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Home » Vodka Cocktails

Jun 30, 2020 · Modified: May 29, 2023 by Kristin

Vodka Sour

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The vodka sour is perfect when you want a cocktail that’s flavorful, but not too sweet and not too sour.

vodka sour

What’s In A Vodka Sour?

Vodka sours super easy to make. It only has a couple of ingredients. Primarily, you make a vodka sour with vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an optional egg White.

It’s a crisp and refreshing beverage. And if you like other vodka cocktails like the Cosmopolitan Martini or other sours drinks like the whiskey sour, you’ll love the vodka sour.

Variations

We’re providing a recipe for a pretty standard and straightforward vodka sour. There are a couple of variations though that you might want to try out yourself.

Uhh…egg whites?

We don’t typically make our vodka sour with egg white. However, if you would like to, this is how you prepare it.

You want to put all of your ingredients into a shaker without ice. Add 1 ounce of egg white to the Shaker. Now give it one or two good shakes. This will cause the egg white to froth just a bit.

Now add ice and give it another good shake or two. This will chill the egg white and the rest of the ingredients and make the drink very frothy and delicious.

You would then pour the drink through a Hawthorn Strainer and serve chilled.

You can also use egg white substitute if you are vegan or don’t like the idea of drinking raw egg.

Bitters

Some recipes will call for a dash or three of bitters, most often Angostura. Bitters aren’t necessary to a vodka sour. However, they can add a hint of flavor that you might enjoy.

For example, Angostura bitters has a cinnamony clove type flavor. Other types of bidders are sweeter, others have a more spicy flavor to them. Try out a couple different versions and see what you like.

Flavors

Use flavored vodka to give this different flavors. For example a cherry vodka sour or a raspberry vodka sour.

When To Make Them?

One of the great things about the vodka sour is that it’s perfect for pretty much any occasion. It’s sophisticated enough that it doesn’t look out of place if you’re wearing a tux or an evening gown. But it also fits right in if you’re in a backyard patio with a group of friends.

How To Make A Vodka Sour

Equipment:

Rocks glasses (this is the set we use personally)

Jigger (we use the jigger and shaker from this set)

Shaker

Hawthorne Strainer

4″ Cocktail Pick

Get all your ingredients together and start making your drink.

Ingredients:

2 oz Vodka

1 oz lemon juice

¾ oz Simple Syrup

lemon wedge and/or 3 maraschino cherries

1 oz egg white (optional)

vodka sour

Step One

Fill shaker with ice.

Note: add ice later if making with egg white

Step Two

Add in 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, ¾ oz Simple Syrup

Step Three

Place top on shaker and give a good shake or two.

Note: if adding egg white, add ice after first shake and then shake again

Step Four

Replace lid with Hawthorne strainer and pour into rocks glass. If you prefer ice, you can skip the strainer.

Garnish with half lemon wheel peel and 3 maraschino cherries on a 4″ cocktail pick.

Serve and Enjoy!

pinterest image. text reads, "how to make a perfect vodka sour"

Recipe

vodka sour
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Vodka Sour

Mix Time3 minutes mins
Course: Drinks
Keyword: vodka sour

Equipment

  • Rocks glass
  • shaker
  • jigger
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • 1 4” cocktail pick

Ingredients

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz simple syrup
  • 3 maraschino cherries garnish
  • 1 half lemon wheel peel garnish
  • 1 egg white optional

Instructions

  • Fill shaker with ice (skip if adding egg white)
  • Add in 2 oz of vodka
  • Add 1 oz of lemon juice
  • Add ¾ oz simple syrup
  • (Optional) add 1 egg white
  • Shake a time or two (if adding egg white, add ice after shaking and shake an additional time or two)
  • strain through Hawthorne strainer into Rocks glass (skip the strainer if you prefer ice)
  • Garnish with 3 cherries and half lemon wheel peel on 4” cocktail pick
  • Enjoy!

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