Concord Sour: El Guapo Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters Recipe
Sep 15, 2025
The Concord Sour is an elegant and visually stunning purple gin drink for any occasion. This recipe features a silky egg white foam and is elevated by the rich flavor of El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters. The combination of Empress Gin, Concord Grape Juice, and the subtle notes of maple syrup creates a beautifully balanced and complex flavor.
It’s the perfect whiskey egg white cocktails alternative, offering the same silky mouthfeel but with a vibrant, fruity twist. Use this El Guapo Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters recipe to shake up a drink that is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Concord Sour Cocktail 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.
Concord Sour: Whiskey Egg White Cocktail Ingredients
- 1.5 oz @empress1908gin
- 1 oz Lillet Rouge
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- .5 oz Maple Syrup
- 2 oz Concord Grape Juice
- Splash Soda Water
- 6 dashes El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters
- 1 Egg White
- Seasonal flower, for garnish
El Guapo Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wet Shake: Combine the Empress Gin, Lillet Rouge, lemon juice, maple syrup, Concord Grape Juice, and El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters in a shaker with ice. Shake quickly to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Strain: Strain the ice from the shaker, leaving the liquid behind.
- Dry Shake: Add the egg white to the liquid. Dry shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds (without ice) to thoroughly emulsify the egg white and create a thick, frothy foam.
- Serve: Add a splash of chilled soda water to a coupe glass. Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the coupe glass, allowing the foam to settle on top.
- Garnish: Garnish with a seasonal flower before serving this beautiful purple gin drink.
The Perfect Integration: Vanilla Bitters and Foaming Agents
The Concord Sour is a standout purple gin drink primarily due to its texture and aromatic depth. The final layer of complexity comes from the El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters, which provide a rich, warm, and creamy aromatic finish that perfectly complements the dark fruit and botanical gin. These bitters integrate seamlessly with the egg white foam, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and ensuring this cocktail rivals any traditional whiskey egg white cocktail in terms of elegance and balance.
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 purple gin drink is a cocktail that uses a color-changing gin, such as Empress 1908 Gin, as its base. When mixed with acidic ingredients like citrus juice, the gin's color changes from a deep indigo to a vibrant purple, making for a visually striking and beautiful cocktail.
What does El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters taste like?
Our El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters provides a rich and complex flavor. It has prominent notes of warm vanilla, toasted marshmallow, and a hint of oak from the barrel-aging process. This adds a sweet, creamy dimension to cocktails without the added sugar of a syrup.
Why is an egg white used in this cocktail?
An egg white is used to create a rich, silky texture and a beautiful, thick foam on top of the drink. This is a classic technique used in many sour-style cocktails to improve the mouthfeel and presentation. The process of dry shaking is essential to achieve the perfect foam.
Can this recipe be adapted for a whiskey egg white cocktail?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for a whiskey egg white cocktail. For a classic Whiskey Sour, you would substitute the Empress Gin and Lillet Rouge with 2 oz of your favorite whiskey (like bourbon or rye), and omit the Concord Grape Juice. The combination of whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white creates a classic sour. You could also use our El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters to add a unique, creamy note to your whiskey sour.
