This easy vodka sour is one of my go-to cocktails when I want something fresh and foolproof. Made with just vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup—no egg whites required—it’s crisp, tangy, and always a hit.
Looking to switch up your cocktail routine? This vodka sour recipe is the perfect drink to enjoy after a long workday or a fun day spent at the beach. It uses just 3 ingredients and is super refreshing. The perfect balance of sour and sweet, this is a classic cocktail for happy hour.
If you love citrus cocktails you will also love my Grapefruit Margarita with Cayenne and Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita recipe.
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🌟Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Quick and easy! Seriously it takes just about 5 minutes to shake up this tasty drink.
- 3 simple ingredients. You only need vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Plus some ice! It's the perfect thing to sip on during cocktail hour.
- Easy to drink. Because of the minimal ingredients, this vodka sour cocktail is an easy sipper. Fans of vodka cocktails will also enjoy my Frozen Strawberry Moscow Mule and Cranberry Moscow Mule.
🥘Ingredients and Substitutions
- Vodka- use your favorite vodka in this recipe. I recommend a high-quality unflavored vodka for this simple drink. If you prefer tequila, try my tequila sour! Or a mezcal sour.
- Fresh lemon juice- juice your own lemons! It's super easy, cheaper and tastes better. If you prefer drinks made with lime juice, try my Cucumber Vodka Mojito instead.
- Simple syrup- make your own or use store-bought simple syrup. If you want to use store-bought sugar syrup, it can be found at most liquor or grocery stores.
See the recipe card below for quantities and remaining ingredients.
🔪Instructions
Step 1: Grab a cocktail shaker or tall glass and pour in the vodka.
Step 2: Next, pour in the simple syrup.
Step 3: Squeeze in the juice from half of a large lemon. Don't worry about the seeds as you will be straining the drink.
Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes, garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy!
💭Recipe FAQs
To make your own simple syrup, all you need is 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Add both ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Cool the syrup for about 10 minutes and transfer it to an airtight container. The syrup will keep in the fridge for about a week. You can easily make just enough syrup for a few drinks. Always remember to use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water.
It can! I prefer mine without because it's nice and simple, but you can certainly add raw egg whites if you want. It will add some froth to the drink. Make sure to use the dry shake method (without ice) if you are adding an egg. If you want the frothy topping but don't like the idea of using a raw egg, you can also use a few tablespoons of aquafaba which is the name of the liquid from a can of chickpeas.
I don't recommend preparing the entire cocktail in a pitcher before a party as the ingredients may lose their freshness and separate. You can add the lemon juice and simple syrup to a bottle ahead of time though. Just add vodka and shake it up right before serving it to your guests.
👩🏻🍳Bartender Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice. This is such an easy cocktail recipe, please use fresh lemon juice. It will make all the difference. I always recommend fresh citrus juice when making any cocktail.
- Use high-quality vodka. I recommend Grey Goose, Tito's or Belvedere.
- Don't forget the garnish. I like adding lemon slices, lemon wedges or a lemon twist. A maraschino cherry is also great for this drink.
- Adjust to your taste. Find the right balance between the tart flavor of the lemon and the sweetness of the syrup. Start with equal parts (one ounce per two cocktails) and adjust from there.
- Experiment with different flavors. To switch things up, you can add some cranberry juice, a dash of Angostura bitters, orange juice or even a splash of grenadine to make it a pomegranate vodka sour. Vodka is the best base spirit for all taste buds.
Serve this as part of your summer cookout menu!
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Recipe
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Easy Vodka Sour (No Egg Whites Needed!)
See the full post for extra tips and photos
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- Ice
Instructions
- Place ice in a cocktail shaker. Pour in the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Shake for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into cocktail glasses that are filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge and enjoy!
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Sarah's Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice. This is such an easy cocktail recipe, please use fresh lemon juice. It will make all the difference. I always recommend fresh citrus juice when making any cocktail.
- Use high-quality vodka. I recommend Grey Goose, Tito's or Belvedere.
- Don't forget the garnish. I like adding lemon slices, lemon wedges or a lemon twist. A maraschino cherry is also great for this drink.
- Adjust to your taste. Find the right balance between the tart flavor of the lemon and the sweetness of the syrup. Start with equal parts (one ounce per two cocktails) and adjust from there.
- Experiment with different flavors. To switch things up, you can add some cranberry juice, a dash of Angostura bitters, orange juice or even a splash of grenadine to make it a pomegranate vodka sour. Vodka is the best base spirit for all taste buds.
Tamisha says
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