Rakija Sour 🍋 Serbian Classic 🇷🇸 (Serbian Brandy Sour)

Description

Bright, silky sour built on rakija (usually šljivovica), fresh lemon, and a hint of sweetness—balanced and sessionable. 🍋🥃

Hook: Bar-quality cocktail in 5 minutes—foam crown, zero fuss. ⚡

Ingredients

• 🥃 Rakija (plum brandy/šljivovica): 60 ml (¼ cup / 2 fl oz)
• 🍋 Fresh lemon juice: 30 ml (2 tbsp / 1 fl oz)
• 🍯 Simple syrup (1:1): 15 ml (1 tbsp / 0.5 fl oz)
• 🥚 Egg white (optional, for foam): 15 ml (1 tbsp / 0.5 fl oz)
• 🧊 Ice cubes: ≈1 cup (8–10 cubes)
• 🌿 Lemon peel or slice, for garnish: 1 (to taste)
• 🟤 Aromatic bitters (optional): 2 dashes

Preparation

1. 1️⃣ If using egg white, add rakija, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker. Dry shake (no ice) 10–12 seconds to build foam.
2. 2️⃣ Add ice and shake hard 12–15 seconds until well-chilled.
3. 3️⃣ Double-strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice (or into a coupe, no ice, for a “straight up” serve).
4. 4️⃣ Express lemon peel over the top; garnish with peel or slice. Add bitters as drops on the foam if using.

Total Time

🕒 Prep: 5 min
⏳ Total: 5 min

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