This vodka sour cocktail is a crisp, tangy drink made with just vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, no egg white required. It's smooth, refreshing, and easy to shake up in minutes.
Looking for a classic vodka cocktail that's light and citrusy? 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'll also enjoy my Grapefruit Margarita with Cayenne and Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita for a spicy twist.
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Key Ingredients
- Vodka. Use your favorite vodka in this recipe. I recommend a high-quality unflavored vodka for the best flavor. If you're more of a tequila fan, try my tequila sour or even a smoky mezcal sour.
- Fresh lemon juice. The key to this recipe is using freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just doesn't cut it.
- Simple syrup. Make your own or use store-bought simple 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!
Homemade Simple Syrup
To make your own simple syrup, all you need is 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Add ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer for a few minutes until the sugar has dissolved.
- Cool the syrup for about 10 minutes and transfer 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.
Sarah's Top Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice just doesn't compare. Fresh-squeezed lemon makes this cocktail bright and balanced.
- Choose quality vodka. A smooth, unflavored vodka (like Tito's, Grey Goose, or Belvedere) lets the citrus shine.
- Garnish matters. A lemon slice, twist, or even a maraschino cherry gives the vodka sour a polished finish.
- Adjust to your taste. Balance tart lemon and sweet syrup to match your preference.
- Try variations. Add cranberry juice, bitters, or a splash of grenadine for a pomegranate vodka sour.
Serve this as part of your summer cookout menu!
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Recipe
Vodka Sour Recipe with Fresh Lemon Juice (No Egg White)
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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.4 ounces vodka, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1 ounce lemon juice, Ice
- Shake for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into cocktail glasses that are filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or wedge and enjoy!
Sarah's Tips
- Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Choose a smooth, high-quality vodka.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
- Balance sweet and sour to your taste.
- Try flavored vodka or a splash of cranberry juice for variety.
Tamisha says
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