This Whiskey Sour Recipe is a classic cocktail that perfectly balances the smoothness of whiskey with the tanginess of fresh lemon juice. If you’re looking for a new addition to your list of cocktail recipes, this classic Whiskey Sour is for you!
Jump to:
The Whiskey Sour is a timeless drink loved by whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail fans everywhere. If you’re a fan of the classics, you’ll also love this Smoked Old Fashioned and Smoked Gin and Tonic! With its perfect mix of smooth whiskey and tangy lemon juice, this Whiskey Sour cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, get ready to channel your inner mixologist and embark on this tasty whiskey adventure!
What Is a Whiskey Sour Recipe?
The Whiskey Sour has a long history, dating all the way back to long voyages during the 19th century. Because scurvy was prevalent during this time, sailors would stock up on citrus fruits like oranges, limes, and lemons to combat the disease. Paired with alcohol that could be kept at room temperature, like bourbon and whiskey, the Whiskey Sour was born.
Like traditional Whiskey Sour, we combined our ingredients in a cocktail shaker and poured the cocktail into a coupe glass. You can serve this cocktail in an old-fashioned glass (rocks), cobbler glass, or highball. It’s absolutely beautiful with the egg foam and a dried lemon slice for garnish.
What You Need to Make This Cocktail Recipe
- Good Whiskey – Use the best whiskey you can find!
- Simple syrup
- Juice from a fresh lemon
- Egg white
- Lemon slices
How to Make a Whiskey Sour Recipe
This one looks oh-so-fancy but is actually easy to make.
- Add the whiskey, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
- Add the egg white and secure the lid.
- Then vigorously shake the cocktail shaker for 20 seconds. This mixes the drink and froths the egg yolk for that iconic topping.
- Using a cocktail strainer, strain the drink into a cobbler glass, carefully pour the egg white foam over top, and garnish with a lemon slice for a top scale bar worthy drink right at home. Happy hour awaits.
Add whiskey. Add simple syrup. Add egg white. Shake and strain.
Expert Tips
- Garnish with Angostura bitters to intensify the flavors of other ingredients!
- Add extra simple syrup to increase the sweetness!
- Garnish with a lemon twist or orange peel for an extra citrusy twist!
- Add a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness!
What to Serve With a Whiskey Sour Recipe
Looking for some seafood dishes to pair with your Whiskey Sour? Then, you have to try this Grilled Miso-Ginger Salmon and Seafood Scampi Pasta! If you’re in the mood for beef, this Rosemary Ribeye Steak will surely satisfy your cravings!
Recipe FAQs
Some great additions to this recipe are switching out the simple syrup for maple syrup or honey syrup! You can also add a brandied cherry instead of a maraschino cherry for an extra boozy delight!
While it’s more convenient to use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice really does give this drink a fresh flavor. However, you can still use bottled lemon juice if that’s all you have!
The type of whiskey you use in this recipe can greatly affect the flavor profile. For example, Scotch whisky (without an ‘e’) has a smoky flavor, is made from malted barley, and is distilled twice. On the other hand, Irish Whiskey has a smoother flavor with notes of honey, is made from a blend of malted and unmalted barley (usually), and is distilled three times, attributing to its smoothness.
Next, we have bourbon. Bourbon is a popular choice for whiskey sours because of its sweet vanilla notes that beautifully contrast the sour elements. Finally, we have rye whiskey. Rye is a bit spicier than bourbon and has a more peppery, clove-like essence.
So, to answer your question, it depends on what you’re looking for in a flavor profile. Irish Whiskey or Scotch Whisky will be your best bet if you prefer less sweet spirits. On the other hand, if you like a sweeter flavor profile, bourbon might be the way to go. Lastly, rye whiskey is an excellent choice if you want to add a hint of spiciness to your drink!
More Whiskey Recipes to Try
Although National Whiskey Sour Day is August 25, you don’t have to wait that long to enjoy this whiskey drink! With this simple recipe, you can whip up a Whiskey Sour and enjoy it within the comforts of your own home in no time! Grab your favorite whiskey and the rest of your ingredients, and craft this timeless classic! Also, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!
Whiskey Sour Recipe
AmericanIngredients
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Lemon slices - for garnish
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake for 20 seconds, then add ice and shake for another 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass and serve with a fresh or dried lemon slice.
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
⭐ Tried this recipe? Rate it ⭐
Help out the next person and give it a star rating below!
claire @the realistic nutritionist says
i want to party with you!!
Marcia says
Don of course! But I like lots of the characters so much. I will miss them all when this is over.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
These photos are off the charts!!
Yankee Kitchen Ninja (Julianne) says
The photos are AMAZING! I love how much you got into this — not to mention that you made one of my all-time faves.
Lisa | The Viet Vegan says
Mmm whisky sours are a favourite, and you make it look extra classy and not like the cheap night drinks I get when I go out with my friends XD Love your badass vintage photoshoot!
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
OMG, I love your photos for this post! (Then again, I always love your photos! But these are just extra special awesome sauce!) You’ve turned our virtual party into a fancy, IRL shin-dig!
nicole @ i am a honey bee says
Oh man, I want that pitcher full!!!
And those photos are beautiful!!
Aimee Seavey says
Now, this looks like a fun time! I wish I had a reason to get dressed up Mad Men style! They really knew how to wear an outfit and sip a drink….yours looks perfect!
Debbie G says
Dooooooooooooon.
Sophia @ nyfoodgasm says
OMG these pictures, the dresses, the hair, the location!! LOVE everything about this! Great job!
RavieNomNoms says
This is my Mom’s favorite drink of all time!
Trevor says
What a fun blog party! I celebrated the return with a Manhattan, of course, because it is what I do. And it always makes me happy. Great line up of classic cocktails here!