Vodka Sour
Vodka, fresh lemon, and sugar — the sour template Jerry Thomas codified in 1862, vodka's neutrality letting the citrus lead in a way that gin or whiskey would not.
- 2 ozvodka
- ¾ ozfresh lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- ¾ ozsimple syrup
- lemon wheelgarnish
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The Vodka Sour belongs to the sour cocktail family, one of the oldest and most versatile frameworks in mixology. Jerry Thomas documented sour recipes in his landmark 1862 Bartenders Guide, establishing the foundational template of spirit, citrus juice, and sweetener that remains unchanged today. The sour formula works with virtually any base spirit because the citrus and sweetener balance highlights the spirit's individual character rather than masking it. The Vodka Sour uses vodka's neutrality as a canvas — the lemon or lime juice and sugar take the lead while the vodka provides alcohol and a clean base. Modern versions sometimes include an egg white for a silky texture and foam, a technique borrowed from Prohibition-era gin sours and the contemporary craft cocktail revival's enthusiasm for pre-Prohibition techniques.
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