Simple Vodka Sour Recipe
This easy Vodka Sour recipe is a classic, 3-ingredient cocktail that is easy to drink and takes just moments to mix together. Made with refreshing lemon juice with a hint of sweetness from the simple syrup it is an easy cocktail you can dress up or down depending on your mood.
A vodka sour drink is an absolute classic cocktail that you may be ignoring. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make (and even easier to drink!) vodka cocktail, this drink has you covered.
I’ve also included lots of ways you can jazz up and customize your drink at the bottom of this post.
Why I love this recipe
If you’ve never tried a vodka sour cocktail before you’re in for a real treat!
Made with just vodka, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup (where you can choose to add more sweetness if that is how you like your drinks) I’m pretty obsessed with these at the moment.
Related: Cherry Vodka Sour
I love to share easy cocktail recipes to help you make the most of your home bar and this one is not only super tasty but it’s fairly easy to keep the ingredients on hand.
Smooth and tart, this drink is simple but delicious enough to share with friends!
Ingredients
To make this easy vodka sour recipe you will need:
You can use your favorite vodka or whatever you already have.
Fresh lemon juice is important here because you can really taste it in the finished drink. And it’s literally the only flavoring in the drink.
In a pinch, you can substitute bottled lemon juice but it won’t have the same brightness.
And you can use lime juice which will essentially turn it into a gimlet.
I’ve used store-bought but you can also make your own simple syrup if you prefer.
Sour recipes traditionally contain a raw egg white which gives it a foamy texture, but I know some people don’t like raw egg in their drinks so I’ve left it out.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.
Directions
Step 1
Squeeze and measure out the fresh lemon juice. I love this citrus squeezer to get all the juice out of the lemon.
Step 2
Add the vodka, the fresh lemon juice and the simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
Step 3
Garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry. Delish!
Variations
- Meyer lemon – the simplest way to upgrade your vodka sour is to make it with fresh Meyer lemon juice for a sweeter more complex lemon flavor. It’s just a different variety of lemon but IT’S SO GOOD!
- Add bitters – I still maintain there is not a classic cocktail out there that cannot be improved with a dash of your favorite cocktail bitters.
- Use a flavored syrup or vodka – switch out the simple syrup for a flavored simple syrup. An infused vodka would add a more subtle extra flavor.
- Add club soda – add a dash of club soda to the drink and stir gently just before adding the garnish for a lighter, slightly fizzy drink.
- Add more flavors – Grenadine adds a sweet cherry flavor, but you can get creative and add a splash of fruit juice, muddle fresh fruit or add herb to make this recipe your own.
Top tips
- If you’re making a bunch of these at once (it is a great quick cocktail if you have people over) squeeze the lemon juice up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge.
- The basic ratio for a classic sour is four parts spirit, two parts citrus and one part sweet. I’ve adjusted this to my own tastes in this recipe and you should too.
- You can easily switch out any ingredient; gin and tequila will work well in place of the vodka, lime juice for the lemon, and any flavored simple syrup that works with your chosen citrus flavors for there sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you like! One small egg white shaken in the cocktail shaker should give your vodka sour a frothy top. 2 tbsp of aquafaba is a vegan way to get that frothy top, but I usually can’t be bothered with either!
Feel free to use a little less liquor to lighten this vodka drink up a bit. You can can also use less simple syrup if you want it less sweet.
More easy cocktail recipes you might enjoy
- Fresh Lemon Tequila Sour Recipe with No Egg
- Cinnamon Whiskey Sour Recipe (Fireball Sour)
- Strawberry Sour Cocktail Recipe with Whiskey
- Best Amaretto Sour Recipe with No Egg
- Fruit Punch Cocktail with Vodka
Save and Pin this recipe for later
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Light and Refreshing Vodka Sour Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Add the vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
Notes
- Meyer lemon – make it with Meyer lemon juice for sweeter more complex lemon flavor.
- Add bitters – I still maintain there is not a classic cocktail out there that cannot be improved with a dash of your favorite cocktail bitters.
- Use a flavored syrup or vodka – switch out the simple syrup for grenadine to make my easy Cherry Vodka Sour! An infused vodka would add a more subtle extra flavor.
- Add club soda – add a dash of club soda to the drink and stir gently just before adding the garnish for a lighter, slightly fizzy drink.
