A Raspberry Vodka Sour brings bright color and a refreshing mix of sweet and tart flavors that fit almost any moment. The first time I made it, the day was warm, and I wanted something fruity but still crisp. The raspberry syrup added a vivid pink shade, and the lemon gave it a clean lift that tasted relaxed and easy.

This holiday cocktail works year-round, but it stands out at gatherings when you want something simple yet fresh. The mix of vodka, raspberry syrup, and lemon juice stays balanced. A little soda water adds light fizz if you prefer a softer sip.

I love the Raspberry Vodka Sour because it fits celebrations, slow evenings, or brunch, and it always looks great in the glass.

Why You’ll Love This

The Raspberry Vodka Sour gives you a mix of fruitiness and clean citrus that feels refreshing with every sip. It is easy to shake up, and the color alone makes it a fun drink for parties or quiet nights at home.

Some reasons this holiday cocktail stands out.

Simple steps that take only a few minutes
Fresh raspberry flavor with balanced sweetness
Easy to adjust for fizz or extra tartness
Beautiful color that looks great on any table
Works for summer gatherings and winter events alike
Beginner-friendly but still impressive

This combination of simplicity and flavor makes it a recipe you will want to keep nearby.

Ingredients

This recipe blends raspberry, vodka, and citrus into a drink that feels lively without being too sweet. Each ingredient has a clear purpose in the final flavor.

2 oz vodka
1 oz raspberry syrup
1 oz lemon juice
a handful fresh raspberries
club soda optional

Vodka provides a clean base that lets the raspberry shine. The raspberry syrup adds sweetness and color. Lemon juice brings the tart lift that any sour cocktail needs. Fresh raspberries finish the drink with a small pop of texture and color. The optional club soda gives the cocktail a lighter feel for people who enjoy fizz.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Using the right vodka can elevate your Raspberry Vodka Sour, but you do not need anything expensive. Here are some options that blend well.

Tito’s Vodka, smooth and easy to mix
Absolut Vodka, steady flavor for fruit-based cocktails
Smirnoff Vodka, a budget-friendly choice that still tastes clean
Grey Goose, a softer finish for a smoother sour
Use store-bought raspberry syrup or make your own with sugar and berries
Replace lemon juice with lime if you want a sharper sour

If you do not have raspberry syrup, muddling fresh raspberries with simple syrup makes a good homemade version.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail uses basic bartending tools and a simple serving glass. Most of what you need is already in the kitchen.

Helpful items

A rocks glass holds the ice well and keeps the drink a comfortable size.

How to Make It

The Raspberry Vodka Sour is quick to prepare, making it a great choice when you want a flavorful drink without a long process.

Add vodka, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and ice to your shaker.
Shake until the outside feels cold.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Add a few fresh raspberries on top.
Add a splash of club soda for extra fizz.

Taste it once, then adjust the balance if you prefer more tartness or sweetness.

Pro Tips

Small touches can make this drink taste brighter or smoother. These tips help you get the flavor just right.

Use fresh lemon juice for a cleaner sour
Shake long enough to chill the drink fully
Add extra raspberry syrup for a sweeter version
Use large ice cubes so the drink dilutes slowly
Muddle a few raspberries in the shaker for a stronger berry flavor
Chill your glass to keep the drink colder
Add a lemon twist for extra citrus aroma

Variations

The Raspberry Vodka Sour adapts easily to different flavors. Here are a few ideas to try.

Raspberry Gin Sour, swap vodka for gin
Sparkling Raspberry Sour, top with more club soda
Berry blend, add strawberry syrup or blueberry syrup
Coconut raspberry sour, add a small splash of coconut water
Zero proof version, use non alcoholic vodka or skip the alcohol

These variations keep the drink fun and flexible.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Raspberry Vodka Sour fits a wide range of moods. It works for brunch, early evening drinks, summer cookouts, or holiday celebrations. The bright fruit flavor makes it refreshing alongside many foods.

Some pairing ideas

Fruit salads
Light appetizers
Lemon bars
Charcuterie boards
Chocolate truffles

If you enjoy fruity cocktails, you will find plenty of similar drinks on the site that match this style.

Storage and Serving Notes

This cocktail tastes best when made fresh. Lemon juice and raspberry syrup change flavor when left too long. If you want to prep ahead, mix the syrup and lemon juice in a small container and add the vodka when serving. Shake with ice just before pouring.

For larger gatherings, line up your rocks glasses with ice so you can shake and pour quickly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask when making a Raspberry Vodka Sour.

Can I make this drink sweeter?
Yes. Add more raspberry syrup or a small amount of simple syrup.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is much brighter, but bottled works in a pinch.

Does club soda change the flavor?
It makes the drink lighter without altering the basic taste.

Can I use flavored vodka?
Yes. Raspberry or citrus vodka works nicely for extra fruit flavor.

Do I need to strain the drink?
Straining removes ice shards, making the drink smoother.

More Cocktails to Try

If you liked the Raspberry Vodka Sour, here are more drinks with similar fruity or refreshing notes.

Summer Vodka Fizz, a bright drink perfect for warm days
Raspberry Gin Fizz, light and bubbly with a botanical twist
Raspberry Collins, crisp with citrus and soda
Raspberry Lemon Drop, sweet and tart with a polished feel
Raspberry Cosmopolitan, fruity with a cleaner finish