Skip to content
Home » Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour





The Perfect Whiskey Sour Recipe

Description

The Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail that perfectly balances the rich, robust flavors of whiskey with the tartness of lemon and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup. This cocktail is a staple in bars and homes alike, known for its smooth yet invigorating taste. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a novice bartender, this recipe will guide you to crafting a perfect recipe every time.

Ingredients

For the Whiskey Sour:

  • 2 ounces whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon wheel or cherry, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 ounce egg white (for a frothy texture)
  • A dash of Angostura bitters (for added complexity)

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making Whiskey Sour

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  1. Squeeze the Lemon:
    • Fresh lemon juice is key to a great Whiskey Sour. Squeeze the juice from one or two lemons until you have 3/4 ounce. Freshly squeezed juice gives the drink a bright, clean flavor that bottled juice can’t match.
  2. Make Simple Syrup:
    • If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, it’s easy to make. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow it to cool before using.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of whiskey, 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. If you prefer a frothy Whiskey Sour, add 1/2 ounce of egg white.
  2. Dry Shake:
    • If using egg white, first shake the mixture without ice (a “dry shake”) for about 10 seconds. This helps to emulsify the egg white, creating a nice frothy texture.
  3. Shake with Ice:
    • Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This chills the cocktail and properly dilutes the ingredients.

Step 3: Serve the Cocktail

  1. Strain the Cocktail:
    • Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. If you prefer your Whiskey Sour straight up, strain it into a chilled coupe glass.
  2. Garnish:
    • Garnish with a lemon wheel or a cherry, or both if you like. The garnish not only adds visual appeal but also hints at the flavors within the drink.

Step 4: Enjoy!

  1. Sip and Savor:
    • Enjoy your freshly made Whiskey Sour. Take a moment to appreciate the balance of flavors – the smooth whiskey, the tart lemon, and the sweet syrup.

Tips and Variations for Whiskey Sour

Tips for the Perfect Whiskey Sour

  • Use Fresh Ingredients:
    • Fresh lemon juice is crucial. The bottled stuff just won’t give you the same vibrant, fresh flavor.
  • Quality Whiskey Matters:
    • The quality of whiskey you use will greatly affect the final drink. Bourbon tends to be sweeter, while Rye whiskey adds a bit more spice.
  • Experiment with Garnishes:
    • A twist of lemon peel, a cherry, or even a slice of orange can add a delightful touch to your cocktail.

Variations

  • Whiskey Sour with Egg White:
    • Adding egg white to your Whiskey Sour creates

a rich, creamy texture and a beautiful foam on top. This is a common variation often referred to as a Boston Sour. Be sure to use fresh, high-quality eggs if you opt for this addition.

  • Maple Whiskey Sour:
    • Replace the simple syrup with maple syrup for a delicious twist. This adds a warm, rich sweetness that complements the whiskey perfectly.
  • Spicy Whiskey Sour:
    • Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick. This variation adds a surprising and delightful heat to the classic drink.
  • Berry Whiskey Sour:
    • Muddle a few fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries) in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This will add a fruity dimension to your cocktail.
  • Herbal Whiskey Sour:
    • Infuse your simple syrup with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an added layer of complexity. Simply add the herbs to the syrup as it cooks, then strain them out before cooling.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 160
  • Protein: 0.3g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 2mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Whiskey Sour

Origins of Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour has a long and storied history dating back to the mid-19th century. The first known mention of the cocktail was in Jerry Thomas’s 1862 book, “The Bartender’s Guide.” Sailors often drank a mixture of spirits, citrus, and water to prevent scurvy during long voyages, and this is believed to be the precursor to thi recipe.

Whiskey Sour in Popular Culture

Over the years, this recipe has maintained its status as a staple in American cocktail culture. It was a favorite in the Prohibition era, offering a way to mask the harshness of poor-quality spirits. The cocktail’s simplicity and balanced flavor profile have kept it popular in modern times, enjoyed in both upscale cocktail bars and home settings.

Fun Facts

  • National Whiskey Sour Day:
    • August 25th is celebrated as National Whiskey Sour Day in the United States.
  • A Classic Sour:
    • This recipe is part of the “sour” family of cocktails, which includes drinks like the Daiquiri and the Margarita. These cocktails are characterized by their use of a base spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener.
  • Egg Whites for the Win:
    • Adding egg white to a sour cocktail is a technique borrowed from traditional European drinks. It gives the drink a silky texture and a beautiful foamy head.

The Science Behind the Recipe

The balance of sweet and sour is crucial in this recipe. The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the whiskey, while the simple syrup sweetens the drink to create a harmonious blend. Shaking the cocktail with ice chills and dilutes it just enough to bring all the flavors together without overpowering each other.

Using fresh lemon juice ensures that the acidity is bright and clear, and the simple syrup, made by dissolving sugar in water, blends smoothly without leaving any gritty texture. If you choose to add egg white, the dry shake (shaking without ice) helps to emulsify the proteins, creating a stable foam that adds to the drink’s mouthfeel.