There are few flavor combinations as iconic as sweet and sour. This complementary duo can be found in all sorts of dishes, from chicken wings to salads to stir fries. And it’s also a popular choice for cocktails.

Most cocktails that include sweet and sour flavors use a simple syrup made with sugar and water. This mixture is boiled until the sugar dissolves, then cooled before use. There are variations on this basic recipe, such as using fruit juices or …