanced spirits with citrus and a touch of sweetness.
The Strawberry Tarragon Sour takes inspiration from both old-world and modern craft cocktail trends. Strawberries have been a cocktail staple for decades, but tarragon is the unexpected twist.
I first experimented with this pairing after working with chefs who used tarragon in desserts. Its unique, slightly licorice-like flavor beautifully enhances the natural sweetness of strawberries.
The combination creates a sophisticated balance of sweet, tart, and herbal flavors.
Flavor Profile
Taste: Sweet, tart, and lightly herbal
Texture: Smooth and velvety with a foamy top (if using egg white)
Sweetness: Balanced with bright citrus and botanical notes
Food Pairings
I recommend pairing the Strawberry Tarragon Sour with dishes that enhance its fresh, herbal, and slightly sweet profile. Here’s why these pairings work so well:
Dark chocolate truffles: The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tart elements of the cocktail, while the subtle herbal tarragon notes add an unexpected layer of depth.
Goat cheese and honey crostini: The tangy, creamy texture of goat cheese provides a rich contrast to the tartness of the cocktail, while honey adds just a touch of sweetness that complements the strawberries.
Grilled chicken with lemon and herbs: The citrus and herb notes in the dish reflect the lemon and tarragon in the drink, making for a seamless pairing. The light smokiness of grilled chicken also adds depth to the experience.
Salmon tartare with avocado: The creaminess of avocado and the mild richness of fresh salmon pair beautifully with the bright, citrusy elements of the cocktail. Tarragon adds an elegant touch that matches the refined flavors of the tartare.
Strawberry balsamic salad: A salad with fresh strawberries, balsamic drizzle, and mixed greens enhances the drink’s fruity notes while adding an extra layer of complexity with the acidity from the balsamic.
Similar Drinks
If you like the Strawberry Tarragon Sour, you’ll probably enjoy these other creative sours and herbaceous cocktails:
Raspberry Basil Smash – A refreshing cocktail with bright raspberry flavors and fragrant basil.
Blackberry Thyme Sour – A darker, richer version with blackberries and thyme-infused syrup.
Cherry Amaretto Sour – A nuttier, deeper take on the classic sour.
Lavender Gin Sour – Floral and delicate, with a calming lavender twist.
Hibiscus Margarita – Tart and vibrant, with floral hibiscus balancing out the citrus
Strawberry Tarragon Sour
The Strawberry Tarragon Sour is a bold and herbaceous twist on the classic sour cocktail. It blends the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the slightly anise-like, earthy undertones of tarragon. Fresh lemon juice adds the necessary tartness, while a touch of simple syrup rounds out the flavors. Shaken with egg white, this cocktail develops a smooth, velvety texture with a frothy top, making it both visually appealing and deliciously balanced.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin (or vodka for a milder flavor)
- 3 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 small sprigs fresh tarragon
- 1 egg white (optional, for texture)
- Ice
- Strawberry slice and tarragon sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle: In a shaker, muddle the fresh strawberries and tarragon with simple syrup to release their flavors.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the gin (or vodka), lemon juice, and egg white if using.
- Dry Shake: Shake without ice for about 15 seconds to build the frothy texture.
- Shake Again: Add ice and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds.
- Strain & Serve: Strain into a chilled coupe or sour glass.
- Garnish: Add a strawberry slice and a tarragon sprig for a fresh, aromatic finish.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this without egg whites?
A: Absolutely. The egg white is there for texture, creating that signature velvety mouthfeel and frothy top. If you prefer to skip it, the drink will still be delicious, just a little less creamy.
Q: What’s the best way to muddle tarragon without overpowering the drink?
A: Tarragon is a strong herb, so you don’t want to overdo it. Muddle gently with the strawberries to release just enough of their oils without making the cocktail too herbal.
Q: Can I substitute another herb for tarragon?
A: Yes! If you’re not a fan of tarragon, basil, or thyme work great as alternatives while keeping that fresh, herbal touch.
Q: What spirit works best in this cocktail?
A: I prefer gin for its botanical complexity, but vodka is a good choice if you want a smoother, more neutral base that lets the strawberries shine.
Q: How can I make this a non-alcoholic cocktail?
A: Replace the gin with a splash of sparkling water or a non-alcoholic botanical spirit. The fresh fruit and herbs will still deliver plenty of flavor.