Classic Raspberry Gin Sour Cocktail Recipe

There’s something timeless about a gin sour. The way the tang of citrus meets the botanical bite of gin feels elegant and effortless. But when you add fresh raspberries to the mix, you get a bright, jewel-toned cocktail that feels both classic and playful. This Classic Raspberry Gin Sour Cocktail is the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and frothy—an irresistible drink for slow evenings, dinner parties, or when you just want to treat yourself to something beautiful in a glass.

Behind the Recipe

This drink takes inspiration from the old-school gin sour that has been shaking up bars since the late 1800s. I wanted to give it a fruity twist that felt fresh and modern, which is how raspberries came into play. They add a vivid pink hue and a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the herbal notes of gin perfectly. The foam on top, created by egg white, gives it that bar-quality finish that makes every sip luxurious.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The gin sour is part of the larger “sour” cocktail family, which includes classics like the whiskey sour and pisco sour. These drinks all share a simple formula: spirit, citrus, and sweetness. Over time, bartenders began adding fruit infusions, herbs, and even floral syrups to create variations like this raspberry version. The result is a drink that bridges vintage charm with contemporary flavor.

Why You’ll Love Classic Raspberry Gin Sour Cocktail

You’re about to discover why this drink is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s fresh, pretty, and has that perfect balance that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Versatile: Works beautifully as a brunch cocktail or an evening aperitif.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that deliver high-end flavor.
Quick and Easy: Shaken up in less than 10 minutes with just a few steps.
Customizable: Swap raspberries for strawberries or blackberries for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Its gorgeous color and smooth foam make it a showstopper at gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the raspberry syrup ahead of time for quick serving.
Great for Leftovers: Extra syrup can be drizzled over pancakes, ice cream, or even sparkling water.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To make this cocktail shine, pay attention to the small details.

1. Use fresh raspberries for the brightest flavor and color.
2. Dry shake your ingredients before adding ice to build that perfect foam.
3. Chill your glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before pouring.
4. Double strain to remove raspberry seeds for a silky smooth texture.
5. Garnish lightly—sometimes a few berries or a lemon twist is all you need.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few simple tools will make this recipe smooth and enjoyable.

Cocktail Shaker: To blend and aerate your drink for that frothy texture.
Fine Mesh Strainer: Keeps seeds and pulp out of the finished cocktail.
Jigger: Ensures accurate measurements for balanced flavor.
Bar Spoon: Ideal for mixing syrups and gently stirring.
Coup or Nick & Nora Glass: Elegant presentation for serving.

Ingredients in Classic Raspberry Gin Sour Cocktail

The beauty of this drink is in its balance—sweet, tart, and botanical, all dancing together.

1. Gin: 2 oz (a London Dry gin works beautifully), the heart of the cocktail that adds aromatic complexity.
2. Fresh Raspberries: 6–8 berries, provide a bright fruity flavor and that vivid pink color.
3. Lemon Juice: ¾ oz, freshly squeezed for the perfect tang.
4. Simple Syrup: ½ oz, balances the citrus and enhances the raspberry sweetness.
5. Egg White: 1, adds that luxurious foam and silky mouthfeel.
6. Ice Cubes: For shaking and chilling.
7. Fresh Raspberries or Lemon Zest: For garnish, adding a final burst of freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing something—you’ve got options.

Fresh Raspberries: Substitute with frozen raspberries (thawed).
Simple Syrup: Replace with honey syrup or agave syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Egg White: Use aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
Lemon Juice: Lime juice works for a slightly different tang.

Ingredient Spotlight

Raspberries: These vibrant little fruits bring color, aroma, and a tart sweetness that define the drink.
Egg White: It’s what gives the cocktail its creamy foam, turning an ordinary drink into something elegant and smooth.

