Waking up to the smell of fresh berries in the kitchen is our favorite way to kick off a festive weekend; and this Sour Raspberry cocktail is the elegant treat I love to shake up when we want something a bit more sophisticated. Max enjoys helping me pick out the prettiest edible flowers for the garnish; even if he has to stick to his own sparkling juice version. It is a beautiful family habit that turns a simple evening into a bright; berry-filled celebration.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Sour Raspberry
- How To Make Sour Raspberry
- What Pairs Well With Sour Raspberry
- Sour Raspberry Variations
- Equipment
- Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
- Top Tips for Best Sour Raspberry
- Sour Raspberry Frequently Asked Questions
- A Recipe That Feels Like a Celebration
- Related
- Fresh Sour Raspberry Cocktail
Why You Will Love This Sour Raspberry
This drink offers a perfect balance of tart fruit and silky foam; providing a refreshing zing that is both visually stunning and incredibly smooth on the palette. It is a simple way to elevate a standard evening at home; and the vibrant pink hue makes it a showstopper for any gathering or romantic dinner.
How To Make Sour Raspberry
The Sour Raspberry is a modern twist on a classic sour; featuring fresh berry juice and a frothy whipped topping that balances the natural acidity of the fruit. This version uses a vibrant raspberry base combined with a touch of citrus to create that signature "sour" profile that has become a trending favorite in cocktail lounges. Originally inspired by old-fashioned gin sours; this berry-forward drink has been refined for home kitchens to be quick; consistent; and absolutely delicious.
Sour Raspberry Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh raspberries -
- 2 ounces raspberry vodka or gin -
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice -
- ½ ounce simple syrup -
- 1 egg white (or aquafaba for a vegan option) -
- ½ cup ice cubes -
- Whipped cream and edible pink flowers (for garnish) -
Step by Step Method
Muddle the fruit
- Place the fresh raspberries in a cocktail shaker and crush them thoroughly to release all their natural juices.
Add the base
- Pour in the vodka or gin; lemon juice; and simple syrup over the crushed berries.
Dry shake first
- Add the egg white and shake the mixture vigorously without ice for thirty seconds to build a stable foam.
Chill the mixture
- Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for another twenty seconds until the exterior feels frosty.
Strain into glass
- Double strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled coupe glass to remove any seeds or ice shards.
Top with foam
- Carefully dollop a layer of whipped cream or the remaining shaker foam over the top of the pink liquid.
Final garnish
- Place a single edible pink flower or a fresh raspberry on the foam for a professional; high-end finish.
MAX’S REACTION
"Mom; that drink looks like it belongs in a fairytale! It has a little flower hat and everything!"
What Pairs Well With Sour Raspberry
I usually serve this with light; savory appetizers like goat cheese crostini or salty Marcona almonds to balance the tartness of the berries. If you are looking for something sweet; it also goes beautifully with dark chocolate truffles or a simple lemon shortbread cookie.
Sour Raspberry Variations
Raspberry Sour Gin Twist
Swap the vodka for a botanical gin to add layers of juniper and herbal notes that complement the sour lemon perfectly.
Sour Raspberry Candy Mocktail
Omit the alcohol and use sparkling white grape juice for a kid-friendly version that tastes just like a liquid gummy treat.
Raspberry Vodka Cocktails with Mint
Muddle a few fresh mint leaves with the berries to add a cool; refreshing finish to the bright raspberry profile.
Frozen Sour Raspberry Fruit Blend
Throw all the ingredients into a high-speed blender with extra ice to create a thick; slushy-style drink for hot summer afternoons.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker -
- Fine-mesh strainer -
- Coupe glass -
Mom Tip: Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice; the bottled stuff just doesn't have the same bright "zing" needed to make the raspberries pop!
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after shaking to maintain the frothy foam. You can store any leftover raspberry puree in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two days.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can muddle and strain the raspberry juice several hours in advance. Store the juice in the refrigerator and simply shake it with the other ingredients when your guests arrive.
Reheating Instructions
Never heat a sour cocktail; if the foam has settled; give the drink a quick stir or a fresh whisk to revive the texture.
Top Tips for Best Sour Raspberry
The absolute secret to that silky; cloud-like foam you see in the photo is the "dry shake" step; shaking the egg white with the room-temperature ingredients before adding ice. I always tell Max that the harder we shake; the fluffier the "drink clouds" become! Make sure your coupe glass is chilled in the freezer for at least ten minutes before pouring; as this keeps the drink crisp without needing extra ice. If you find the drink too tart; add an extra teaspoon of simple syrup to balance the lemon juice until it matches your preference.
Sour Raspberry Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen raspberries for a Sour Raspberry recipe?
Yes; just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry so they don't water down the flavor.
What can I use instead of an egg white?
Two tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) works perfectly to create a vegan foam.
Is this drink very high in calories?
A standard Sour Raspberry is relatively light compared to creamy drinks; but you can reduce the sugar for an even lighter version.
A Recipe That Feels Like a Celebration
Shaking up this vibrant pink drink is the highlight of my weekend; especially when the kitchen is full of family and laughter. If you enjoyed this berry-forward treat; you should try our refreshing Raspberry Piña Colada or our decadent Brownie Batter Milkshake for a chocolate fix. For a more romantic evening; nothing beats the elegance of a Strawberry Chocolate Martini.
Share your Sour Raspberry! Tag us @HannahCooking with #SourRaspberry; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!
⭐️ Rate this Sour Raspberry recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!
Related
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- Lovebug Cocktail7 Minutes
- Pink Potion Margarita10 Minutes
Fresh Sour Raspberry Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker (Used for foaming)
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer (For removing seeds)
- 1 Coupe glass (Chilled)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Fresh raspberries - Muddled
- 2 oz Raspberry vodka - Or gin
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice - Strained
- ½ oz Simple syrup - Adjust to taste
- 1 large Egg white - Or aquafaba
- ½ cup Ice cubes - For shaking
Instructions
- Muddle the fresh raspberries in the base of a cocktail shaker until completely broken down.
- Add the raspberry vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to the shaker.
- Shake the ingredients without ice for 30 seconds to aerate the egg white and create foam.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 20 seconds until the mixture is very cold.
- Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth, seed-free texture.
- Carefully layer the foam over the pink liquid, ensuring it stays at the top of the glass.
- Garnish with whipped cream and an edible pink flower for a beautiful, festive presentation.
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