This Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour is a refreshing drink that combines the tartness of raspberries with smooth vodka. It’s simple to make and perfect for warm days with friends!
Honestly, if you’re looking for a drink that tastes like summer in a glass, this is it! I love serving it with a garnish of fresh raspberries—fancy, yet so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A smooth vodka is key to this cocktail. If you’re trying to avoid alcohol, you can experiment with non-alcoholic vodka alternatives that mimic the taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings brightness to the drink. If you don’t have lemons, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but fresh is always better for flavor.
Raspberry Syrup or Puree: You can use store-bought raspberry syrup for convenience, or make your own by blending raspberries with sugar. If raspberries are out of season, use frozen ones or even other berries like strawberries or blackberries.
Simple Syrup: Simple syrup adds sweetness. You can make your own easily by mixing equal parts sugar and water. For a healthier option, consider using honey or agave syrup.
Egg White: This ingredient gives the cocktail a lovely foam. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a vegan substitute.
How Do I Get the Best Foam in My Cocktail?
Getting that perfect foam can be tricky, but it’s all about the shaking technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a dry shake. This means shaking the ingredients without ice first. It allows the egg white to emulsify and creates a stable foam.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. You want to incorporate air into the mixture.
- Next, add ice cubes to the shaker and give it another shake until the mixture is well chilled. This helps to cool the cocktail without breaking the foam.
- Finally, strain into your glass with a fine strainer to ensure a smooth pour and keep the foam intact.
With these tips, you’ll achieve that lovely frothy top that will impress your guests! Enjoy your drink!
Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz raspberry syrup or raspberry puree
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg white (optional, for foam)
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cocktail takes about 5 to 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to make, so you can enjoy it in no time, whether it’s for a special occasion or just enjoying a relaxing evening at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Raspberry Base:
If you’re using fresh raspberries, start by blending a handful to create raspberry puree. If you prefer convenience, you can use store-bought raspberry syrup. This will serve as the delicious fruity base for your drink!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a shaker, combine the vodka, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup or puree, simple syrup, and the egg white if you want that lovely frothy texture. This mixture will give your cocktail that vibrant flavor you’re looking for.
3. Dry Shake to Create Foam:
Next, dry shake the mixture. This means you shake without ice for about 10 seconds. This step is essential to emulsify the egg white and allow it to create a nice foam on top of your cocktail!
4. Shake with Ice:
Add the ice cubes to the shaker, then shake again until the mix is well chilled. This part cools your drink to perfection, while also mixing all the flavors together beautifully.
5. Strain and Serve:
Now it’s time to pour! Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Straining it well removes any pulp from the raspberries and gives you a smooth finish.
6. Garnish:
Finish by garnishing with a few fresh raspberries or a twist of lemon peel on top. This adds a lovely touch and extra flavor to your cocktail!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your frothy and refreshing raspberry vodka sour! Perfect for a sunny day or a cozy evening in.
Cheers to your delightful drink that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning!
FAQ About the Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour Cocktail
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries for This Cocktail?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work just as well as fresh ones. Simply blend them into a puree while they’re still frozen, and they will seamlessly integrate into your cocktail!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cocktail?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup according to your taste. Start with the 1/2 oz specified in the recipe, then taste and add more if you prefer it sweeter!
What If I Want a Non-Alcoholic Version?
You can make a mocktail version by replacing the vodka with club soda or a non-alcoholic spirit. Keep the other ingredients the same, and you’ll have a refreshing raspberry sour without the alcohol!
Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?
For the best results, it’s best to prepare this cocktail fresh. However, you can mix the raspberry puree and other ingredients (minus the ice) ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just give it a good shake with ice right before serving!
