This Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour Cocktail is a refreshing drink that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly. With fresh raspberries and a splash of citrus, it’s a tasty treat!
Making this cocktail is as easy as pie! Just muddle the raspberries, mix everything together, and serve over ice. You’ll feel like a fancy bartender in no time! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A good quality vodka makes a difference as it’s the base of your cocktail. If you prefer a flavored option, try using a raspberry-flavored vodka for an extra fruity kick.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for a bright flavor. If you’re short on fresh lemons, bottled juice works, but it might be less vibrant. Use about half the amount initially, then adjust to taste.
Simple Syrup: This is easy to make by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. You can substitute honey, agave, or even maple syrup for a different sweetness profile, just remember to adjust based on their flavors.
Raspberry Liqueur vs. Fresh Raspberry Puree: If you don’t have raspberry liqueur, the puree works just as well. You can blend fresh or frozen raspberries and strain to remove seeds. For a non-alcoholic option, use just the puree with a splash of sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
Egg White: This adds frothiness and a silky texture. If you’re not comfortable using raw egg, you can skip it or use a commercial egg white replacement, like aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas).
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Foam with Egg White?
To get that perfect frothy texture that makes this cocktail special, follow these steps:
- Start by dry shaking (no ice) the ingredients with the egg white. This aerates the egg and creates a nice foam.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure it’s well mixed.
- Then add ice and shake again for another 15-20 seconds to chill the drink and make the foam even better.
If you’re using fresh raspberries, the tiny bits may also create a beautiful texture on top when you pour the drink. Enjoy the visual and textural elements of your cocktail! 🍹
Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour Cocktail
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 oz raspberry liqueur or fresh raspberry puree
- 1 egg white (optional, for frothiness)
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cocktail will take you about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to muddle the raspberries and mix everything together, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing drink without much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Raspberries:
Start by adding about 5-6 fresh raspberries to the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press them down. You want to release their juicy goodness without completely smashing them into bits—just enough to get the flavor out!
2. Add All the Ingredients:
Next, pour in the vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and raspberry liqueur or puree. If you’re using egg white for that nice frothy texture, add it in now too! This will create a creamy mouthfeel and a beautiful foam.
3. Dry Shake to Froth:
Before adding ice, put the lid on the shaker and dry shake (shake without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps to froth the egg white and mix everything well!
4. Shake with Ice:
Now, add ice cubes to the shaker, put the lid back on, and shake again. Shake vigorously for another 15-20 seconds. This cools down the cocktail and gives it that refreshing chill.
5. Strain and Pour:
Take the lid off and strain the mixture into a coupe or cocktail glass. You can use a fine-mesh strainer if you want to catch any raspberry bits for a smoother pour.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your cocktail with a few fresh raspberries on top or a twist of lemon peel for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy every sip of your zesty, sweet, and beautifully frothy Raspberry Vodka Sour!
FAQ About Easy Raspberry Vodka Sour Cocktail
Can I Use Frozen Raspberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work great. Just let them thaw slightly before muddling, or you can directly add them to the shaker. They may create a bit more liquid, so consider using a little less simple syrup to balance the sweetness.
Can I Make This Cocktail Without Egg White?
Yes, you can definitely make this cocktail without egg white! Simply skip that step. The drink will still taste fantastic; it just won’t have the frothy texture that the egg white provides.
What If I Don’t Have Simple Syrup?
No worries! You can easily make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heating gently until the sugar dissolves, then cooling it down. Alternatively, you can use honey or agave syrup, adjusting the amount to taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, if you have any leftover mixture, you can refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir, and shake with ice like before for a refreshing drink again!
