The Whiskey Sour is one of the most enduring and iconic cocktails in the world of mixology. First recorded in the 19th century, this drink has stood the test of time thanks to its perfect balance of whiskey’s bold warmth, citrus’s refreshing tang, and just enough sweetness to tie it all together. Whether you’re a home bartender or simply enjoy cocktails at dinner parties, the Whiskey Sour is a timeless choice that never goes out of style.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Whiskey Sour, explore variations, and discover useful tips to elevate your cocktail game.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Simple but Sophisticated – Just a few ingredients create a balanced and elegant drink.
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Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, citrus, or whiskey to your personal taste.
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Great for Any Occasion – Works equally well before dinner, at brunch, or as a nightcap.
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Classic Appeal – A historical drink that brings charm and conversation to any gathering.
Ingredients List
Basic Whiskey Sour Ingredients:
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2 oz bourbon whiskey (or rye, if preferred)
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ to ¾ oz simple syrup (to taste)
Optional:
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½ oz egg white (for texture and frothiness)
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Angostura bitters (a few dashes, for garnish)
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Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: None
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Servings: 1 cocktail
Step-by-Step Instructions for Whiskey Sour
Step 1: Choose Your Whiskey
Select a good quality bourbon or rye. Bourbon brings smooth, caramel-like sweetness, while rye offers more spice and boldness.
Step 2: Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste. Bottled juice simply doesn’t provide the same brightness or freshness.
Step 3: Prepare the Simple Syrup
If you don’t have it already:
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Combine 1 part sugar and 1 part water.
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Heat until dissolved, then cool before use.
Step 4: Shake the Cocktail
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With Egg White (Traditional Style):
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Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker.
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Shake without ice (dry shake) for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
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Add ice and shake again for 15–20 seconds.
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Without Egg White:
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Simply combine whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup with ice in a shaker.
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Shake well for 15 seconds.
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Step 5: Strain and Serve
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Strain into a chilled coupe, rocks glass, or old-fashioned glass.
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Use large ice cubes or a single sphere if desired.
Step 6: Garnish
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Top with a few dashes of bitters for aroma and color.
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Add a lemon twist or a maraschino cherry for a classic finish.
The Role of Each Ingredient
Whiskey
The base spirit provides warmth and complexity. Bourbon is preferred for a smoother finish, while rye whiskey offers a drier, spicier bite.
Lemon Juice
This adds the sour element, balancing the whiskey’s richness and the sweetness from the syrup.
Simple Syrup
Used to sweeten the drink and balance the acidity. Adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Egg White (Optional)
Creates a luxurious, velvety texture and a beautiful foam cap. It’s optional, but it gives the cocktail a traditional finish.
Tools You’ll Need
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger (for measuring)
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Strainer (fine mesh if using egg white)
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Citrus squeezer
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Coupe or rocks glass
Whiskey Sour Variations
New York Sour
Top your Whiskey Sour with a red wine float for a stunning visual and a fruity twist.
Maple Whiskey Sour
Substitute maple syrup for the simple syrup to add depth and richness.
Smoky Sour
Use a smoky whiskey like Islay Scotch or a splash of mezcal for a bolder flavor.
Amaretto Whiskey Sour
Add ½ oz of Amaretto for nutty sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled with a large ice cube to reduce dilution.
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Pair with snacks like spiced nuts, cheese boards, or charcuterie.
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Offer variations during a cocktail party to cater to different tastes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Bottled Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is key to balancing the drink properly. Bottled varieties often taste flat or overly acidic.
Skipping the Dry Shake (If Using Egg White)
Skipping this step prevents the drink from developing its signature frothy top.
Overly Sweet or Too Sour
Always taste and adjust the syrup and lemon ratio. Everyone’s palate is different.
Whiskey Sour Without Egg White
If you’re not comfortable using raw egg white or want a vegan version, leave it out. You can still enjoy a beautifully balanced cocktail without the foam. Some people use aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a vegan substitute.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can pre-batch the drink (minus the egg white) and store it in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake with ice and add egg white (if using) before serving.
Best Whiskeys for a Whiskey Sour
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Bourbon: Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve
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Rye: Bulleit Rye, Old Forester Rye
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High-End Choices: Four Roses Single Barrel, Elijah Craig
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: 180
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Sugar: 8g
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Alcohol: ~16% ABV (varies with whiskey type)
History of the Whiskey Sour
The earliest known written recipe for the Whiskey Sour appeared in an 1862 book, The Bartender’s Guide by Jerry Thomas. However, the concept likely dates back even further to sailors in the 1700s, who mixed spirits with citrus to combat scurvy and preserve flavor. Over time, the drink evolved into the balanced cocktail we know today.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice in a Whiskey Sour? Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice often lacks the brightness needed for a good cocktail.
2. What does egg white do in a Whiskey Sour? Egg white adds a silky texture and forms a creamy foam on top. It doesn’t affect flavor significantly but enhances mouthfeel.
3. Is it safe to drink egg white in cocktails? Using fresh, clean eggs and shaking properly makes it generally safe. Pasteurized egg whites are also a great alternative.
4. What’s the best glass for serving a Whiskey Sour? A coupe or old-fashioned glass works best. Rocks glasses are also commonly used, especially with ice.
5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of simple syrup? Yes. Maple syrup, honey syrup, or agave syrup can all be used. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
6. What’s the difference between a Whiskey Sour and an Old Fashioned? A Whiskey Sour uses lemon juice and is shaken, resulting in a brighter and more refreshing drink. An Old Fashioned is stirred and uses no citrus.
Conclusion
The Whiskey Sour is a cocktail that perfectly balances strong, sweet, and sour elements. With endless room for customization and an elegant presentation, it’s a drink that deserves a place in your repertoire—whether you’re new to cocktails or a seasoned mixologist.
Making one at home is simple, satisfying, and an excellent way to appreciate the nuances of your favorite whiskey. From a classic version to creative riffs like the New York Sour, you’ll find the Whiskey Sour endlessly enjoyable.