Balalaika
A crisp, citrusy vodka sour balancing lemon and orange liqueur.
The Balalaika is essentially a vodka Sidecar or White Lady, swapping the base spirit for a neutral canvas that highlights the orange liqueur and lemon. This substitution creates a cleaner, sharper sour where the citrus aromatics are not competing with oak or juniper. It was a fixture of mid-century hotel bars, representing the era's shift toward smoother, lighter spirits. Served up, it is elegant, tart, and structurally precise.
Ingredients
- • 2 oz vodka
- • 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
Did you know?
“Named after the traditional triangular Russian string instrument, the drink fits into the 20th-century trend of giving Russian names to any cocktail containing vodka.”
Bartender's Note
Ensure a hard shake to provide proper aeration and dilution, which softens the sharp citrus edges.
How to make the Balalaika
- 1Add vodka, Cointreau, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice
- 2Shake vigorously until well chilled
- 3Strain into a chilled coupe
- 4Garnish with a lemon twist
