Three Ways to Make the Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail
The Whiskey Sour is an enduring cocktail recipe because it’s just so reliably delicious. It blends bourbon whiskey with lemon juice, sugar and optional egg white.
The recipe for the this cocktail has evolved a little over the years. For a long time, bartenders made it with bottled sour mix instead of fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
The Evolution of the Recipe
Bottled sour mix gave it a taste more like candy than a refreshing beverage. Now we’re returning to the old-fashioned way of making this drink, with real lemon juice.
The only change I make is to use simple syrup instead of sugar because it mixes so much more easily. This version also calls for just enough egg white to thicken the drink a little so you can savor it.
Flavor Profile
A whiskey sour cocktail has a balanced and refreshing flavor profile. At its core, the drink combines the robust, warming character of whiskey with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice.
This combination creates a tasty contrast where the whiskey’s rich, sometimes smoky or spicy notes, are softened by the tartness of the citrus. Simple syrup tempers the lemon’s sharpness and rounds out the drink’s profile with a bit of sweetness.
When an egg white is incorporated, it transforms the texture, giving the cocktail a smooth, velvety consistency and a frothy top. The result is a refreshing yet full-bodied drink that is both satisfying and easy to enjoy.
However you make your Whiskey Sour, its flavors are tart citrus with just a touch of sweetness to take the edge off. Better quality whiskeys will reward you with a smoother, deeper flavor (try Gentleman Jack).
10 Best Whiskey Decanters, from Vintage to Personalized
Shop some great whiskey decanters to elevate your Whiskey Sour experience!
Egg White Substitutions?
Egg whites can also minutely improve the flavor of the really cheap whiskey, but they’re mainly there to mellow all the flavors and meld them into one. That’s the best version of this drink, in my humble opinion.
But don’t worry, I included a no egg white version, too. You’ll notice that it calls for sugar instead of simple syrup. That’s a way to get back some of the texture lost with the egg whites.
And finally, I included an aquafaba version. Aquafaba is a surprisingly good vegan egg white substitute made from the liquid in a can of chickpeas. Weird as that sounds, it really works.
Making This Recipe Your Own
There are so many variations on this recipe, and you should feel free to play with it. You may want to add just a touch of orange juice to the mix – that rounds out the flavor considerably.
Lime juice is another option. Some people add a dash of bitters, too. You should feel free to tweak it until you find your own personal recipe.
When to Serve
The Whiskey Sour is Great for enjoying all by itself. It’s equally good on an exciting night out or for enjoying with an evening of TV and cocktails or reading. Most bars will not include the egg white, but otherwise they usually get this drink right.
Food Pairings
A whiskey sour’s balanced sweet, sour, and strong flavors make it versatile for pairing with foods. These foods can highlight different aspects of the whiskey sour’s flavor profile.
Appetizers:
- Charcuterie Board: Cured meats, cheeses, olives, and nuts complement the cocktail’s complexity.
- Shrimp Cocktail: The tangy cocktail sauce and fresh shrimp pair well with the citrus notes of the drink.
- Fried Calamari: The light, crispy texture contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the whiskey sour.
Main Courses:
- Grilled Chicken: Marinated or glazed with a citrus-based sauce to echo the lemon in the cocktail.
- Barbecue Ribs: The smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors enhance the whiskey’s profile.
- Salmon: Especially when prepared with a maple or citrus glaze.
Sides:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and slight crispiness make a great match.
- Coleslaw: The creamy and tangy elements complement the drink’s tartness.
- Grilled Vegetables: A simple, charred veggie mix can balance the richness of the whiskey.
Desserts:
- Lemon Bars: Their tart and sweet flavors mirror the cocktail’s profile.
- Cheesecake: A rich, creamy dessert pairs well with the smooth texture of the drink.
- Apple Pie: The warm spices and sweetness are enhanced by the whiskey’s notes.
Whiskey Sour Classic Cocktail Recipe
The Whiskey Sour is an enduring cocktail recipe because it's just so reliably delicious. It blends bourbon whiskey with lemon juice, sugar and optional egg white.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of bourbon
- 1 /2 ounce of simple syrup
- 3/4 ounces lemon juice
- 1 egg white
- Optional: Angostura bitters
- Garnish with lemon twist or cherry
Instructions
- Dry Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds. This helps emulsify the egg white for a creamy texture.
- Open the shaker, fill it with ice, and shake again for another 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass or coupe glass.
- Optionally, add a few drops of Angostura bitters on top for aroma and flavor.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Whiskey Sour Cocktail without Egg White
This is the version of the Whiskey Sour with no egg white and no substitute for it.
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Optional: a few dashes of bitters
- Garnish: cherry or lemon twist
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- In the shaker, add the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Add a few dashes of bitters on top, if desired.
- Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.
Whiskey Sour Cocktail With Aquafaba
You can make this vegan Whiskey Sour with aquafaba instead of egg white foam! The flavor is the same.
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz aquafaba
- Optional: a few dashes of bitters
- Garnish: cherry or lemon twist
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and aquafaba.
- Dry Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds. This helps to emulsify the aquafaba and create a frothy texture.
- Open the shaker and add ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for another 15-20 seconds to chill the mixture.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Add a few dashes of bitters on top, if desired.
- Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist.
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