The Raspberry Gin Sour is a cocktail that feels like pure sophistication in a glass — bold, tangy, and refreshingly smooth. With its gorgeous ruby hue, this drink doesn’t just taste incredible, it looks like the star of any gathering. Fresh raspberries bring a naturally sweet yet tart flavor, perfectly balanced by botanical gin and the citrusy zing of lemon juice.
Shaken with a touch of simple syrup and a frothy egg white (optional for that silky finish), this cocktail delivers the perfect harmony of fruity brightness and velvety texture. Imagine sipping it on a warm evening or serving it at your next dinner party to impress guests with both taste and presentation. Before you scroll further, pin this recipe now so you never lose it — because once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
What makes this drink truly special is its versatility: it’s refreshing enough for summer nights but elegant enough for holiday celebrations. The balance of tart raspberries and zesty citrus makes every sip a burst of flavor, while the frothy top adds that bar-quality finish. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just love pretty drinks, the Raspberry Gin Sour is sure to be unforgettable.
Raspberry Gin Sour
Description
The Raspberry Gin Sour is a vibrant twist on the classic gin sour, blending the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries with the botanical notes of gin and the brightness of lemon juice.
Shaken with simple syrup and optionally a silky egg white foam, this cocktail delivers a balance of fruity, tangy, and smooth flavors in every sip. Its striking pink hue makes it not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Whether enjoyed as a refreshing evening drink or a show-stopping party cocktail, the Raspberry Gin Sour is both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Simple Syrup
If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, it’s easy to make. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. This syrup adds sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.
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Muddle the Raspberries
In the bottom of your cocktail shaker, add 4–5 fresh raspberries. Use a muddler to crush them into a juicy pulp. This releases their natural sweetness and vibrant color. -
Add the Liquids
Pour in the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba). The egg white is what creates that luxurious foam on top of your drink, giving it a smooth, silky texture. -
Dry Shake
Seal your shaker and shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds. This is known as a dry shake and it emulsifies the egg white, creating the frothy texture that makes the cocktail look so beautiful. -
Shake with Ice
Now add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15–20 seconds. This chills the drink, dilutes it slightly, and further aerates the mixture. -
Strain and Serve
Using a fine mesh strainer, double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass or rocks glass. Double straining ensures the drink is silky smooth without raspberry seeds or pulp. -
Garnish
Top your Raspberry Gin Sour with a garnish of your choice. A couple of fresh raspberries perched on a cocktail pick look stunning, or you could add a lemon twist for an aromatic finish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 210kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 11g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s elegant, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, the Raspberry Gin Sour is your answer. This cocktail takes the classic sour formula — spirit, citrus, and sugar — and adds a vibrant twist with fresh raspberries.
The result is a drink that’s as stunning to look at as it is to sip. With its jewel-toned pink hue, frothy top, and layered flavors, the Raspberry Gin Sour feels special enough for a celebration but simple enough to prepare at home on a casual evening.
Why Choose a Raspberry Gin Sour?
The traditional gin sour is already a well-loved cocktail for its crisp and refreshing nature. By adding raspberries, you introduce natural fruitiness and a gorgeous blush color that elevates the drink. The raspberries lend not just sweetness, but also subtle tartness that complements the lemon juice.
Combined with the botanicals in gin and the silky texture created by egg white or aquafaba (if you prefer vegan), this drink becomes an irresistible treat.
This cocktail is perfect for a range of occasions. Imagine serving it at a summer garden party, a springtime bridal shower, or even as a romantic Valentine’s Day drink. It looks elegant in a coupe glass, garnished with fresh berries or a twist of lemon peel, and is sure to impress both cocktail enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Raspberry Gin Sour – Tips, Tricks & Serving Ideas
The Raspberry Gin Sour is a vibrant twist on the classic gin sour cocktail. Combining the tart sweetness of raspberries with the botanical freshness of gin, balanced by citrus and a silky foam top, this drink is both sophisticated and refreshing.
Perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or even as a signature cocktail at gatherings, it’s a showstopper in both flavor and presentation. Below are detailed tips, tricks, and serving suggestions to help you make the perfect Raspberry Gin Sour every time.
1. Choose the Right Gin
The gin you select will set the tone of your cocktail. A London Dry gin will give you a crisp, juniper-forward flavor, while a botanical or floral gin will complement the fruity raspberry notes beautifully. For a balanced sour, avoid overly sweet gins; instead, look for those with subtle herbal or citrus notes.
2. Fresh Raspberries vs. Syrup
- Fresh Raspberries: Best for muddling or making your own raspberry purée. They give a vibrant color and tartness.
- Raspberry Syrup: Convenient and ensures consistency, but can sometimes be sweeter. Adjust lemon juice accordingly to maintain balance.
- Pro Trick: Make a homemade raspberry simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with fresh raspberries, then straining. This adds depth and a beautiful natural hue.
3. Mastering the Foam
The signature frothy top of a gin sour comes from an emulsifier like egg white or aquafaba (chickpea brine).
- Egg White: Creates a luxurious, silky foam and smooth mouthfeel. Always do a “dry shake” (shake without ice first) to fully incorporate the egg white before shaking again with ice.
