Enjoying this recipe?
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
Yes, you read that right—this decadent sour is packing florals, fruit, and a touch of tartness that plays out like a well-composed cocktail symphony. The Island Plum Sour is one of those drinks that sneaks up on you—in the best way.
At first glance, it’s striking. But one sip in, and you’ll realize there’s real depth here. Think: soft rose petals, juicy plum, and a velvety texture that lingers.
This cocktail was born out of one of my late-night home bar experiments. I’d been playing with floral gins and came across a bottle of jasmine & rose-infused magic—paired it with a plum shrub I had on hand and…wow.
Suddenly, I had a cocktail that felt like a beachside garden at golden hour. It’s perfect for those in-between moments where you’re craving a cocktail that’s both approachable and elevated.
Hosting friends who’ll appreciate a cocktail that’s a little off the beaten path? Enjoying a spring or summer evening and looking for something that feels fresh, refined, and slightly adventurous? This cocktail is all you need.
Jasmine & Rose Gin is where the magic begins. Botanical and beautifully fragrant, this gin doesn’t just carry herbal pine notes—it layers in delicate florals that bloom on the palate. It’s balanced, unexpected, and sets the tone for the whole cocktail.
Plum shrub? If you’ve never worked with shrub, this is your gateway. Made with vinegar and fruit (in this case, plum), shrub brings a tangy, complex tartness that deepens the drink without overwhelming it. The plum note feels lush, almost jammy—but with an acidic edge that keeps things bright.
A sour is only as good as its acid, and lemon juice is here to cut, lift, and clarify the richer flavors. It pulls the florals and fruit into harmony while adding a familiar zing.
Simple syrup offers a touch of sweetness to round it all out. Since the plum shrub has acidity but not much sugar, this is what brings balance and softness.
Egg White is the texture maker. Shaking with egg white creates that signature silky foam, softening every edge and delivering a smooth, cloudlike finish. It’s not just aesthetic—it’s sensory.
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add ice into the shaker and shake once again to chill.
Step 3: Strain into a coupe glass and garnish.
Try swapping in a rosewater spritz or hibiscus salt rim for variations that pop visually and on the palate.
The Island Plum Sour is the kind of cocktail you make when you want to slow down, lean into something floral and thoughtful, and treat yourself (or your guests) to a drink that tells a story.
It’s simple in structure but rich in flavor—a perfect example of what happens when classic techniques meet modern flair.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
