Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

If you’re after a cocktail that’s easy to make but still feels like something special, you’ve got to try a whiskey sour. This drink’s been around since the 1800s, and for good reason. Every time you mix one up, you get that cozy whiskey warmth, some fresh lemony tang, and just enough sweetness to tie it all together.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy skills to make one at home. If you want to level it up, you can add an egg white for a smooth, frothy top (totally optional, but it does make the drink feel extra silky). Most bars do it this way, but it’s really up to you.

If you’re searching for the classic whiskey sour cocktail recipe, all you need are a few basic ingredients and a quick shake. I’ll show you what to grab, how to mix it up so it comes out just right, and a few easy ways to put your own twist on it. You’ll also pick up some handy tips and fun ideas to keep things interesting.

With a simple recipe and a couple of minutes, you’ll be able to whip up a whiskey sour that tastes like it came straight from a pro. It’s perfect for a quiet night in or whenever you want to treat your friends to something good.

What’s in a Whiskey Sour Cocktail?

A whiskey sour blends smooth whiskey, fresh lemon, and sweet syrup into one crisp, balanced drink. It’s simple, classic, and super easy to master at home. All you need is spirit, citrus, and sugar with no fuss.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic whiskey sour cocktail recipe:

• Bourbon – If you want a bit more spice, you can use rye whiskey instead. For a smoky twist, go with Scotch.
• Lemon juice – Fresh-squeezed is always best. Skip the bottled stuff if you can.
• Simple syrup – This adds sweetness and keeps things smooth. For a richer flavor, you can swap in honey ​​syrup or maple syrup.
• Egg white (totally optional, but it does make the drink feel extra silky) – If you want that creamy foam but don’t use eggs, try aquafaba (that’s just the liquid from canned chickpeas). It works the same way. If you do use eggs, keep them cold and stick to pasteurized for safety.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes things easier. Here’s what you need:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Bar spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (for a smoother pour, keeps out ice shards)
• Citrus press (for fresh juice)

If you want to grab everything in one go, look for a sturdy all-in-one bar kit. A stainless steel cocktail set comes with all the basics, so you can shake, strain, and serve your whiskey sour like a pro.

How to Make a Whiskey Sour

First, grab your shaker, jigger, and strainer. You’ll need your whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white if you want that smooth, foamy top. The full recipe with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.

Start by pouring everything into your shaker without any ice. Give it a good shake. This is called a dry shake. It helps the egg white blend in and gives you that silky foam that makes a whiskey sour extra special.

Next, add some ice and shake it again until the outside of your shaker feels nice and cold. This chills your drink and gets the balance just right.

Now, strain your drink into a coupe or rocks glass. If you want a super smooth texture, you can use a fine mesh strainer.

To finish, add a few drops of bitters on top of the foam or twist a little orange peel over your drink for some extra aroma. If you want a sweet touch, drop in a cherry.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Balance of Flavors and the Best Whiskey Sour

• Start with the right ratio. Go with 2 parts whiskey, 3/4 part lemon juice, and 3/4 part simple syrup. If it tastes too tart, add a little more syrup. If it’s too sweet, squeeze in a few extra drops of lemon juice.
• Pick your whiskey carefully. A smooth bourbon gives you warmth and depth, while rye brings a bit of spice. If you want something balanced, try Crown Royal. It works great in a Crown Royal whiskey sour.
• Get that silky foam. Use egg white or aquafaba (that’s just the liquid from canned chickpeas). Shake it up without ice first (this is called a dry shake) to make the foam, then shake again with ice to chill it. If the foam looks thin, shake a bit longer or add just a touch more egg white.
• Use fresh, solid ice. Ice that’s already melting will water down your drink and mess with the flavor.
• Serve in a chilled glass and add a garnish. Pour your whiskey sour into a glass that’s been chilled. Top it off with a cherry or a twist of orange peel for a clean finish and a pop of color.

Whiskey Sour Variations

There are lots of ways to put your own twist on a whiskey sour. You can stick with the classic or try something new, depending on your mood.

If you want a splash of color and a little extra dryness, try a New York Sour. Just float some red wine on top of your whiskey sour.

For a richer, cozier flavor, go with a Gold Rush. Swap the simple syrup for honey syrup and skip the egg white.

Craving something a little nutty? Mix up an Amaretto Sour. The almond flavor from the amaretto works great with lemon, and you can add a splash of bourbon for extra depth.

If you want it lighter, just leave out the egg white or use aquafaba for that foamy top. You’ll still get all the bright flavor.

Feel free to experiment. Switch up the whiskey, try different sweeteners, or play with fun garnishes. There’s no wrong way to make it your own.

More Whiskey & Sour Cocktails to Try

If you like whiskey sours, you’ll probably have fun trying a few other classic sours too. Here are some to put on your list:

• Pisco Sour
• Gin Sour
• Daiquiri
• Margarita
• Rum Sour
• Mezcal Sour
• Amaretto Stone Sour
• Tequila Sour
• Gold Rush
• Vodka Sour

Try mixing up a few of these the next time you want something sweet and a little tart. You might just find your next go-to cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

A whiskey sour blends smooth bourbon, fresh lemon, and a touch of sweetness for the perfect balance. This classic cocktail is crisp, rich, and always refreshing. It’s been a favorite since the 1800s and never goes out of style.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz bourbon
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white optional
• 2 to 3 dashes Angostura bitters optional
• maraschino cherry and orange slice for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Pour the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if you want that foam) into your shaker.
• Seal the shaker and shake it without ice first. This dry shake helps the egg white blend and gives you that nice foamy top.
• Open the shaker, add ice, and shake again for about 20 seconds until the outside feels cold.
• Strain your drink into a chilled glass.
• Drop in a cherry and set an orange slice on the rim.
• If you want, add a few drops of bitters on top for extra aroma and a hint of spice.

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