Vodka Sour Recipe

A Vodka Sour is a clean, citrus-led member of the sour family. Vodka keeps the base neutral, so the quality of the lemon juice, syrup ratio, dilution, and shaking technique determine the final drink.

This recipe uses a reliable 2:1:1 structure: two parts vodka, one part fresh lemon juice, and one part simple syrup. Egg white is optional; it changes the texture and appearance, not the core sweet-sour balance.

Vodka Sour Ingredients

• 60 ml vodka
• 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 22.5-30 ml simple syrup, adjusted to taste
• 15 ml pasteurized egg white or 20 ml aquafaba, optional
• Ice
• Lemon peel or three drops of aromatic bitters for garnish

How to Make a Vodka Sour

1. Add vodka, lemon juice, syrup, and optional egg white to a shaker without ice.
2. Dry shake firmly for 10-15 seconds to build foam.
3. Add plenty of ice and shake again for 12-15 seconds.
4. Double strain into a chilled coupe, or strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
5. Garnish with expressed lemon peel or bitters on the foam.

Without Egg White

Skip the dry shake, shake the vodka, lemon, and syrup hard with ice, then strain. The drink will be lighter and less creamy but will keep the same bright flavor.

Common Mistakes

• Bottled lemon juice makes the drink flat; use fresh juice.
• Too much syrup hides the vodka and citrus. Start with 22.5 ml.
• A short shake gives weak foam and poor dilution.
• Small, wet ice dilutes the drink too quickly.

For a personalized variation, use the Glugtail Recipe Creator. Consume alcohol responsibly and only if you are of legal drinking age.