The Raspberry Bourbon Sour is a fun pink cocktail that combines the bold notes of bourbon with the vibrant tartness of fresh raspberries. Enhanced by the subtle undertones of chocolate bitters and the silky texture from egg white, each sip of this cocktail is luxurious and delicious.
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Raspberry Bourbon Sour
Although this is a delicious drink that should be consumed really anytime of year, especially fresh berry season I specifically crafted this one for Valentine's Day.
How can anyone resist such a perfect pink cocktail? I mean it is a gorgeous color. Also the flavors!? Raspberry with a touch of chocolate bitters... it doesn't get much more Valentine's Day to me, or if you are more partial to Galentine's Day with the girls! It really is the perfect cocktail for any occasion you need a pink alcoholic beverage.
For this drink I really wanted to use fresh raspberries to keep the flavor light and true to a raspberry. If you have raspberry syrup and are looking for a cocktail to use it in you certainly can use it here as a replacement to the raspberries or along with the raspberries but note the flavor profile might change slightly to more of a raspberry jam, which honestly would also be delicious.
To round out this drink I highly suggest not skipping out on the chocolate bitters. It adds a complexity to the cocktail. Chocolate bitters are made by multiple companies and can easily be ordered online, even as part of a bitters sampler pack.
Equipment Needed
- Shaker
- Muddler
- Jigger or measuring tools
- Strainers - You will want a hawthorne strainer Affiliate Link as well as a fine mesh strainer Affiliate Link to get all the raspberry seeds out the drink.
- Coup or martini glass
- Cocktail pick or toothpick for garnish
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Ingredients
- Bourbon - I always recommend to use your favorite bourbon, bourbons can vary in flavors so much so choosing one you know you like is always a good idea. I will note for a drink like this one it isn't bad to choose a bourbon that gives off vanilla notes.
- Raspberries - The more fresh the better!
- Simple Syrup - I you need to make some get my recipe for simple syrup here.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - Make sure you are using fresh lemon juice.
- Chocolate Bitters - Each brand of chocolate or cocoa bitters might vary slightly in strength and flavor. I have tried this recipe with both Strongwater and Woodford Reserve, both were very good in this cocktail.
- Egg White - Using an egg white give this drink a smooth silky mouth feel as well as the foam on top of the drink. White you can leave this out just note the drink won't be as frothy or silky.
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Instructions
Muddle Raspberries
Begin by placing 10 raspberries in the shaker and muddling them with ¾ ounce of simple syrup.
Add Lemon Juice and Bourbon
Pour ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice and 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon into the shaker. Shake the ingredients dry (without ice) to initiate the blend of flavors.
Double Strain
For a smooth texture and to remove all of the raspberry seeds double strain the mixture. If you have only one shaker, pour the drink into a clean glass, rinse the shaker, and pour the liquid back in. This step guarantees a refined cocktail without any residual raspberry pieces.
Add Chocolate Bitters and Egg White
Introduce 3 dashes of chocolate bitters and the egg white into the shaker. The chocolate bitters add a subtle complexity, while the egg white contributes a luxurious creaminess.
Shake Dry and then with Ice
Shake the concoction dry (without ice) for about 20 seconds to create a frothy consistency with the egg white. Then, add ice and shake vigorously for an additional 20-30 seconds, ensuring a perfectly chilled and well-mixed drink.
Strain into Glass
Strain the Raspberry Bourbon Sour into a coupe or martini glass.
Garnish and Enjoy
Elevate the visual appeal by threading the remaining 3 raspberries onto a cocktail pick or toothpick. Gently place the garnish on top of the drink. Enjoy and start sipping away!
Tips, Tricks and Questions
- Ensure a thorough muddle to extract the maximum flavor from the raspberries.
- Double straining helps remove any raspberry pulp for a smoother texture.
- The Dry Shake with the egg white first creates a nice froth before adding ice.
- Use quality bourbon for a rich and well-rounded flavor profile. You can also make a variation by using rye whiskey.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, though fresh raspberries are recommended for the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure they're thawed before muddling.
What can I substitute for chocolate bitters?
If you don't have chocolate bitters, feel free to omit them or use regular aromatic bitters for a different twist.
Can I make this cocktail without egg white?
Certainly. Skip the egg white for a lighter version, though it won't have the same creamy texture or foamy top.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?
Craft a non-alcoholic version by swapping bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. The result is a delightful mocktail with all the flavors and none of the alcohol.
If you like Raspberry Bourbon Cocktail you might also like:
Raspberry Bourbon Sour
This pink and frothy cocktail is made from fresh raspberries, bourbon, chocolate bitters, and egg white.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 10 raspberries for the drink, 3 raspberries for the garnish
- ¾ simple syrup
- ¾ ounces fresh lemon juice
- 3 dashes chocolate bitters
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- Add 10 raspberries and simple syrup to shaker. Muddle well.
- Add the lemon juice and bourbon to the shaker. Shake dry (without ice) to combine.
- Double strain the drink into a clean shaker if you have one, if you only have one shaker (like most people), pour the drink into a clean glass and then do a quick rinse of the shaker to get any of the raspberries pieces out of the shaker. Then pour the drink back into the rinsed shaker.
- Add the chocolate bitters and the egg white to the shaker.
- Shake dry (without ice) for about 20 seconds. Add ice and shake vigorously again for about another 20 to 30 seconds.
- Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass. Add the 3 remaining raspberries to a cocktail pack and place on the top as garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
You can make the drink without the egg white and/or chocolate bitters, just expect a slightly different result. Without the egg white it won't be as silky or foamy. If you skip the chocolate bitters the flavor won't be quite as complex.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1 drinkAmount Per Serving: Calories: 557Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 59mgCarbohydrates: 120gFiber: 2gSugar: 117gProtein: 4g
Nutritional data is automated and might not be 100% accurate, final nutritional information will depend on ingredients used and any changes made.
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