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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!

A glass of lemonade with ice cubes and a lemon slice, placed on a gray surface with a stainless steel cocktail shaker and a jigger in the background.

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.

Ingredients for a cocktail are laid out on a table: sugar, water, habanero peppers, a bottle of vodka, lemons, and bitters.

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 jalapeño 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.

A tall glass of lemonade with ice and a lemon slice, placed on a gray surface. A halved lemon, a small jigger, and a shaker are in the background.

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.

A cocktail glass with a lemon slice and ice, placed next to a metal jigger, a halved lemon, and a stainless steel cocktail shaker.

We love this cocktail for a date night at home. You’ll love it too!

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below!
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.

A glass of lemonade with ice cubes and a lemon slice, placed on a gray surface with a stainless steel cocktail shaker and a jigger in the background.

Spicy Vodka Sour

A homemade habanero simple syrup gives the classic vodka sour a spicy kick.
Author : Megan Myers
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Resting time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 227 kcal

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

Calories: 227 kcalCarbohydrates: 24 gProtein: 0.3 gFat: 0.1 gSaturated Fat: 0.01 gSodium: 18 mgPotassium: 80 mgFiber: 0.2 gSugar: 22 gIron: 1 mg

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.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below!
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About Megan

I focus on fresh ingredients and easy methods, with spins that keep meals interesting. Dinnertime shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…

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