Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour is a timeless classic. Whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup create a balanced and refreshing cocktail. This drink has been a favorite for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Follow our detailed recipe to make this amazing cocktail.

Equipment

To make a Whiskey Sour, you will need some essential equipment. This ensures the drink is well-mixed and properly served.

Cocktail Shaker: A cocktail shaker is vital. It helps blend the ingredients thoroughly. A shaker with a built-in strainer is even better.
Jigger: A jigger ensures precise measurements of your ingredients. This keeps the balance perfect.
Strainer: A fine-mesh strainer helps remove ice shards and lemon pulp. It’s important for a smooth drink.
Bar Spoon: Use a bar spoon for stirring ingredients before shaking. It’s also useful for layering or garnishing.
Rocks Glass: Serve your Whiskey Sour in a rocks glass for a traditional look.
Knife and Cutting Board: These are essential for cutting lemon slices and other garnishes.
Ice: Fresh ice is crucial. It chills and dilutes the drink to the right level.

Ingredients

You need specific ingredients to make a proper whiskey sour.

Main Ingredients:

Whiskey: 2 oz (bourbon or rye works best)
Fresh Lemon Juice: ¾ oz
Simple Syrup: ¾ oz (mix equal parts sugar and water)

Optional Ingredients:

Egg White: 1 (for a frothy texture)
Angostura Bitters: 3-4 drops (for added depth)

Garnishes:

Orange Slice: 1 slice (for a citrus aroma)
Maraschino Cherry: 1 (for a sweet finish)

Ice:

Ice Cubes: Enough to fill the shaker and your serving glass

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh and measured correctly. The quality of the whiskey and lemon juice will significantly impact the flavor.

Instructions

Prepare your cocktail shaker: Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Fill with ice: Add ice cubes to the cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Strain the mixture: Use a strainer to pour the liquid into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish: Add an orange slice and a maraschino cherry to your drink, if desired.

For a more refined texture:

Include an egg white to the shaker along with the other ingredients.
Dry shake: This means shaking the ingredients without ice for about 10 seconds.
Wet shake: Add ice and shake again for another 15-20 seconds.

Tasting Notes

A Whiskey Sour offers a balanced blend of flavors. Its components each contribute to a unique tasting experience.

Flavor Profile:

Whiskey: Depending on the type, it brings vanilla, oak, or spice notes.
Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy, citrusy brightness.
Simple Syrup: Provides a sweet counterbalance to the sourness.
Egg White: If included, it adds a velvety texture.

Different whiskeys can create varied experiences. Bourbon offers sweet, caramel, and vanilla notes. Rye whiskey is spicier, with a bolder taste. Scotch can introduce floral and fruity hints.

The egg white, when used, gives the drink a creamy mouthfeel. It also enhances the frothy head of the cocktail. This texture makes sipping more enjoyable.

Aromas:

Citrus from lemon.
Vanilla and spice from whiskey.
Light sweetness from syrup.

These aromas create an inviting profile. They prepare your palate for the rich taste.

Similar Cocktails

When you enjoy a Whiskey Sour, you’ll likely appreciate these similar cocktails. Each has its own unique twist on the classic:

Boston Sour

Bourbon
Lemon juice
Sugar syrup
Egg white

Beelzebub

Bourbon
Mezcal
Amaro
Orgeat
Lemon juice

Ward Eight

Rye whiskey
Lemon juice
Orange juice
Grenadine

Gold Rush

Bourbon
Lemon juice
Honey syrup

New York Sour

Whiskey Sour base
Red wine float

Each of these cocktails brings something different. The Boston Sour uses an egg white for a creamy texture.

Beelzebub adds mezcal for a smoky flavor.

Ward Eight includes orange juice and grenadine for extra sweetness.

The Gold Rush swaps simple syrup for honey syrup.

New York Sour adds a floating layer of red wine for a dramatic look and richer taste.

History

The Whiskey Sour has a rich history. The earliest known mention of this cocktail is found in Jerry Thomas’s 1862 Bartender’s Guide.

Historians believe it was popular among sailors. The reason? Whiskey and lemon juice helped prevent scurvy on long voyages.

By the 19th century, this drink became more popular on land. It combined whiskey, lemon juice, water, and sugar. This simple yet effective recipe made it a classic.

In the Prohibition era, the Whiskey Sour thrived. Many flocked to speakeasies for this drink. Even today, it remains a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

August 25th is celebrated as National Whiskey Sour Day. This highlights its enduring popularity.