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This spicy vodka sour adds the kick of hot peppers to the classic cocktail. Made without egg whites, so it’s even easier to enjoy!
Although I love to go out to restaurants and travel, my husband and I tend to be homebodies. We do enjoy a good cocktail, though, so we’ve been working on building up our home bar and expanding our drink-making experience.
This spicy vodka sour cocktail is one recipe I love to make when I want something easy but flavorful. Skipping the egg white that is traditional for a vodka sour recipe means no worrying about proper frothing.
The spicy simple syrup is easy to make as well, and creates enough syrup for multiple cocktails. Make it ahead of time and you can shake up this drink any time you like!
Ingredients for spicy vodka sour
Full list of ingredients including quantities is located in the recipe card.
You’ll need:
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- Habanero peppers – These little peppers are quite spicy, giving a great kick to the simple syrup. You can substitute Scotch bonnet peppers for the same level of heat, but if you want a tamer syrup, use jalapeรฑo or serrano peppers.
- Vodka
- Lemon juice
- Angostura bitters – Bitters are concentrated blends of herbs and spices. Angostura is one of the most popular brands and can be found behind every bar.
Check out this vodka 101 to learn more about the classic spirit.
How to make this recipe
First, we’ll make the spicy simple syrup. You can make this ahead of time, as homemade simple syrup will keep in the fridge for about 1 month.
In a small saucepan, add the water and heat to boiling. Stir in the sugar and reduce heat to low. Continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the chopped peppers and cover. Remove from heat and let stand for about 20 minutes to infuse the syrup.
Strain into a jar or bottle and let cool before using.
To make the spicy vodka sour, combine 1 ounce of the spicy syrup, vodka, lemon juice, and bitters in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, cover, and shake for 15 seconds to mix and chill.
Strain into a glass, serving up (without ice) or on the rocks. Garnish with a lemon slice or twist.
How to store the simple syrup
Because the simple syrup recipe makes more than you’ll need for a cocktail (or two), you’ll have extra left over.
I store my homemade simple syrups in glass bottles or mason jars with reusable lids in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about 1 month; I recommend storing them toward the back of the fridge where it is colder, rather than the door.
If you want to store it longer, you can actually freeze simple syrup! Simply pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze.
Once frozen, remove the cubes and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Don’t forget to label it!
Thaw the cubes as needed overnight in the refrigerator. You can also warm in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Make sure to cool the syrup before using in your drinks.
We love this cocktail for a date night at home. You’ll love it too!
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It means so much when you enjoy my recipes, so let me know how it goes and leave a comment if you have any questions.
Spicy Vodka Sour
Ingredients
For the spicy syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1-2 habanero peppers, coarsely chopped
For the cocktail
- 1 ounce spicy simple syrup
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2-3 dashes angostura bitters
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat water to boiling. Add sugar, reduce heat to low, and stir until dissolved. Add pepper and cover. Remove from heat and let stand for 20 minutes to infuse the flavor. Strain into a jar. Let cool completely before using.
- Combine vodka, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into a glass over ice or straight up in a cocktail glass.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on online calculators. Any nutritional information found on Stetted should be used as a general guideline only.
About Megan
I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, Iโm here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen.ย Read moreโฆ