This Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour is a fun and fruity drink! With fresh raspberries and tangy lemon juice, it’s sweet, sour, and super refreshing—perfect for warm days!
Mixing this drink is as easy as pie! I love watching the vibrant color swirl together, and trust me, your friends will be impressed when you serve these on a sunny afternoon! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: Choose a good quality vodka for the best taste. If you’re looking for a twist, try flavored vodkas like berry or citrus, but classic vodka works perfectly too. If you want a lighter drink, gin can be a fabulous alternative!
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the drink’s flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, you can use bottled juice, though it’s usually not as bright. Lime juice can also make a nice, zesty substitute.
Simple Syrup: This is easy to make at home by dissolving equal parts sugar in hot water and letting it cool. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute or reduce the amount to keep it light.
Fresh Raspberries: Fresh is best for vibrant flavor. Frozen raspberries can work too; they just need to be thawed and drained beforehand. If raspberries are hard to find, other berries like strawberries or blackberries can be great alternatives.
Egg White: This adds a lovely foaminess and texture. If you’re not comfortable using raw egg whites, you can skip it or use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), which gives a similar texture without the eggs!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Foam in My Cocktail?
Creating a frothy foam in your Raspberry Vodka Sour is all about technique. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Dry Shake: Start by shaking the ingredients without ice. This important step emulsifies the egg white, making the foam light and airy.
- Shake Vigorously: Give it a good shake for about 15 seconds. You want to combine everything well while incorporating air into the mixture.
- Second Shake: After your dry shake, add ice and shake again vigorously until chilled. This will cool your cocktail and ensure it’s mixed thoroughly.
With these steps, you’ll get that lovely, frothy top that makes this drink even more delightful! Enjoy your mixology! 🎉
Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries (plus a few for garnish)
- 1 egg white (optional, for foam)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or fresh raspberry for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cocktail takes about 5-10 minutes to prepare. Just gather your ingredients and follow the steps to mix, shake, and serve your delightful Raspberry Vodka Sour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Raspberries:
Start by placing the fresh raspberries into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle them to release their juicy goodness. Be careful not to pulverize them too much, just enough to get that lovely raspberry flavor going!
2. Add the Ingredients:
Next, pour in the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. If you decided to use the egg white for a frothy texture, add that in too. All those yummy ingredients together will bring out the classic sour flavor with a fruity twist.
3. Dry Shake:
Now it’s time to shake things up! Start with a dry shake—this means shaking the ingredients without ice first. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a nice foam. It’s an important step for that creamy texture!
4. Shake it Chilled:
Add ice cubes to the shaker and give it another good shake. This time you’ll be shaking until the mixture is well chilled, usually about 15 more seconds. You want it nice and cold!
5. Strain and Serve:
Find a chilled glass (like a coupe or stemmed glass) and strain the mixture into it. The frothy foam will sit beautifully on top. Take a moment to appreciate that gorgeous pink color!
6. Garnish:
Finish off your cocktail with a garnish! You can either place a fresh raspberry on the rim or twist a slice of lemon and drop it in. This adds a pretty touch and a hint of fragrance.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and sip on your refreshing, frothy Raspberry Vodka Sour. Cheers to delicious homemade cocktails!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen raspberries can work well! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid. While fresh raspberries provide a vibrant flavor, thawed ones can still give a lovely taste to your cocktail.
What If I Don’t Want to Use Egg White?
No problem! If you’re not comfortable using raw egg whites, you can skip it entirely. Alternatively, consider using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) to achieve a similar frothy texture without the eggs.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cocktail?
The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily adjust the simple syrup to suit your taste. Start with 3/4 oz and then add a little more if you prefer a sweeter cocktail. Remember to taste as you go to ensure you get it just right!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving again, as the ingredients may separate. Keep in mind that the foam won’t hold as well after sitting, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh!
