Winter Vodka Sour

The Winter Vodka Sour is a smooth and elegant cocktail that brings together rich seasonal flavors with a creamy finish. It blends the bright tartness of cherry and lemon with the clean, crisp taste of vodka, creating a drink that feels both refreshing and comforting. The addition of egg white gives it a silky texture and a light foam on top, adding a touch of luxury to every sip. Finished with a dash of bitters and a cherry garnish, this cocktail is perfect for winter evenings or festive gatherings. It’s simple, balanced, and full of cozy, refined flavor.

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Tasting Notes

The Winter Vodka Sour offers a smooth balance of tart, sweet, and creamy textures. The cherry juice adds gentle fruitiness and color, blending beautifully with the crisp notes of vodka and the bright acidity of lemon juice. The egg white creates a silky, frothy layer that softens the drink’s sharpness, giving each sip a luxurious feel without being heavy. The cocktail’s flavor profile is refreshing yet cozy perfect for cooler months when you want something light but with depth. The cherry garnish adds both color and a hint of sweetness, rounding out this seasonal twist on the classic sour.

Equipment and Glassware

To make the Winter Vodka Sour, gather a cocktail shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, and a fine mesh strainer for a smooth finish. You’ll need a coupe glass or a small martini glass to highlight the cocktail’s creamy top layer. A bar spoon can be handy for adjusting balance or texture if needed. Ensure you have plenty of fresh ice for the second shake to achieve proper chill and dilution. A cocktail pick adds a refined touch for the cherry garnish. These simple tools help you craft a balanced, frothy drink that looks polished and professional.

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 1.5 oz cherry juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 1 egg white
• Cherry for garnish

Instructions

• Add the vodka, cherry juice, lemon juice, and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice.
• Dry shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to froth the egg white.
• Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
• Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
• Garnish with a cherry for a touch of elegance.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the smooth, frothy perfection.

Pro Tips

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
• A dry shake (without ice) helps create thick foam don’t skip it.
• For a more stable froth, add a small drop of simple syrup before shaking.
• Double strain to remove any ice shards or bubbles.
• Chill your glassware to help the foam hold longer.
• If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, use dark cherry juice or add a dash of cherry liqueur.
• Shake vigorously egg white drinks need energy for texture.
• Garnish last to maintain the frothy surface.

When to Serve

The Winter Vodka Sour is perfect for cool evenings, festive dinners, or intimate winter gatherings. Its rich foam and bright cherry hue make it visually striking at holiday parties or cocktail hours. The drink’s balance of citrus and sweetness also suits pre-dinner occasions, acting as a lively yet smooth aperitif. It pairs well with roasted dishes, cheese platters, or light desserts. Whether served fireside during a cozy night in or presented as a polished holiday cocktail, this drink offers a refreshing yet comforting character that works beautifully all winter long.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Vodka: Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Tito’s for a clean, crisp flavor.
• Cherry Juice: R.W. Knudsen or Lakewood Organic for natural richness and color.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemons always yield the best flavor.

Similar Cocktails

• Snow Miser Cocktail
• The Frosted Cranberry
• White Chocolate Eggnog Martini
• Frosty Lemonade
• White Clausmopolitan