Homemade Sweet and Sour Mix

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I came across a recipe for homemade sweet and sour mix and knew that a fresh version would be far superior to the bar mix that you get in the mixer section of the grocery store. I was absolutely right.

I am not much of a drinker these days. You see, my hangovers have become disproportionate to the amount that I drink. A two-cocktail-evening seems to translate to a two-day hangover. No fun when you have responsibilities and cannot sleep until noon and then wake up and get french fries (those were the days, no?). So when we are out and I want a mixed drink, I usually order a Vodka Collins (thank you, Sarah L., for introducing me to this little number). It is fruity and refreshing without being over sweet. And these days I only order one.

I was leafing through my good ol’ Martha Stewart Living the other day and came across a recipe for homemade sweet and sour mix and knew that a fresh version would be far superior to the bar mix that you get in the mixer section of the grocery store. I was absolutely right. I made these for a little get-together the other night (remember how I told you that I bribe people to come over and talk to me? Drinks help.)  I had these all ready, so when my peeps walked through the door after a nail-biting 4-year soccer game, it was game on. I got the thumbs up from my guests and will never buy mediocre sweet and sour mix again.

Which Drinks Use Sweet & Sour Mix? //

Sweet and sour mix is a type of syrup used to sweeten and add tartness to cocktails and other drinks. While I’ve expressed my fondness for a Vodka Collins, here are a few other popular drinks that often use sweet and sour mix:

1. Margarita: A classic margarita is made with tequila, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix.
2. Long Island Iced Tea: This popular mixed drink is made with a combination of vodka, gin, tequila, rum, triple sec, and sweet and sour mix.
3. Whiskey Sour: A whiskey sour is made with whiskey, sweet and sour mix, and sometimes a splash of orange juice.
4. Daiquiri: A daiquiri is made with rum, sweet and sour mix, and often lime juice.
5. Hurricane: A hurricane is a tropical-themed cocktail made with dark rum, light rum, sweet and sour mix, and fruit juices, such as orange and pineapple.

What Else Can I Use Sweet And Sour Mix For Besides Cocktails? //

Sweet and sour mix can be used in a variety of non-alcoholic applications as well. Here are a few ideas for using sweet and sour mix in non-cocktail recipes:
Dipping sauce: Combine equal parts sweet and sour mix with ketchup for a sweet and tangy dipping sauce for chicken fingers, fries, or other fried foods.
Glaze: Use sweet and sour mix as a glaze for grilled or baked chicken, pork, or seafood. Simply brush the mix onto the meat while it cooks and continue to baste it with the mixture until it is fully coated.
Salad dressing: Combine equal parts sweet and sour mix with olive oil and a little mustard to create a sweet and tangy salad dressing.
Cocktail sauce: Mix sweet and sour mix with some horseradish and a little hot sauce to create a spicy cocktail sauce for shrimp or other seafood.
Fruit dip: Combine sweet and sour mix with cream cheese or marshmallow fluff to create a sweet and creamy dip for fruit.
Frozen drinks: Use sweet and sour mix to make frozen slushies or granitas by mixing it with fruit juice or puree and freezing it in an ice cream maker or shallow dish.

Ingredients //

• 2/3 cup superfine or bartenders sugar (If you do not have this, give regular old sugar a whirl in the food processor, it dissolves much easier.)
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• 2/3 cup lime juice (about 12 limes)
• 6 tablespoons fresh orange juice

**This makes 2 cups of sweet and sour mix**

How To // The Steps

Step 1: Squeeze all of your juices.

Step 2: Pour them all in a bowl and whisk until dissolved. Done? Ready for cocktail time! I feel like Sandra Lee.

I like my Vodka Collins in a tall glass with lots of ice. Pour in some vodka, a good splosh, and pour over the sweet and sour mix. Give a stir and garnish with a lime slice.

How To Store Sweet And Sour Mix //

Sweet and sour mix can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.

If stored in the refrigerator, the mix may separate slightly. Simply shake the container or stir the mix to recombine the ingredients before using it.

It’s also possible to freeze sweet and sour mix in ice cube trays for easy use in small quantities. Simply pour the mix into the trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the sweet and sour mix cubes to a sealable bag or container and store in the freezer until needed.

More Cocktail Recipes //

• Traditional Glogg
• Cherry Thyme Prosecco Cocktail
• Pineapple Arugula Mojito