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.
Whiskey Sour
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker blend the ingredients thoroughly
- Jigger ensures precise measurements of your ingredients.
- Strainer helps remove ice shards and lemon pulp
- Bar Spoon stirs ingredients before shaking
- Rocks glass serve your Whiskey Sour in a rocks glass for a traditional look
- Ice chills and dilutes the drink to the right level.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey bourbon or rye works best
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup mix equal parts sugar and water
- 1 Egg White for a frothy texture
- 3-4 drops Angostura Bitters for added depth
- 1 slice Orange Slice for a citrus aroma
- 1 Maraschino Cherry for a sweet finish
- Ice Cubes Enough to fill the shaker and your serving glass
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.
- 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
- 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.
When to Serve
A Whiskey Sour is perfect for various occasions. Its balance of sweet and sour makes it versatile.
Consider serving a Whiskey Sour:
- Before Dinner: It’s a great aperitif that whets the appetite.
- Cocktail Parties: Easy to make in batches and pleases most palates.
- Warm Evenings: Refreshing and light, perfect for warmer nights.
- Special Celebrations: Adds a classic touch to holidays and gatherings.
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