Vesuvio Sour: Italian-Inspired Rum and Vermouth Cocktail

A frothy rum sour with vermouth, lemon, and egg white, the Vesuvio Sour delivers bold flavor and Italian-inspired style in every sip.

Vesuvio Recipe Image

A frothy, Italian-inspired sour that mixes rum and vermouth with lemon and a silky foam.

Background

The Vesuvio Sour takes its name from Mount Vesuvius in Italy, nodding to both its fiery flavor contrast and its foamy "eruption" of egg white. Though not a century-old classic, it draws on the structure of a sour and adds vermouth for depth.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • Light Rum – smooth base spirit with subtle sweetness.
  • Sweet Vermouth – herbal and bittersweet depth.
  • Lemon Juice – sharp acidity to balance the sweet.
  • Simple Syrup – clean, dissolvable sweetness.
  • Egg White – creamy texture and frothy head.

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker (for dry shake + ice shake)
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Whiskey Sour glass or coupe

Why You’ll Love It: Frothy Depth

The Vesuvio Sour layers bright citrus with herbal vermouth and silky texture. It feels classic yet unexpected, approachable yet sophisticated.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Base spirit: Swap light rum with aged rum for deeper flavor, or vodka for a neutral canvas.
  • Vermouth: Try dry vermouth or an amaro for a more bitter edge.
  • Egg white: Replace with aquafaba for a vegan-friendly foam.

Helpful Tips

  • Shake smart: Always dry shake first, then add ice for best foam.
  • Garnish: A lemon twist or grated nutmeg enhances aroma.
  • Pairing: Works well with salty snacks or light seafood starters.
  • Batching: Mix rum, vermouth, syrup, and lemon ahead; add egg white and shake to order.

Vesuvio Recipe

Type of Glass

Whiskey Sour Glass

Ingredients

  • 1 oz.
  • 1/2 oz.
  • 1/2 oz.
  • 3/4 oz.
  • 1

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice and dry shake vigorously to emulsify the egg white.
  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake hard until well chilled and frothy.
  3. Strain into a glass over fresh ice (or serve up in a coupe if preferred).
  4. Optional: garnish with a light dusting of grated nutmeg or a lemon twist.

The Vesuvio Sour proves that a simple sour can carry Italian flair and bold character.

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