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Make Me a Cocktail

Vodka Sour
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.78 / 5

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Vodka Sour sits in the long-running “sour” family: a simple, reliable template built around spirit, citrus, and sweetness. While whiskey... ... more

Vodka Sour sits in the long-running “sour” family: a simple, reliable template built around spirit, citrus, and sweetness. While whiskey and gin versions have the most famous backstories, this vodka-led take keeps the same balanced idea and lets a clean base spirit take centre stage. You’ll find it reads as modern and approachable, with the focus firmly on bright lemon and a smooth, rounded texture rather than overt botanicals or barrel notes.

Expect vodka to provide a neutral backbone that carries the lemon juice’s sharp tang, while sugar or simple syrup softens the edges and brings the drink into balance. Egg white adds a silky, creamy mouthfeel and a gentle foam that makes the citrus feel less piercing. A couple of dashes of aromatic bitters sit on top, lending a fragrant, lightly spiced accent that contrasts the sweet-sour core and keeps each sip feeling structured.

Served in a lowball/rocks glass, this is a great choice when you want something crisp yet plush, with a classic-cocktail feel but an easy flavour profile. You’ll enjoy it as an aperitif, at a casual get-together, or anytime you’re in the mood for a lemon-forward drink that’s smooth, not sharp, and finishes clean.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
Base ingredient
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Vodka
Calories
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149 calories
Garnish
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Lemon, cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
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20% | 2.4 units *
Details
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Classic
Shaken

Tags

Vodka ingredient icon
Vodka cocktails
Egg ingredient icon
Top ten Egg cocktails

Lowball / rocks glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Vodka leads with a clean, neutral backbone while lemon juice brings sharp brightness, simple syrup rounds the edges, aromatic bitters add a faint spice-and-herb lift, and egg white blankets it all in a silky, foamy softness. It works because the lemon’s bite and bitters’ snap keep the syrup and egg white from feeling heavy, making it ideal for drinkers who want a smooth, approachable sour without strong botanical or barrel notes.

Method
How to make a Vodka Sour

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Vodka 60ml, Lemon juice 30ml, Sugar / simple syrup 15ml, Aromatic bitters 2 dashes, Egg 1 egg white
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into the glass, garnish with a lemon slice and a maraschino cherry and serve

Power tips
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Perform a 'reverse dry shake' by first shaking all the ingredients with ice, then removing the ice and shaking again. This method increases the frothiness of the egg white.
Use a bar spoon to gently stir the Angostura bitters on top of the egg white foam after pouring. This will create a beautiful visual effect and an aromatic layer.
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Vodka Sour masterclass

Master the craft of the Vodka Sour cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

How to Make the Perfect Vodka Sour: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why we love the Vodka Sour Cocktail Because it’s like that friend who always shows up to the party r...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Vodka Sour?

The Vodka Sour is a variation of the classic Sour cocktail, a family of drinks that includes the Whiskey Sour and the Amaretto Sour. Sours have been around since the 1800s, originally made with liquor, lemon juice, and sugar. The Vodka Sour modernizes the concept by using vodka as the spirit base, appealing to those who prefer vodka's clean, smooth taste.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I make a Vodka Sour without egg white?

Yes, you can certainly make a Vodka Sour without egg white. The egg white is traditionally used to create a silky texture and a foamy top, but it's not necessary for the taste. If you prefer to avoid egg whites, you can simply omit it. Some people use aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a vegan alternative.

Customization ideas icon

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Vodka Sour?

To adjust the sweetness of your Vodka Sour, you can modify the amount of sugar syrup used. If it's too sweet, reduce the sugar syrup slightly; if not sweet enough, add a bit more. Remember, the key to a great Vodka Sour is finding the right balance between the sourness of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the sugar syrup.

Preparation techniques icon

What's the best way to serve a Vodka Sour?

The best way to serve a Vodka Sour is cold. After shaking the ingredients with ice to chill the drink, strain it into a lowball glass filled with ice. Garnishing with a lemon slice or a cherry can add a decorative touch and a slight flavor enhancement. Serve immediately.

Faq icon

Why use Angostura bitters in a Vodka Sour?

Angostura bitters are used in a Vodka Sour to add complexity and depth to the flavor profile. Just a couple of dashes can significantly enhance the drink, providing a subtle aromatic quality that complements the sourness of the lemon and the sweetness of the sugar syrup. It's a classic ingredient in many cocktails for its ability to balance and elevate flavors.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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Cocktail Colin

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