- Aquafaba: A vegan alternative that mimics egg whites. About 1 tablespoon is enough for one cocktail.
4. Balancing Flavors
A great Raspberry Gin Sour balances sweet, sour, and botanical elements.
- Use fresh lemon juice for acidity.
- Adjust sweetness with raspberry syrup or simple syrup to taste.
- Taste before serving — if it feels too tart, add a touch more sweetener; if it feels cloying, brighten it with a dash more citrus.
5. Glassware & Presentation
Serve the cocktail in a coupe or martini glass to highlight the frothy top. Chill your glass beforehand for the best experience. A garnish not only elevates presentation but also enhances aroma:
- Fresh raspberries on a cocktail pick
- A twist of lemon peel
- A sprig of mint for freshness
6. Serving Tricks for Style
- Batching: For parties, pre-mix the raspberry syrup, gin, and lemon juice, then shake with egg white/aquafaba per serving for foam.
- Double Strain: After shaking, pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove raspberry seeds and ensure a smooth sip.
- Ice Quality: Large, clear ice cubes for shaking create better dilution and temperature control. Avoid cloudy or small ice that melts too quickly.
7. Flavor Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try creative twists:
- Herbal Infusion: Add a hint of basil or rosemary syrup for complexity.
- Spiced Raspberry Sour: A dash of ginger or cinnamon syrup for warmth in winter.
- Sparkling Raspberry Sour: Top with a splash of sparkling water or prosecco for a lighter, bubbly version.
8. Ideal Occasions
The Raspberry Gin Sour fits multiple occasions:
- Brunches – light, fruity, and elegant.
- Summer parties – refreshing and vibrant.
- Romantic dinners – the color and flavor make it a charming choice.
- Holiday gatherings – bright red hue makes it festive.
Tips for the Perfect Raspberry Gin Sour
- Choose the Right Gin: A London Dry gin is classic, but if you have a more floral gin like Hendrick’s or a citrus-forward gin, it can highlight the raspberries beautifully.
- Balance Sweetness and Tartness: Taste your raspberries before mixing. If they’re very sweet, you might reduce the simple syrup slightly. If they’re tart, you may want a touch more syrup.
- Aquafaba Option: If you prefer not to use raw egg white, aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) is an excellent alternative. It foams just as well and is vegan-friendly.
- Glassware Matters: Serving in a coupe glass feels elegant, but a short rocks glass with a large ice cube gives the drink a more casual vibe.
- Make it a Batch: Hosting a party? You can multiply the recipe and prepare the base mixture in advance (raspberry puree, lemon juice, and syrup). Just add gin, egg white/aquafaba, and shake fresh for each serving.
Flavor Profile
A Raspberry Gin Sour delivers a bright, refreshing taste. The first sip greets you with tart lemon and juicy raspberry, followed by the botanical notes of gin. The frothy egg white softens the edges, making the drink creamy yet light. The balance of sweet and sour is key, leaving you with a clean finish that invites another sip.
When to Serve This Cocktail
- Spring and Summer: Fresh berries are abundant, and this drink feels light and refreshing in warm weather.
- Valentine’s Day: Its pink hue and romantic presentation make it perfect for date nights.
- Brunches and Parties: Elegant yet approachable, it pairs wonderfully with light fare like salads, seafood, or charcuterie boards.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Gin Sour is more than just a cocktail — it’s an experience. From its eye-catching color to its velvety foam and perfectly balanced flavor, it strikes the right notes for almost any occasion. It’s a drink that showcases the versatility of gin while celebrating the natural sweetness of raspberries. Best of all, it’s simple enough to make at home yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
So the next time you’re craving a drink that’s fruity, refreshing, and a little bit indulgent, grab some fresh raspberries, shake up a Raspberry Gin Sour, and savor a glass of pure cocktail artistry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Raspberry Gin Sour?
A Raspberry Gin Sour is a refreshing twist on the classic gin sour cocktail. It combines gin, fresh raspberries (or raspberry syrup), lemon juice, and simple syrup, often finished with a foamy egg white layer for smooth texture. The balance of tart raspberries and citrus with botanical gin creates a vibrant, fruity cocktail that’s both elegant and easy to sip.
Can I make a Raspberry Gin Sour without egg white?
Yes! While the egg white is traditional in many sour cocktails and adds a silky foam, it’s not essential. If you prefer to skip it, simply shake the drink without the egg. For a similar frothy effect, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a vegan-friendly substitute. Some people also add a splash of soda water after shaking to lighten the drink.
What type of gin works best?
The beauty of a Raspberry Gin Sour is that it works with most styles of gin, but the flavor will shift depending on your choice. A classic London Dry gin gives a crisp, herbal backbone that balances the sweetness of raspberries. A floral gin with notes of lavender or rose enhances the fruity flavors. If you enjoy bold flavors, a citrus-forward gin adds extra brightness. Experiment to find your perfect match!
When is the best time to serve a Raspberry Gin Sour?
This cocktail is versatile and suits many occasions. Its bright color and refreshing taste make it perfect for spring and summer gatherings, garden parties, and brunches. It also works beautifully as a dinner-party aperitif or a romantic date-night drink. Because it looks so striking in the glass, it doubles as both a delicious cocktail and a conversation starter.
