The Vodka Sour is a quick and refreshing cocktail, a sour style made with straight vodka, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white, with an estimated alcohol content of 40%. Invented in the 19th century by an English bartender as a more delicate variation of the whiskey sour, it takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for brunch time, accompanied by appetizers, but also for a summer after-dinner drink with friends.
The recipe calls for shaking the ingredients twice, first without ice, then with a few ice cubes, to chill the drink and allow the egg whites to whip up, creating the characteristic, fluffy foam on the surface. Simply pour the liquid into glasses, straining it through a sieve, and garnish with a lemon slice or, if you prefer, a candied cherry.
Vodka Sour's History & Origins
The Vodka Sour is a modern twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, which has roots dating back to the early 19th century. The original Whiskey Sour, a blend of whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white, became a popular choice in the United States in the 1800s. As vodka gained global popularity in the mid-20th century, especially in the United States, bartenders began experimenting with different spirits in traditional cocktail recipes. The Vodka Sour emerged as a variation, replacing whiskey with vodka while keeping the same refreshing balance of citrus, sweetness, and smooth texture. This version of the sour cocktail quickly became popular among those seeking a lighter, less intense option, and it remains a staple in bars today, known for its easy drinkability and versatility with different fruit flavors or garnishes.
Ingredients
How to Make a Vodka Sour
Cut the lemons in half, squeeze them and collect their juice in a small bowl.
Cut the lemons in half, squeeze them and collect their juice in a small bowl.
Then proceed to filter it with a fine mesh strainer, so as to eliminate any pulp residue and seeds. In total, you will need 60 ml of liquid.
Then proceed to filter it with a fine mesh strainer, so as to eliminate any pulp residue and seeds. In total, you will need 60 ml of liquid.
Pour the lemon juice obtained into the appropriate cocktail shaker.
Pour the lemon juice obtained into the appropriate cocktail shaker.
Add the sugar syrup and vodka.
Add the sugar syrup and vodka.
Also add the pasteurized egg white.
Also add the pasteurized egg white.
Shake vigorously for a few seconds.
Shake vigorously for a few seconds.
Decorate two glasses with half a slice of lemon.
Decorate two glasses with half a slice of lemon.
Open the shaker, add 4 or 5 ice cubes, then shake vigorously for a few seconds.
Open the shaker, add 4 or 5 ice cubes, then shake vigorously for a few seconds.
Strain the cocktail into glasses, so as not to drop the ice, and serve your vodka sour immediately.
Strain the cocktail into glasses, so as not to drop the ice, and serve your vodka sour immediately.
FAQs
Does this drink contain raw eggs?
For this recipe, we recommend using pasteurized egg whites in a carton: this way, you can consume it without incurring any health risks. Alternatively, choose very fresh, organic eggs.
What sugar syrup should I use?
Sugar syrup can be purchased in shops specializing in baking supplies or made at home by dissolving 2 parts sugar in 1 part water over a flame (in this case, 26 grams of sugar together with 13 milliliters of water), and then letting it cool completely before using it.
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