Fitness / July 4, 2023

Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Discover the timeless charm of the Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail, boasting a perfect balance of whiskey and lemon.

Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe featured

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Speak of a Whiskey Sour and watch eyes light up! It is the perfect cocktail for catching up with your besties at a sophisticated bar or just relaxing at home at home. This is how I like to describe my whiskey sour: the cozy hug of whiskey (hello, bourbon!) meets the zing of fresh lemon juice, laced with a subtly sweet hum from simple syrup. And to finish it a frothy, frothy egg white that’ll dance around your taste buds. The Sazerac is my favorite whiskey cocktail but this Sour comes as a close second.

Welcome to the world of sours – cool cocktails generally made of strong spirits, citrus zaps, and a sweet little something. The whiskey is certainly one of the most famous of the family, along the more exotic Pisco Sour. It’s a class act that’s sure to please everyone from the hardcore whiskey fans to casual cocktail sippers.

INGREDIENTS

I’ve included a recipe for a honey-based simple syrup. Should only take a few minutes to make.

2 oz. whiskey, preferably bourbon
3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1 egg white, for a frothy texture (optional)
ice

Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe ingredients

Utensils Needed

A cocktail shaker – to mix and chill the drink
A lemon juicer
A fine strainer – to remove all the broken ice bits
A jigger – to ensure accurate proportions of the ingredients
A rocks glass – to serve the cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).

Shake

Without ice, shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.

Add

Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake for another 15-20 seconds to chill the drink.

Strain

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel and/or maraschino cherry.

Tips and Tricks

Choose the right whiskey: Get yourself a smooth, delicious bourbon from a reputable brand. Trust me, it’s your ticket to a great whiskey sour.
Fresh lemon juice is a must: Only use fresh lemon juice — bottled or concentrated stuff just won’t do your cocktail justice.
Prepare your simple syrup: Forget store-bought; make your own so you can control the sweetness. I have a detailed recipe to answer all your questions.
Master the “dry shake”: If you’re adding egg white, give your mix a good shake without ice for 15-20 seconds to let it emulsify. That frothy, velvety texture? Yes, please!
Chill your glass: Keep your rocks glass chilled (just stash it in the freezer or fill it with ice) for a ultra-refreshing whiskey sour.
Experiment with garnishes: Make your cocktail look as good as it tastes. I used a lemon wheel and a few dashes of bitters. You can also try adding a maraschino cherry.

Variations

Want to jazz up your Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail game? Check out these awesome twists that will suit every taste and lifestyle:

Healthier Low-Carb Whiskey Sour: Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or sugar-free syrup. You can also use lime juice instead of the lemon juice.
New York Sour: Shake things up by floating red wine on top of your whiskey sour. Pour a light red like Malbec or pinot noir over the back of a spoon, it will give a gorgeous layered look.
Whiskey Sour with Rye: Try using rye whisky instead of bourbon for a spicier spin on the classic. You’ll feel like you’re in a super-cool speakeasy.
Amaretto Whiskey Sour: Add a hint of almond with amaretto in your cocktail. Just mix in 1/2 oz. of amaretto with the whiskey and throw on an orange wheel for that citrus pop.
Spiced Maple Whiskey Sour: Switch the simple syrup for pure maple syrup and add a few dashes of aromatic bitters. I love making this twist in autumn.

FAQs

How many calories are in a Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail?

Your typical Whiskey Sour contains around 150-220 calories depending on what you mix in, with the whiskey responsible for most of the calories. Only a small share of the calories come from the syrup and lemon juice but if you wanted to cut them, try a sugar-free syrup or use less of it.

How should I drink a Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail?

Chilled rocks glass and fresh ice is key. Sip it right from the glass. You can also use a straw if you’d prefer.

Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?

Skip the egg white. Get that frothiness going with aquafaba instead (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). Use about 1-1.5 ounces and shake away like you would with the egg.

Is it safe to use raw egg whites in a cocktail?

There’s a very small chance of contracting bacteria from raw egg whites (like salmonella). But using fresh eggs and keeping it clean can lower that risk. An alternative is to use pasteurized egg whites or, again, aquafaba.

How to Store A Whiskey Sour

Got some prepping or leftovers to manage? Check out these easy peasy tips:

Pre-batching your ingredients: Mix whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a container, chill for a week (this only works if you skip egg white).
Making ahead with egg white: Like before, but keep egg white separate in the fridge. Shake and serve when you’re ready.
Storing leftovers: Seal ’em in a container, fridge it. Lasts a week sans egg white, or 24 hours with egg white. Cheers!