The Apricot Stone Sour Cocktail is a fruity variation of the classic “Stone Sour” cocktail family, which typically features a spirit or liqueur, orange juice, and sour mix (or fresh citrus and sweetener) for a balanced sweet-tart profile.
It highlights apricot brandy (or apricot liqueur), giving it a sweet, stone-fruit flavor that’s refreshing and approachable—often enjoyed as a brunch cocktail or easy sipper.
Ingredients
This simple version comes from common recipes:
- 2 oz (60 ml) apricot brandy (or apricot liqueur)
- 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) orange juice
- 1–2 oz (30–60 ml) sour mix (or a mix of fresh lemon/lime juice + simple syrup)
Instructions
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Strain into a chilled sour glass or over fresh ice in an old-fashioned glass.
- Garnish with an apricot wedge, orange slice, or cherry.
Ratios can vary slightly—some recipes use equal parts (2:2:2) for balance.
A More Refined Version:
- 2 fl oz Luxardo Apricot Albicocca Liqueur (or similar high-quality apricot liqueur)
- ½ fl oz fresh orange juice
- 1 fl oz fresh lime juice
- â…™ fl oz rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water)
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 3 drops saline solution (or a tiny pinch of salt)
Shake with ice and fine-strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Garnish with an apricot wedge.
Whiskey-Based Variation (Apricot Stone Sour)
Some modern takes build on a bourbon or whiskey base:
- 1.25 oz bourbon
- 0.75 oz apricot liqueur
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.25 oz orange juice
Shake and serve over ice for a juicier, fruit-forward twist on the Whiskey Sour.
Background and Tips
“Stone Sour” refers to cocktails that add orange juice to a basic sour (spirit + lemon/lime + sweetener), distinguishing them from plain sours. The apricot version swaps or adds apricot brandy/liqueur for stone-fruit notes. Apricot brandy is often actually a sweetened liqueur rather than true distilled brandy, so quality matters—look for brands like Luxardo for better flavour.
Serve it: Chilled and not overly sweet. Fresh juice and balanced citrus keep it bright. It’s versatile for brunch, casual sipping, or as an introduction to brandy-based drinks.
Variations exist (some add egg white for foam or use whiskey as the base), but the core is that sweet apricot + citrus punch. If you’re making it at home, adjust the sweetness to taste!
