Whiskey Sour
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Whiskey Sour
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.2 / 5
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that balances the boldness of bourbon with the tartness of lemon juice, complemented by the sweetness of sugar syrup. It is distinguished by ... more The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that balances the boldness of bourbon with the tartness of lemon juice, complemented by the sweetness of sugar syrup. It is distinguished by its inclusion of egg white (or aquafaba for a vegan option), which adds a silky texture and frothy top when shaken. A couple of drops of saline solution and dashes of Angostura bitters enhance its flavor, making it a complex yet approachable drink. Served in a cocktail glass, this cocktail has a rich history and is a staple in the cocktail world, offering a perfect blend of sour and sweet notes that has appealed to generations of drinkers. Ideal for those who appreciate the depth of whiskey paired with the freshness of citrus, the Whiskey Sour remains a popular choice for its enjoyable taste and smooth finish.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Bourbon
Alcohol content
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19.2% | 2.4 units *
Details
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Classic
Shaken

Lowball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Saline solution cocktail ingredient
Saline solution
2 drops 2 drops 2 drops
This ingredient has been discontinued, too rare or not relevant to be included in our My Bar functionality
Lemon Juice cocktail ingredient
Lemon Juice
30ml 1oz 3cl
Sugar Syrup cocktail ingredient
Sugar Syrup
20ml ⅔oz 2cl
Angostura Bitters cocktail ingredient
Angostura Bitters
3 dashes 3 dashes 3 dashes
Bourbon cocktail ingredient
Bourbon
60ml 2oz 6cl
Egg cocktail ingredient
Egg
15ml ½oz 1.5cl

Cocktail Colin says:

4/5

The Whiskey Sour artfully marries the robust warmth of bourbon with the zestful punch of lemon juice, sweetened just right by sugar syrup. The addition of egg white transforms the standard fare into a creamy, frothy delight, while dashes of Angostura bitters bring a nuanced depth, making this a perpetually balanced blend with an irresistibly smooth finesse.

Method
How to make a Whiskey Sour

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Begin by combining all the ingredients in a shaker with ice
Vigorously shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds, or until you notice the shaker's exterior has frosted over
Next, pour the contents back into the shaker, this time removing the ice to proceed with a dry shake
Give the mixture another vigorous shake without the ice for 10-15 seconds to blend the ingredients well and create a smooth texture
Finally, use a fine strainer to pour your cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring a smooth pour without any unwanted ice shards or pulp

Whiskey Sour masterclass

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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  ·  Back  ·  Dry  · 

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FAQ's

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the origin of the Whiskey Sour?

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail with a long history that dates back to the 1870s. It first appeared in print in the 1862 book 'The Bartender’s Guide' by Jerry Thomas. Its origins are thought to be rooted in the practice of sailors adding lemon juice to their rum or whiskey to prevent scurvy, eventually leading to the creation of various sour cocktails.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

Can I make a Whiskey Sour without egg white?

Absolutely! While egg white is often used to give the Whiskey Sour its characteristic frothy top and smooth texture, it can easily be omitted if you prefer not to use it or if dietary restrictions apply. The cocktail will still be delicious, though it will lack the silky texture that egg white provides.

INGREDIENT_SPECIFICS

What type of bourbon is best for a Whiskey Sour?

A medium-bodied bourbon with a balanced flavor profile is generally considered best for a Whiskey Sour. You want a bourbon that's smooth but with enough character to stand up to the sourness of the lemon and the sweetness of the sugar. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Bulleit, and Wild Turkey offer options that work well in this cocktail.

NON_ALCOHOLIC_VARIATIONS

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Whiskey Sour?

Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Whiskey Sour, often called a 'Virgin Whiskey Sour', can be made by substituting the bourbon with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or by using a mixture of non-alcoholic ingredients that mimic the complexity and depth of bourbon. Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, non-alcoholic spirits, and tea can be used to create a similar flavor profile.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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