I’m a drink whiskey all year round kind of girl but sometimes when it starts to get warm, I like to switch it up a bit. I love light, refreshing spritzy type cocktails that aren’t super heavy and I think this lemon vodka sour does just the trick. This drink can be enjoyed after a long day in the office or even better: lounging by the pool.
Speaking of pools…
I’ve had absolutely NO LUCK living my best life and luxuriating by a pool. As hard as I’ve tried, I cannot for the life of me, find a pool to bum around in during the summer. Is there anyone reading this who can help me? Pretty please. Anyway, the weather is warming up though it has seemed a little all over the place recently. Nevertheless, warmer temperatures are upon us and this drink is just what we all need to cool ourselves off.
I’m also writing about this refreshing drink as I re-watch the first season of Mad Men so I’m feeling like this is all very on brand for me right now
Five Minute Cocktail: lemon vodka sour
I’ve deemed this as a five-minute cocktail but full disclosure, it needs a little additional prep time. Once you do the prep (make the sweet and sour mix) putting together the actual cocktail will take you 5 minutes or less – promise. But keep in mind, this is only true if you make the sweet and sour mix ahead of time.
Got it?
Making your own sweet and sour mix is really easy and I highly recommend it. It tastes much better than the store-bought stuff. That should be enough of a reason to convince you to make it yourself.
You can use your homemade sweet and sour mix for cocktails like this lemon vodka sour or you can use it for margaritas or any other cocktail you feel like experimenting with. Sweet and sour mixes from the grocery store are so sugary and syrupy. By making your own, you can *actually* taste the citrus and the sweetness. Imagine that. A real sweet and sour mix.
I did char the lemons a bit just for a little extra flair. You totally don’t need to do that but it does make it look kind of pretty, don’t you think? It’s really easy to char or brûlée things, just be really careful. Whatever you’re using your torch on, sprinkle it with a little sugar then go to town. It’s a lot of fun and you may even get some of your aggression out while doing it.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz. Vodka (I prefer Tito's)
- 1 oz sweet & sour mix
- Lemon flavored sparkling water
- 1 lemon sliced, for garnish
- Rosemary or another herb for garnish
To make the sweet & sour mix
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup lime juice
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
For the sweet & sour mix
- In a small sauce pan, combine sugar and water then simmer on low heat until the sugar has disolved.
- Let the syrup cool completely then combine the syrup and the citrus juice in a mason jar; shake it very well to combine.
To make the cocktail
- Shake vodka and sweet & sour mix together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour into a glass then top with sparkling water. Add garnishes, if desired.
