The Raspberry Vodka Sour is a fruity, vibrant twist on the classic sour cocktail. With the perfect balance of tart raspberries, smooth vodka, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a drink that’s as refreshing as it is gorgeous. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this cocktail is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This drink is incredibly simple to make yet feels fancy enough for any occasion. The fresh raspberries add a natural tartness and a stunning color, while the vodka keeps things smooth and balanced. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a cocktail that tastes like it came from a high-end bar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown—check the full recipe card below for details.
- Fresh raspberries for that fruity punch
- Vodka for the base
- Lemon juice to brighten things up
- Simple syrup for just the right touch of sweetness
- Egg white (optional) for that creamy, frothy top
- Ice to shake it all together
Directions to Make Raspberry Vodka Sour
Step 1: Muddle the Raspberries
In a cocktail shaker, add a handful of fresh raspberries and muddle them until they’re fully crushed and juicy.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
To the shaker, add vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white (if using).
Step 3: Dry Shake
Seal the shaker (without ice) and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. This helps emulsify the egg white and create a beautiful foam.
Step 4: Add Ice and Shake Again
Open the shaker, add a handful of ice, and shake again for another 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh raspberries and lemon juice make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t skip the dry shake: If using egg whites, this step is key to achieving that silky foam on top.
- Sweeten to taste: Adjust the simple syrup depending on how sweet or tart you like your cocktails.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- No egg white? Skip it altogether or use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a vegan alternative.
- Make it sparkling: Top the cocktail with a splash of soda water or prosecco for a bubbly twist.
- Berry swap: Use blackberries or strawberries instead of raspberries for a different flavor profile.
- Herbal twist: Add a few fresh basil leaves or mint while muddling for an herby kick.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
The Raspberry Vodka Sour is a perfect aperitif to start the evening. Pair it with light appetizers like bruschetta, a cheese platter, or shrimp cocktail. For dessert, it complements fruity options like berry tarts or lemon bars beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Since this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, it’s not ideal for storing. However, you can make the raspberry puree ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just add the puree to your shaker with the other ingredients and mix it up fresh.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen raspberries?
A: Absolutely! Just let them thaw and use them in place of fresh raspberries.
Q: What’s the purpose of the egg white?
A: The egg white adds a creamy texture and creates a beautiful foam on top of the cocktail, but it’s completely optional.
Q: Can I make this non-alcoholic?
A: Sure! Replace the vodka with sparkling water or a lemon-flavored soda for a fun mocktail version.
Q: Do I need a cocktail shaker?
A: While a shaker works best, you can use a jar with a tight lid as an alternative.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Vodka Sour is a cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing, flavorful, and visually stunning. It’s the perfect drink for celebrations, date nights, or just treating yourself to something special. With its vibrant color and irresistible taste, this cocktail is sure to impress anyone who takes a sip. Cheers!
Print
Tart and Sweet Raspberry Vodka Sour Cocktail
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Tart and Sweet Raspberry Vodka Sour Cocktail is a refreshing, vibrant drink that perfectly balances the tanginess of fresh raspberries with the smoothness of vodka. This cocktail combines a hint of citrus with a touch of sweetness, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce raspberry syrup (or raspberry puree)
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional for frothiness)
- Fresh raspberries and a lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, raspberry syrup (or puree), simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
- Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh raspberries and a twist of lemon. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, adjust the simple syrup to taste.
- Using egg white creates a frothy texture, but it’s optional. If you prefer not to use it, the drink will still taste great.
- For an extra fruity twist, you can muddle some fresh raspberries into the shaker before mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg