How to Make a Simple Vodka Sour Cocktail Recipe

This classic vodka sour recipe is a simple sour cocktail recipe made with fresh lemon juice and regular vodka. This vodka sour cocktail is made with a homemade sour mix and is crisp and refreshing with a frothy topping. It is a perfect summer cocktail.

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How to Make a Vodka Sour

To make this delicious sour drink recipe you will need:

Ingredients

2 oz regular vodka
1 oz simple syrup or honey simple syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz egg white (or egg white from one egg)
garnish with maraschino cherries and a lemon slice

First, gather the ingredients, you will also need a cocktail shaker, a cocktail jigger, and a strainer. You can grab these items online here:

Making a Classic Sour Cocktail with Vodka and Lemon

First, fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Measure your vodka with a cocktail jigger, and add two ounces of vodka to the cocktail shaker.

Instead of using a pre-made sour mix from the liquor store or local grocery store, we are using homemade sour mix by combining fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.

To make your own simple syrup simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. It’s that easy to make simple syrup. Add the homemade simple syrup to the jigger.

homemade simple syrup in vodka sour recipe

Pour the simple syrup into the cocktail shaker.

Next, squeeze fresh lemons to get lemon juice and add the lemon juice to the shaker.

White Foam Layer

To get the white foam on this classic vodka sour drink we need raw egg whites. The frothy egg is what makes the frothy topping on the drink. Add the egg white to the cocktail shaker. One ounce of egg white is also about the same as the egg white from one egg.

egg white in sour vodka drink tp make frothy texture

Secure the top to the shaker and give this simple cocktail a shake.

Use a cocktail strainer and pour this classic cocktail into an ice-filled cocktail glass.

pour homemade vodka sour into cocktail glass

Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon slice or lemon wedge on a cocktail pick.

how to make a vodka sour without sour mix

Easy Vodka Sour Recipe

Of all vodka cocktails, this perfect cocktail is a personal favorite. It’s simple, crisp, and has an amazing frothy texture.

FAQs and Recipe Variations

Is there a vegan option or an option to make this without the raw egg white?

Yes, you can skip the egg completely and you won’t get that frothy texture. Or, you can replace the egg with 1-2 tablespoons of aquafaba. Aquafaba is the name of the liquid found in a can of chickpeas, making the option completely vegan, while still creating a bit of a layer of foam similar to the one made with the egg white.

Can I make this into a cherry vodka sour?

Actually, the cocktail recipes for vodka sour and cherry vodka sour are very similar. You can adjust this vodka sour recipe to include a cherry flavor by adding a shot of cherry grenadine.

Cocktail Mixing Must Haves

When making your own cocktails at home there are always a few essentials to have on hand. Here are a few favorites and must-haves: