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A Raspberry Sour is a perfect cocktail for anyone who loves fruity, refreshing drinks with a bit of a kick. It’s an easy-to-make and versatile drink that can be enjoyed year-round.
Sour cocktails along with the Aperol Sour and Midori Sour make for a refreshing twist.
What’s in a Raspberry Sour?
A raspberry sour cocktail is a refreshing and tangy drink that combines the sweet and slightly tart flavor of Raspberry Syrup with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. The cocktail also includes bourbon and chocolate bitters, which help to balance the flavors and add a touch of earthiness to the drink.
Ingredient Notes
- Bourbon – Bourbon is a popular spirit choice for making a raspberry sour because it has a natural sweetness and complexity that complements the tartness of the raspberries and the sourness of the lemon juice. Choose your favorite kind.
- Raspberry Syrup – Making your own raspberry simple syrup is a great way to enhance your cocktails but you can also use store-bought or swap it out for Chambord.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is best for a raspberry sour cocktail because it provides a bright and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the raspberry syrup and the complexity of the bourbon.
- Chocolate Bitters – The chocolate bitters add depth and complexity with a subtle sweetness. You can find them at a liquor store, online, or swap them out for aromatic bitters.
How to Make a Raspberry Sour
- Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, raspberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and chocolate bitters.
- Shake and strain. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish. Garnish with fresh raspberries and orange peel, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: Some people like their raspberry sour to be sweeter, while others prefer a more tart taste. Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your liking.
- Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your drink cool for longer and prevent it from getting watered down too quickly.
- Make your own Raspberry Simple Syrup. Making your own raspberry syrup provides better flavor and quality and you have more control over the sweetness level. It can be used in a variety of cocktails or drinks such as a Raspberry Martini.
Serving Suggestions
A raspberry sour cocktail is a refreshing and delicious drink that can be served on a variety of occasions, depending on the atmosphere and the season. Here are some examples of when you might want to serve a raspberry sour cocktail:
- During the summer
- At a brunch or lunch gathering
- As an after-dinner drink
- At a holiday party, such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or the Fourth of July.
FAQS
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for this cocktail as it gives the drink a fresher, brighter taste. However, if you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
Yes, you can make a large batch of raspberry sour ahead of time and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
More Raspberry Cocktails
Raspberry Sour
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Bourbon
- 1 tablespoon Raspberry Syrup or Chambord
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- 4 drops Chocolate Bitters or aromatic bitters
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, raspberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and chocolate bitters.
- Shake and strain. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish. Garnish with fresh raspberries and orange peel, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: Some people like their raspberry sour to be sweeter, while others prefer a more tart taste. Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your liking.
- Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your drink cool for longer and prevent it from getting watered down too quickly.
- Make your own Raspberry Simple Syrup. Making your own raspberry syrup provides better flavor and quality and you have more control over the sweetness level. It can be used in a variety of cocktails or drinks such as a Raspberry Martini.
