Sunset Citrus Aviation Sour
A vibrant, tangy cocktail blending fresh citrus and smooth gin, inspired by the soaring skies of Southwest Airlines. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together gin, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 1 egg white (optional for foam)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: If using, add 1 egg white to the shaker for a silky foam texture.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass using a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and egg white residue.
- Step 5: Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam and use a toothpick to create a decorative pattern.
- Step 6: Garnish by expressing a thin strip of orange peel over the surface, twisting to release oils, then place it elegantly on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunset Citrus Aviation Sour take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Sunset Citrus Aviation Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover sunset citrus aviation sour in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunset Citrus Aviation Sour?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sunset Citrus Aviation Sour for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sunset Citrus Aviation Sour?
Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
