Raspberry Gin Sour

If you’ve ever wanted a cocktail that feels as fancy as a black-tie event but is as easy to whip up as pancakes on a lazy Sunday, the Raspberry Gin Sour is your answer.

It’s the perfect marriage of tangy raspberries, botanical gin, and the frothy elegance of a classic sour.

This cocktail is a crowd-pleaser—ideal for impressing friends at dinner parties, cozy nights in, or even jazzing up a Wednesday evening because, hey, you deserve it.

I love this cocktail because it’s versatile, ridiculously tasty, and a little bit fancy without trying too hard—just like your favorite pair of sneakers that still look good with a blazer.

Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive into this vibrant, luscious drink that’s as fun to make as it is to sip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 oz gin (preferably a floral or citrus-forward gin)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 oz simple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
• 6-8 fresh raspberries (plus a few for garnish)
• 1 egg white (or 1 oz aquafaba for a vegan alternative)
• Ice (for shaking and chilling)
• Optional: A dash of Angostura bitters (for a hint of spice)

Why These Ingredients Work:

Gin: This is the star of the show! A botanical gin adds depth, while a citrus-forward gin enhances the fruity tartness of the raspberries.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable. The sharp tang balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Simple Syrup: Sweetness is key to taming the tartness of the raspberries and lemon. Adjust to taste—start with 1 oz, and you can always add more.

Fresh Raspberries: These juicy gems give the cocktail its vibrant pink hue and a naturally fruity punch. Frozen raspberries work too, just let them thaw slightly before using.

Egg White: The secret to that velvety foam layer on top. If egg whites aren’t your thing, aquafaba (chickpea water) is an excellent substitute.

Ice: Not just for chilling; it helps emulsify the ingredients and create that frothy texture during shaking.

Angostura Bitters (Optional): Adds complexity and a subtle spiced aroma. Just a dash goes a long way.

How to Make the Raspberry Gin Sour

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering everything you need. This is your mise en place moment—don’t skip it! Measure out your gin, squeeze your lemon, and make sure your raspberries are fresh and juicy.

Pro tip: Chill your serving glass in the freezer for a frosty finish.

Step 2: Muddle the Raspberries

In a cocktail shaker, add your raspberries and simple syrup. Use a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon) to crush the raspberries into a pulp. This releases their juices and ensures that every sip is packed with raspberry flavor.

Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and egg white (or aquafaba). Don’t add ice just yet—we’re going for a “dry shake” first.

Step 4: Dry Shake

Seal your shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This step emulsifies the egg white and gives you that creamy foam. Trust me, your arms might feel it, but it’s worth it for that Instagram-worthy finish.

Step 5: Ice, Ice, Baby

Now add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake again—hard! This chills the drink and further incorporates all the ingredients. Aim for another 15-20 seconds, or until the shaker feels icy cold in your hands.

Step 6: Strain and Serve

Double strain (using a fine mesh strainer) the mixture into your chilled glass. This removes raspberry seeds and ensures a silky-smooth texture. The cocktail will settle into a gorgeous pink layer with a frothy white foam on top.

Step 7: Garnish Like a Pro

Garnish with a few raspberries skewered on a cocktail pick or a thin lemon twist. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar on the raspberries can take your presentation up a notch.

Tips for the Best Raspberry Gin Sour:

• Experiment with Gin: Not all gins are created equal. Floral gins like Hendrick’s or citrusy ones like Tanqueray No. Ten work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Perfect the Foam: If your foam isn’t thick enough, give it another shake (without ice) to build more volume.
• Chill Everything: A cold glass and well-chilled ingredients make for a more refreshing cocktail.
• Batch It: Making this for a crowd? Multiply the recipe and blend the raspberries and liquid ingredients in advance. Shake individual portions with egg white and ice just before serving.

Raspberry Gin Sour Recipe

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