Instructions for Making Classic Raspberry Gin Sour Cocktail

Alright, let’s shake things up. Here’s how to make it step-by-step for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer to chill while you mix the drink.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your shaker, add raspberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, and egg white. Muddle the raspberries gently to release their juice.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Technically, it’s your shaker here! Dry shake all ingredients (no ice) for about 20 seconds to create that signature foam.
4. Assemble the Dish: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again vigorously for another 15 seconds.
5. Cook to Perfection: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass to remove any seeds or ice shards.
6. Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh raspberries or a twist of lemon zest.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Sip slowly and enjoy the balance of tart, sweet, and botanical flavors.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This cocktail’s magic lies in its contrasts. The foam on top is silky and airy, while the drink beneath is bright and juicy. The gin adds a crisp herbal backbone that balances the sweetness of the raspberries. Every sip is smooth, layered, and utterly refreshing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few extra ideas to make it perfect every time.

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• If your foam is thin, shake a little longer during the dry shake step.
• For an extra chill, serve over one large ice cube instead of crushed ice.

What to Avoid

Even the best bartenders make small mistakes—here’s how to steer clear of them.

• Don’t over-muddle the raspberries or your drink will become cloudy and pulpy.
• Avoid using bottled lemon juice; it lacks the brightness of fresh.
• Never skip the double strain—it keeps your cocktail silky smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1
Calories per serving: Approximately 160
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare your simple syrup and raspberry puree a day or two in advance. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. The cocktail itself should always be shaken fresh, but the prep work can save you time during a party.

How to Serve Classic Raspberry Gin Sour Cocktail

Serve this beauty in a chilled coupe glass for a touch of vintage flair. Garnish with three raspberries on a cocktail pick or a delicate twist of lemon zest. Pair it with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or smoked salmon bites for a perfect flavor harmony.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover raspberry syrup or puree can be repurposed in so many delicious ways. Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, mix it into sparkling water for a mocktail, or stir into plain yogurt for a quick treat.

Additional Tips

For a frothier foam, shake longer during the dry shake. Always strain twice for clarity, and keep your glassware chilled for that professional look. Trust me, those little details make all the difference.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Use a coupe or Nick & Nora glass, polish it to remove smudges, and garnish lightly. The vivid pink hue already steals the show, so let it shine without clutter.

Variations to Try

1. Blackberry Gin Sour: Swap raspberries for blackberries for a deeper, darker twist.
2. Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice for a fruity, sunrise hue.
3. Herbal Infusion: Muddle fresh basil or mint with the raspberries for a garden-fresh note.
4. Spiced Honey Version: Replace simple syrup with honey syrup and a dash of cinnamon.
5. Sparkling Raspberry Sour: Top with club soda for a fizzy, refreshing twist.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this cocktail without egg white?

Yes, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a vegan alternative. It froths beautifully.

Q2: Can I use frozen raspberries?

Absolutely, just thaw them first and strain out excess liquid.

Q3: What type of gin works best?

A London Dry gin gives the cleanest flavor, but feel free to experiment with floral or citrus-infused varieties.

Q4: Can I batch this for parties?

Yes, mix everything except the egg white in advance, then shake individual servings to order.

Q5: How can I make the foam thicker?

Shake longer during the dry shake or use very fresh egg whites.

Q6: Do I need to double strain?

Yes, it ensures a smooth texture free from seeds or pulp.

Q7: Can I skip the syrup and use sugar?

It’s better to make a simple syrup so it dissolves evenly in the cocktail.

Q8: How long does raspberry syrup last?

Up to one week in the fridge in a sealed container.

Q9: What’s the best garnish for presentation?

A few raspberries on a pick or a thin curl of lemon zest look stunning.

Q10: Can I make it alcohol-free?

Yes, replace gin with a botanical non-alcoholic spirit and it’ll taste just as refreshing.

Conclusion

This Classic Raspberry Gin Sour Cocktail is where sophistication meets playful charm. The combination of gin’s crispness, raspberry’s sweetness, and that velvety foam makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re shaking it up for guests or unwinding after a long day, this cocktail brings a touch of luxury to any moment. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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