Whisky Sour
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

Whisky Sour
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.51 / 5
The Whisky Sour is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century, with a history that dates back to the 1800s. It is revered for its balanced combination of tangy and sweet flavors, achieved by mixing lemon juice and sugar syrup with the rich, smooth notes of bourbon whiskey. Traditionally, the inclusion of egg white adds a velvety texture and a frothy top when shaken, making it both a delight to the palate and the eye. The cocktail is typically served in a whiskey glass, offering a refreshing experience with a sophisticated edge. With its vibrant citrus notes contrasting the depth of the bourbon, the Whisky Sour remains a popular choice for those who appreciate a well-rounded and time-honored drink.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1870
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bourbon
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
140 calories
Garnish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orange, cocktail cherry
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16.36% | 1.8 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic
Shaken

Tags

Bourbon ingredient icon
Bourbon cocktails

Whisky glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lemon Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Whisky Sour cocktail
Lemon Juice
Sugar Syrup cocktail ingredient icon for the Whisky Sour cocktail
Sugar Syrup
Bourbon cocktail ingredient icon for the Whisky Sour cocktail
Bourbon
Egg cocktail ingredient icon for the Whisky Sour cocktail
Egg
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Whisky Sour cunningly balances the zest of lemon juice with the sweetness of sugar syrup, complemented by the robust depth of bourbon. This classic cocktail is elevated with the silky addition of egg white, creating a smooth, frothy texture that beautifully contrasts its sharp, refreshing undertones.

Method
How to make a Whisky Sour

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well then strain into a chilled old fashioned glass
Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve
~ Makers Mark Bourbon is recommended, but any good quality bourbon will do, each giving their own qualities to the finished drink. ~

Power tips
Elevate the Whisky Sour with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Perform a 'dry shake' first—shake all the ingredients without ice to emulsify the egg white—before doing a second shake with ice. This creates a smoother, frothier texture.
Use a rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water ratio) for a more pronounced sweetness that balances the tart lemon juice and robust bourbon.
Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Whisky Sour masterclass

Master the craft of the Whisky Sour cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The Definitive Guide to Mastering the Iconic Whiskey Sour Cocktail

Ah, the Whiskey Sour – a timeless classic that has graced bars and cocktail lounges for over 150 yea...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

Ollie Hintz avatar
Ollie Hintz

Just tried this out and it was a beautiful blend of tangy and rich flavors. I shook it really well, which gave it that lovely frothy top from the egg white. The balance between the sweet syrup and lemon juice with the bourbon was just delightful. Highly recommend!

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

  • Mad Men Cocktails
  • Top 25 Cocktails Featured in Cheers

Mad Men - the American drama based on a Manhattan advertising agency set in the 1960's, is chock fill of...

Go to collection

FAQ's

Faq icon

What is the historical background of the Whisky Sour?

The Whisky Sour is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the 1870s. Its origins are often traced to the practice of adding lime juice to spirits at sea to prevent scurvy among sailors. The drink evolved over time, with its early documented recipe appearing in Jerry Thomas' 1862 bartending guide, 'How to Mix Drinks.' The Whisky Sour combines the tanginess of lemon, the sweetness of sugar, and the complexity of whisky, making it a beloved choice for cocktail enthusiasts.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I make a Whisky Sour without egg white, and how does it affect the drink?

Yes, it's possible to make a Whisky Sour without egg white. The egg white is primarily used to add a smooth, frothy texture to the cocktail, giving it a richer mouthfeel. Without the egg white, the drink will still have its characteristic sour and sweet flavors but lack the silky texture. For those concerned about using raw egg, alternatives like aquafaba (chickpea brine) can create a similar texture.

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of bourbon is best for a Whisky Sour?

For a Whisky Sour, it's generally recommended to use a high-quality bourbon with a balanced flavor profile that includes notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. A bourbon that's too spicy or too sweet can overpower the delicate balance of the cocktail. Bourbons with a moderate proof (around 80 to 100) are ideal, as they provide enough body and complexity without being overwhelming. Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role, and experimenting with different bourbons can help you find your perfect match.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content of a Whisky Sour compare to other cocktails?

The Whisky Sour has an alcohol content of approximately 16.36%, placing it in the mid-range category of cocktail strength. It is stronger than light cocktails like the Mimosa or Pimm’s Cup, which often fall below 10% alcohol by volume, but it is less potent than high-alcohol content cocktails like the Martini or Manhattan, which can exceed 30% alcohol by volume. This moderate alcohol content makes the Whisky Sour a balanced choice, suitable for sipping over a period without being overwhelmingly strong.

Faq icon

Is the Whisky Sour suitable for all seasons, and how can it be adapted?

Yes, the Whisky Sour is a versatile cocktail suitable for all seasons. Its refreshing sourness makes it ideal for summer, while the warmth of the bourbon is comforting in winter. To adapt the cocktail for warmer months, you can add seasonal fruits like berries or peach slices for a fruity twist. For colder months, introducing spices such as cinnamon or incorporating a splash of apple cider can add a cozy warmth to the drink, making it even more enjoyable.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

You might also like

Mint Julep

Classic

The Mint Julep is a classic Southern cocktail that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated...

Rosemary Old Fashioned

The Rosemary Old Fashioned brings a fragrant and earthy twist to the classic cocktail. Fresh rosemary is muddled with sugar,...

Winter Whisky Sour

The Winter Whisky Sour is a seasonal twist on the classic Whisky Sour cocktail, embracing the citrus notes of orange...

Maple Old Fashioned

The Maple Old Fashioned brings a warm, cozy twist to the classic cocktail, perfect for autumn or winter evenings by...
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image