Raspberry Sour Cocktail Recipe

Raspberry Sour Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:14g

Alcohol by volume:15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Raspberry Sour is a vibrant twist on the classic Sour cocktails that have been enjoyed for over a century. Originating from the Whiskey Sour, this drink caters to those who appreciate a balance of tartness and sweetness with a fruity kick.

  • The Sour family of cocktails typically includes a base spirit, lemon or lime juice, and a sweetener.
  • Raspberry Sour became popular as a refreshing summer cocktail, often enjoyed at garden parties and social gatherings.
  • It's particularly favored by those who enjoy berry-flavored drinks with a zesty profile.

How Raspberry Sour Tastes?

The Raspberry Sour is a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors. The raspberries provide a fruity and slightly floral note, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing sourness. The simple syrup balances the acidity, and the egg white (optional) gives it a smooth, frothy texture.

Interesting facts about Raspberry Sour

  • The Sour cocktail category dates back to the 19th century.
  • Raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which adds a healthful twist to your cocktail indulgence.
  • The Raspberry Sour can be easily customized with different spirits, such as vodka or gin, to suit your preference.

Ingredients

  • Raspberries: 6
  • Fresh lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Egg white (optional): 1
  • Your choice of spirit (e.g.:
  • Gin:
  • Vodka:
  • Or bourbon): 2 oz(60ml)
  • Ice cubes: As needed

A few good options for Raspberry Sour are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

A few good options for Raspberry Sour are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Raspberries

Raspberries are the heart of this cocktail. They provide a beautiful color and a fresh, tangy flavor that's both bold and delicate. Use too few and you’ll miss the punch; too many and the cocktail becomes a berry bonanza overpowering other flavors.

Alex Green

Fresh Lemon Juice

This adds a zesty zing! It balances the sweetness of the raspberries and syrup. Without it, you'd lose that bright, palate-cleansing sourness. If life gives you limes instead, expect a slightly different type of tartness, but still tasty!

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

This sweet sidekick helps tame the tartness of your fruit and lemon. Too much and your tooth might ache, too little and you might pucker more than a flustered cartoon character. A honey or agave syrup can be a sweet swap adding slight floral or earthy notes.

Emma Rose

Egg White (optional)

Creates a silky texture and a foamy top, which makes the cocktail look as good as it tastes. Skip it and you’ll never know the joy of wearing a creamy mustache from a well-shaken sour. Vegans can opt for aquafaba for a similar effect.

Alex Green

Your Choice of Spirit

Gin will get you a floral fling, vodka keeps it clean and mean, and bourbon brings the brawn with some caramel and vanilla notes. Without it, you just made a fancy lemonade... the adults have left the chat.

Mary Mitkina

Ice Cubes

Chill out, literally. They cool the drink and dilute it just so, to make everything smooth and sippable. Without ice, it's like a summer without pool time - just wrong. No cubes? Crushed ice will also do the tango in your shaker.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Raspberry Sour Drink

  1. Muddle 6 fresh raspberries in a shaker.
  2. Add 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, and the egg white (if using) to the shaker.
  3. Add 2 oz of your chosen spirit.
  4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  5. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  6. Garnish with three raspberries on a cocktail skewer or a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • To enhance the raspberry flavor, consider infusing your spirit with fresh raspberries for a few days before making the cocktail.
  • Always shake the cocktail vigorously to properly emulsify the egg white if you're using it.
  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese boards: The raspberry sour's acidity and fruitiness cut through rich cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
  • Light salads: Pair with a garden salad with vinaigrette to complement the cocktail's fresh and tart profile.

Main Courses

  • Grilled poultry: It's a match made in heaven with grilled chicken or turkey that has a fruity glaze.
  • Seafood: The lemon notes in the cocktail enhance dishes like seared scallops or shrimp.

Desserts

  • Lemon tarts: Echo the cocktail's citrus notes for a harmonious dessert pairing.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bitter notes of dark chocolate contrast beautifully with the sweet and tart raspberry flavors in the drink.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Raspberry Sour

  • If you don't have fresh raspberries, raspberry syrup can be a suitable alternative.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, use a seedlip or non-alcoholic spirit in place of the gin, vodka, or bourbon.
  • Agave syrup or honey can be used instead of simple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Berrylicious Bourbon Sour

Swap out the raspberries for mixed berries and bourbon as your spirit. The cocktail becomes a Kentucky cousin with a berry twist that's perfect for sipping on a porch swing.

Tropical Raspberry Sour

Introduce pineapple juice and swap the simple syrup for coconut syrup. This vacation in a glass will make you feel like you're lounging on a beach, with a fruity, tropical twist on the classic sour.

Herbal Raspberry Sour

Add a sprig of thyme or basil to the shaker. The herbs bring a garden-fresh fragrance and a mysterious layer of complexity that will make your taste buds tap-dance with intrigue.

In case you forgot basics how to make Raspberry Sour

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Raspberry Sour

What glassware is most suitable for serving a Raspberry Sour?

A Raspberry Sour is traditionally served in a coupe glass which enhances its visual appeal, but it can also be served in a rocks glass if preferred.

How can I make my Raspberry Sour even more visually appealing?

To add a visually pleasing touch to your Raspberry Sour, consider adding a sprig of mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of raspberry coulis over the frothy egg white top layer for a stunning presentation.

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones for making a Raspberry Sour?

Yes, frozen raspberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Be sure to thaw them before muddling to ensure a strong flavor infusion.

Is there a specific technique to muddle raspberries effectively?

Use a muddler to gently press and twist the raspberries against the bottom of the shaker. The goal is to break down the berries to release their juice and flavor without crushing the seeds too much, which can add bitterness.

What are some creative twists I can add to a Raspberry Sour?

Consider adding a splash of elderflower liqueur, some fresh basil leaves, or swapping the simple syrup with a different flavored syrup, like peach or rose, to introduce new dimensions to the drink.

Why is shaking important when making a Raspberry Sour with egg white?

Shaking is crucial when using egg white as it helps to aerate the cocktail, creating that signature smooth, frothy texture which also helps to balance the flavors and ensure a well-mixed drink.

More similar recipes to Raspberry Sour!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe