Classic Whiskey Sour Recipe
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Whiskey sour is one of the most popular cocktails in the world. The combination of bourbon, lemon juice and sugar make a simple cocktail, but incredibly delicious.
This traditional whiskey sour is a timeless cocktail that perfectly balances the flavors of whiskey and lemon with a touch of sweetness. It’s a bar classic for a reason and it’s easier than you think to make at home, for an after dinner drink or to impress your guests.
How to Make a Whiskey Sour At Home
Watch the full video recipe to learn how to make the best whiskey sour recipe. This step-by-step tutorial simplifies the process, offering tips and tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.
Prefer the written recipe? Scroll down to the recipe box 👇
Why you’ll love this whiskey sour original recipe
- Easy to make – It’s easier than you might think to make this classic whiskey sour recipe.
- Customizable – Add more flavors, spices, and garnish to customize and elevate your whiskey sour to new flavors.
- Impressive – Its timeless presentation with foam and garnish make this simple cocktail a very impressive one for your guests.
- Classic – This easy recipe for whisk sour is as old as time, and for good reason. It’s loved and appreciated all over the world.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a list of the simple whiskey sour ingredients:
- Whiskey: The star of the recipe! Choose your favorite Bourbon or Whiskey and experiment with different types to find your favorite.
- Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice for the best fresh and zesy flavor.
- Simple Syrup: Make simple syrup at home with a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar, or use store-bought simple syrup. Alternatively you can also use other sweetners like maple syrup.
- Egg White: Use fresh egg whites to make the iconic foam. Raw eggs are generally safe thanks to the antibacterial properties of alcohol and lemon, but it’s still optional.
This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Whiskey: you can also use other types of whisky instead of Bourbon to make a whisky sour. Such as rye whisky, scotch whisky, or Canadian whisky.
- No Egg: Raw egg white foam is usually considered safe in cocktails thanks to the alcohol and lemon. But you can also skip them to enjoy an eggless whiskey sour.
- Sweetner: Use maple syrup or honey to sweeten your whiskey sour and have a different flavor profile.
- Citrus: Add a splash of orange juice, grapefruit juice, or grenadine, for a different citrus flavor.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced variation.
Tips and Tricks
Making the perfect whisky sour is all about finding the right balance of ingredients. Here are some tips and techniques to help you create a delicious cocktail:
- Use fresh lemon juice: The lemon juice is a key ingredient in a whisky sour, so it’s important to use fresh juice rather than bottled juice. Bottled juice can have a strange taste and won’t give your cocktail the same fresh, tangy flavor as fresh juice.
- Experiment with different types of whisky: The type of whisky you use can greatly affect the flavor of your whisky sour. Try using different types of whisky (such as bourbon, rye, or scotch) to see which you like best.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste: Some people like their whisky sours on the sweeter side, while others prefer them to be more tart. You can adjust the sweetness of your cocktail by adding more or less sugar (or using a different sweetener such as maple syrup).
- Don’t skip the egg white: Some people are hesitant to use egg white in their whisky sours, but it’s actually a key ingredient. It helps to give the cocktail a nice frothy texture and also helps to balance out the flavors.
- Get the right proportions: The traditional proportions for a whisky sour are 2 parts whisky, 1 part lemon juice, and 1 part sugar. You can adjust these proportions to your taste, but this is a good starting point.
Best Served With
A whisky sour is a classic cocktail that pairs well with a variety of different foods. Here are some expert recommendations for what to eat with your whisky sour:
- Spicy foods: The bold flavors of a whisky sour can help to cut through the heat of spicy dishes, making it a great pairing for Mexican or Asian cuisine. Try pairing your whisky sour with dishes like spicy wings, tacos, or curry.
- Savory snacks: A whisky sour is a great drink to enjoy with savory snacks like nuts, cheese, or charcuterie. The salty flavors of these foods help to balance out the sweetness of the cocktail.
- BBQ: A whisky sour is a great choice for a summer BBQ, as it pairs well with smoky, grilled flavors. Try sipping on a whisky sour while enjoying dishes like ribs, pulled pork, or burgers.
- Desserts: If you have a sweet tooth, you might be surprised to learn that a whisky sour can also be paired with desserts. The tartness of the cocktail can help to cut through the richness of sweet treats like chocolate cake or caramel ice cream.
- Seafood: The bright, citrusy flavors of a whisky sour make it a great pairing for seafood dishes like oysters, shrimp, or scallops.
Overall, the key to pairing food with a whisky sour is to look for flavors and textures that will complement the bold, tart flavors of the cocktail. Experiment with different combinations to find what you like best.
The History of Whiskey Sour Cocktail
The classic whiskey sour is a timeless cocktail that has been savored by countless people for generations. Its exact origins are not completely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the 1800s. Some believe it was invented by a bartender on a ship sailing from South America to the United States, while others think it originated in Wisconsin, USA, when a bartender used available ingredients (including whisky, lemon juice, and sugar) to make a drink. Despite its uncertain beginnings, the whisky sour gained widespread popularity and can now be found on the menus of bars and restaurants worldwide.
Different Types of Whiskies You can Use
The most common type of whisky used to make a whisky sour is bourbon. Bourbon is a type of American whisky that is made from corn and has a slightly sweet, oaky flavor that pairs well with the lemon juice and sugar in the cocktail. However, you can also use other types of whisky to make a whisky sour, such as:
- Rye whisky is an American whisky made from rye grain, which gives it a spicy, bold flavor. It can be used in place of bourbon in a whisky sour for a slightly different twist on the classic recipe.
- Scotch whisky is made in Scotland and has a smoky, peaty flavor. It can be used in a whisky sour, but keep in mind that the smoky flavors of the scotch may be more pronounced in the finished cocktail.
- Canadian whisky is another type of whisky that can be used in a whisky sour. It is similar to bourbon in terms of flavor and is often made from a blend of grains, including corn, rye, and wheat.
Ultimately, the choice of whisky for your whisky sour is a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different types of whiskies to see which you like best in the cocktail.
Why do You Add Egg White to Whisky Sour and What are the Alternatives?
Egg white gives the cocktail a frothy texture and add body and richness to the drink. The egg white also helps to balance the flavors of the whisky, lemon juice, and sugar, resulting in a smooth, well-rounded flavor.
While the use of egg white in a whisky sour is not traditional, it is a popular addition for many people. If you’re worried about using raw egg in your cocktail, you can pasteurize the egg white at home before adding it to the whisky sour to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. If you prefer, you can also omit the egg white entirely and still have a tasty whisky sour.
More Cocktails Recipes
Classic Whiskey Sour Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (60 ml) Whisky/Bourbon
- 1 ounce (30 ml) Lemon juice
- 1/2-3/4 ounce (15-22.5 ml) Simple syrup
- ½ (½) egg white optional
- Ice
- For garnish: Angostura bitters
Instructions
- 1. Into a shaker place whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and shake for 15-20 seconds.
- 2. Add ice cubes and shake for another 15-20 seconds.
- 3. Strain cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer or a slotted spoon into an old-fashioned or rocks glass filled with ice.
- 4. Garnish with 3 or 4 drops of Angostura bitters.
- 5. Serve!
- 6. Optional: serve with lemon peel and maraschino cherry
Video
Notes
- Watch the Video Recipe – For a better understanding of the recipe, I recommend watching the step-by-step video tutorial.
- Check the FAQs – If you have any questions about ingredient substitutions, tips and serving suggestions, be sure to check the FAQs section located under the recipe card and the post above.
- Use fresh lemon juice – The lemon juice is a key ingredient in a whisky sour, so it’s important to use fresh juice rather than bottled juice. Bottled juice can have a strange taste and won’t give your cocktail the same fresh, tangy flavor as fresh juice.
- Different types of whisky – The type of whisky you use can greatly affect the flavor of your whisky sour. Try using different types of whisky (such as bourbon, rye, or scotch) to see which you like best.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste – Some people like their whisky sours on the sweeter side, while others prefer them to be more tart. You can adjust the sweetness of your cocktail by adding more or less sugar (or using a different sweetener such as maple syrup).
- Don’t skip the egg white – Some people are hesitant to use egg white in their whisky sours, but it’s actually a key ingredient. It helps to give the cocktail a nice frothy texture and also helps to balance out the flavors.
- Get the right proportions – The traditional proportions for a whisky sour are 2 parts whisky, 1 part lemon juice, and 1 part sugar. You can adjust these proportions to your taste, but this is a good starting point.
- Garnishes – Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, or with lemon twists, or fresh herbs.
- Tip for Serving – Served in a chilled glass, with or without ice.
Nutrition
Common Questions
Whiskey sour is a classic cocktail made of whiskey (Bourbon), lemon juice, and sugar.
Egg white foam makes a classic presentation but it’s optional. You can skip it altogether or use pasteurized egg whites.
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled juice can taste flat or artificial and won’t give the cocktail the same bright, zesty flavor.
Absolutely. Mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in advance and store it chilled. Shake individual servings with ice just before pouring, or serve over ice in a pitcher.
