Concord Sour: A Vibrant Take With Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters
Sep 15, 2025
The Concord Sour is a showstopper. It is elegant, silky and dressed in that deep purple hue Empress Gin does best. Concord grape, maple and lemon make a bright, juicy base. Our El Guapo Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters add warm spice and a gentle oaken finish that ties everything together.
If you love the texture of a classic egg white sour but want something fruit-forward and striking, this one checks every box.
Concord Sour Recipe
This cocktail is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The tartness of the lemon juice is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the maple syrup and grape juice, while the Lillet Rouge adds a layer of dry complexity. The star ingredient, our vanilla bitters, ties everything together with a warm, oaken finish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz @empress1908gin
- 1 oz Lillet Rouge
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 2 oz Concord grape juice
- Splash sparkling water
- 6 shakes El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters
- 1 Egg White
- Seasonal flower for garnish
Instructions
- Add the gin, Lillet, lemon juice, maple syrup, grape juice and bitters to a shaker with ice. Shake to chill.
- Strain out the ice and keep the liquid.
- Add the egg white and shake again without ice until the mixture turns thick and frothy.
- Add a splash of sparkling water to a coupe glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass and let the foam settle.
- Garnish with a seasonal flower.
Why Vanilla Bitters Make This Drink Shine
Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters bring warmth and depth. Think toasted marshmallow and soft oak. They weave through the egg white foam and deepen the dark fruit notes from the grape and gin. The result is a silky, aromatic cocktail that rivals any whiskey sour. No artificial anything. Just real flavor layered with purpose.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a purple gin drink?
A drink built with color-changing gin like Empress 1908. Citrus turns it from indigo to bright purple.
What do Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters taste like?
Warm vanilla, toasted marshmallow and a hint of oak.
Why use an egg white?
It gives the drink a silky texture and a thick, beautiful foam.
Can this be adapted into a whiskey sour?
Yes. Swap the gin and Lillet for bourbon or rye and skip the grape juice. Vanilla Bitters add a lovely creamy note.
