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With vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and an egg white, this vodka sour is a simple cocktail that is refreshingly tart.
I love putting twists on classic cocktails, from a chocolate old fashioned to a vodka sunrise to a peach daiquiri to a black mojito to a Tajín margarita.
While the classic sour cocktail is made with whiskey, I had a bottle of vodka on hand so I decided to mix it up.
Why This Recipe Works
- It is a spin on a whiskey sour.
- It is a drink that is both tart but also super refreshing because of the lemon juice that is offset by a slight sweetness from the simple syrup.
- Uses just 4 ingredients, so it is quick to prepare.
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Ingredient Notes
- Vodka - use quality vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere. While it's called vodka sour for a reason, you can also try whiskey or even rum.
- Lemon juice - where the sourness comes from with this sour cocktail. You can also use lime juice or even orange juice.
- Simple syrup - adds a slight sweetness and mellows out the tartness of the lemon juice. You can buy or make your own, which means boiling equal parts sugar and water and then letting cool.
- Egg white - adds frothiness, viscosity and mouthfeel to the cocktail, but isn't necessary. If you are concerned about raw eggs, you can just omit it.
Step-by-Step Photos
Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.
Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake for an additional 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled glass and top with a lemon peel.
FAQs
A sour is a mixed drink with a base liquor, citrus juice, sweetener and sometimes egg whites. They come in many varieties.
If you want a more traditional sour cocktail, just use the same amount of whiskey.
No. Egg whites will have very little effect on the cocktail's taste. They add a nice rich, silky, foam texture. So it is all about preference.
If you want some foam but are concerned about raw egg, you can try Ms. Better's Bitters. It is vegan and actually works in creating foam!
I personally like using a coupe glass, but an old fashioned whiskey glass works as well.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use a vodka you like as the flavor comes from it.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just isn't as good.
- You can replace the lemon juice with lime juice if you prefer.
- Do a dry shake first before adding the ice which cools the drink but strengthens the foam
- Chill the glass so it remains cold for longer.
Other Cocktails
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Vodka Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and add a lemon slice as garnish.
Notes
- Use a vodka you like as the flavor comes from it.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just isn't as good.
- You can replace the lemon juice with lime juice if you prefer.
- Do a dry shake first before adding the ice which cools the drink but strengthens the foam
- Chill the glass so it remains cold for longer.
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