If you're in the mood for a quick and easy cocktail, this classic vodka sour is a total winner. It’s got that perfect balance of smooth vodka, bright citrus, and just the right touch of sweetness—all topped off with a frothy egg white finish that makes it look as good as it tastes.
Lately, I’ve been making this simple cocktail on repeat. I mean, who doesn’t love a good sour drink recipe? The basic formula is super simple: a mix of liquor, citrus, and sweetener. It’s an easy go-to whether you’re winding down after a long day or mixing up drinks for happy hour.
For more delicious vodka cocktails, I recommend my Aqua Velva drink or this Black Opal cocktail, a reader favorite.
Ingredient Notes
This classic vodka cocktail is made up of three simple flavors - vodka, citrus, and simple syrup. Add an egg white for a frothy finish.
You probably have all of these simple ingredients on hand already.
- Vodka - Vodka forms the base of this cocktail so try to choose a high quality, smooth vodka that will complement the zesty and sweet flavors from the other ingredients.
- Simple Syrup - I always make my own simple syrup for my cocktail recipes, but a storebought syrup will work as well. It provides just the right amount of sweetness and helps to balance out the sourness from the lemon juice.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice will make this cocktail so much more tangy and delicious. Store bought will also work, but in my opinion it just isn't quite the same.
- Egg White - To give a sour cocktail that silky finish, we add egg white to the cocktail shaker and give it a good shake to create that beautiful creamy flavor and white foam on top.
See the recipe card below for the ingredient list with measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- Mix up the citrus - Instead of adding lemon juice, try using lime juice, orange juice, or even grapefruit juice for a slightly sharper, more vibrant taste.
- Use different sweeteners - The type of sweetener used can massively impact the taste and flavor. For a more unique taste, use Agave nectar or maple syrup instead of simple syrup.
- Flavored Vodkas - Using a flavored vodka such as a lemon vodka will add more tangy flavors to this delicious cocktail. Another great options is to try using a vanilla vodka for a hint of sweetness.
- Make it Vegan - You can replace egg whites with 2 Tablespoons of aquafaba, which is the liquid strained from a can of chickpeas.
How To Make A Vodka Sour
This vodka sour recipe is one of the easiest cocktail to make. It takes just a few minutes to mix and only requires a cocktail shaker and strainer.
- STEP ONE: Add the vodka, egg white, lemon juice, simple syrup and a few dashes of angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker and shake for at least 20 seconds.
- STEP TWO: Add the ice and shake for another 30 seconds.
- STEP THREE: Strain the cocktail into a glass and garnish.
Dry Shaking for The Best Sour Cocktail
Dry shaking a cocktail refers to adding all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shaking it without the ice at first. Then adding in the ice and shaking it for another 15-30 seconds. The reasons why dry shaking is best includes:
- Emulsification - To ensure the egg white gets thoroughly mixed with the other ingredients, dry shaking is the best option.
- Texture - For the ultimate texture, dry shaking helps to create that beautiful silky finish and frothy topping that we love so much about sour cocktails.
- Balanced Dilution - By shaking the cocktail without ice, you control the dilution separately from the chilling process.
Expert Tips
- It's all about the strain - Make sure to strain your cocktail well using a fine-mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer. This will ensure that your cocktail is the best texture and will make sure there are no unwanted bits.
- Double shake it - For the ultimate sour cocktail. Start with a dry shake that excludes the ice, then add the ice and shake it again. This will give your sour cocktail the best texture without getting diluted.
- Garnish, garnish, garnish - We love experimenting with different garnish options. Some options are: a maraschino cherry, lemon wedges, or a lemon peel.
Glassware for Serving this Cocktail
A short rocks glass, also known as an Old-Fashioned Glass, is the preferred glassware for serving this drink.
More classic sour cocktails to try:
If you have tried this recipe, we would love it if you leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below!
Consuming raw egg whites poses a risk of food-borne illness.
Recipe
Vodka Sour
Equipment
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 4 ounce Vodka
- 2 ounce Lemon Juice
- 2 ounce Simple Syrup
- 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 2 Egg Whites
- Ice Cubes
- Dried Lemon Slice garnish
Instructions
- Add the vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters and egg white to a cocktail shaker and shake for 20 seconds.4 ounce Vodka, 2 ounce Lemon Juice, 2 ounce Simple Syrup, 4 dashes Angostura Bitters, 2 Egg Whites
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake for another 30 seconds.Ice Cubes
- Strain the drink into a glass over ice and garnish with a dried lemon slice.Dried Lemon Slice
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