CocktailRecipes

Raspberry Sour Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Raspberry Sour recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Whiskey
Alcohol 15%
Calories 180 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 1g
Carbohydrates 14g
Prep time 3 minutes

Are you ready to dive into the world of delicious and refreshing Raspberry Sour cocktails? Imagine a drink that combines the tartness of fresh raspberries with the tangy kick of citrus, all smoothed out by a touch of sweetness. In this article, we’ll explore the history, taste, and the artful creation of this beloved cocktail. Let’s get started on this flavorful journey together! ⬇️

History

The Raspberry Sour is a zesty twist on the classic Sour formula that dates back to the 19th century. It gained popularity for its balance of sweet and acidic flavors. This cocktail has charmed drinkers around the world for generations.

  • The name ‘Sour’ refers to the sour lemon juice that is a key component in the drink.
  • Raspberry Sours became fashionable at social gatherings for their vibrant color and refreshing taste.
  • The cocktail is thought to have evolved from the Whiskey Sour, a staple in the American bartending scene.

The taste of a Raspberry Sour?

A Raspberry Sour is a delightful dance of flavors, with fresh raspberries lending their sweet-tart taste, and lemon juice providing a bright, citrusy zing. The silky froth on top is the finishing touch to this vibrant symphony of flavors.

I personally love Raspberry Sours because they combine my favorite things: the fruitiness of raspberries and the fun fizz of a great cocktail.

Interesting facts about Raspberry Sour

  • Raspberry Sours often feature a frothy top, created by the addition of egg white or aquafaba.
  • It’s not uncommon to find variations of the Raspberry Sour that include herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic twist.
  • Despite their sweetness, Raspberry Sours can be quite potent, traditionally made with a generous shot of spirits.

Ingredients

  • Raspberries: 6-8 fresh or frozen
  • Lemon juice: 0.75 oz (22ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Egg white or aquafaba: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Spirit, such as gin or vodka: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Ice cubes: to fill the shaker

A Raspberry Sour is best served in a coupe glass, which beautifully showcases its vibrant color and frothy top. The wide brim of the coupe also perfectly presents the garnish, enhancing the sensory experience. An alternative is the Old Fashioned glass, giving the drink a more casual look.

Recipe. How to make Raspberry Sour

  1. Muddle the raspberries in the bottom of a shaker until thoroughly crushed.
  2. Add 0.75 oz of lemon juice, 0.5 oz of simple syrup, 2 oz of your chosen spirit, and the egg white or aquafaba.
  3. Shake the mixture without ice to emulsify the egg white or aquafaba, creating a smooth froth.
  4. Add ice and shake again vigorously to chill the drink.
  5. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a few raspberries or a lemon twist.

Raspberry Sours can be sweet, which means they’re not the lowest in sugar or calories. But don’t worry, you can always swap out the simple syrup for a natural sweetener like honey. Plus, the raspberries do provide some vitamins, so it’s not all just for the taste!

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Food Pairings

A sip of Raspberry Sour can elevate the enjoyment of many dishes, as its vibrant flavor profile complements a variety of foods. Here are some perfect pairings for your next cocktail hour.

Cheese Platter

The bright acidity of the Raspberry Sour cuts through the richness of creamy cheeses, making it an ideal accompaniment to your favorite cheese board selections.

Grilled Chicken

The smoky flavor of grilled chicken is perfectly balanced by the fruity and tangy notes of a Raspberry Sour, making for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Chocolate Desserts

Indulge in the classic combination of raspberries and chocolate by sipping a Raspberry Sour alongside a decadent chocolate dessert. The contrasting flavors are a match made in heaven.

I just adore the Raspberry Sour’s ability to make any moment feel special—the fruity zing is simply delightful.

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Bartender Advice

  • To achieve the perfect froth, dry shake the egg white or aquafaba with other ingredients before adding ice.
  • Always use fresh raspberries for the most vibrant flavor and color in your cocktail.
  • For a more complex taste, consider adding a dash of orange liqueur to your Raspberry Sour.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Raspberry Sour, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Raspberry Sour

  • Raspberries: Try using blackberries or strawberries for a different berry twist.
  • Lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice for a more tropical flair.
  • Spirit: Swap gin or vodka with bourbon to add a warming depth to the drink.

Raspberry Sour Variations

Basil Raspberry Sour

  • Ingredients: Add a few fresh basil leaves to the original ingredients.
  • Recipe: Muddle the basil with raspberries before adding the other components.

Sparkling Raspberry Sour

  • Ingredients: Include a splash of sparkling water or champagne.
  • Recipe: Top the strained cocktail with your choice of fizz for a bubbly sensation.

Raspberry Sour Slush

  • Ingredients: Prepare with extra ice and blend until slushy.
  • Recipe: Serve in a chilled glass and enjoy with a straw for a frozen treat.

For a non-alcoholic treat, try a Virgin Raspberry Sour. Just replace the spirit with sparkling water and follow the same recipe steps for a refreshing mocktail.

Q&A

Can I make a Raspberry Sour without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just use sparkling water instead of spirits for a delightful non-alcoholic version.

What’s the best way to garnish a Raspberry Sour?

A few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist make for a simple yet elegant garnish. Feel free to get creative!

Is the Raspberry Sour suitable for large parties?

Yes, it’s a great party drink! You can pre-mix the non-alcoholic components in large batches and add the spirit individually per glass.

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Sure thing! Frozen raspberries work well, especially if fresh ones aren’t in season.

What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

No problem. You can mix the ingredients well in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

How can I reduce the sugar content in a Raspberry Sour?

Try using a sugar-free syrup or a natural sweetener like stevia. You can also reduce the amount of syrup or sweetener used.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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