This Vodka Sour Recipe is a super simple cocktail recipe. It's made with just 3 ingredients including fresh lemon juice and homemade simple syrup.

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 Simple Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Quick and easy! Seriously it takes just about 5 minutes to shake up this drink.
- 3 ingredients. You only need vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup. Plus some ice!
- Easy to drink. Because of the minimal ingredients, this is an easy sipper.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Vodka- use your favorite vodka in this recipe.
- Fresh lemon juice- juice your own lemons! It's super easy, cheaper and tastes better.
- Simple syrup- make your own or use storebought simple syrup. If you want to use storebought simple syrup, it can be found at most liquor or grocery stores.
See the recipe card below for quantities and remaining ingredients.
Equipment
Grab what you need for this recipe:
- Knife
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail glasses
- Measuring spoons and cups needed: 1 ounce.
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds without ice.
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a glass and garnish. Voila!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 to simmer for a few minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes and transfer to an airtight container. The syrup will keep in the fridge for about a week.
It can! I prefer mine without but you can certainly add a raw egg white if you want. It will definitely add some froth to the drink. Be sure to shake the cocktail without ice if you are adding an egg.
Another great way to add foam to a cocktail is to use a few tablespoons of aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas.
Top Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice. This is such an easy cocktail recipe, please use fresh lemon juice. It will make all the difference.
- 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.
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Recipe
Vodka Sour Recipe with Fresh Lemon Juice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Juice from one lemon
- 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!
If you make this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment. I love to know what you are making and ratings help me to create more delicious recipes for you!
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice. This recipe is so simple, please use fresh lemon juice. It will make all the difference.
- Use high-quality vodka. I recommend Grey Goose, Tito's or Belvedere.
- Don't forget the garnish. I like adding lemon slices or lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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