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Whiskey Sour cocktail
Alcoholic Ordinary Drink Old-fashioned glass Easy

Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that perfectly balances the warmth of whiskey with the tartness of lemon juice, creating a refreshing and invigorating drink. Topped with a cherry and a slice of lemon, it's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

5 Ingredients
5 min Prep Time
Old-fashioned glass Glass
Chilled Best Served
sour strong refreshing

Ingredients

  • Blended whiskey spirit 60 ml (2 oz)
  • Lemon juice juice 15 ml (0.5 oz)
  • Powdered sugar syrup 1/2 tsp
  • Cherry garnish 1 cherry
  • Lemon slice garnish 1/2 slice

How to Make a Whiskey Sour

Shake with ice. Strain into chilled glass, garnish and serve. If served 'On the rocks', strain ingredients into old-fashioned glass filled with ice.

Bartender Tip

💡

For a frothier texture, consider adding an egg white to the shaker before shaking.

History of the Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour dates back to the 1860s and is believed to have originated in the United States, with its first known recipe appearing in Jerry Thomas's 1862 cocktail book.

About the Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a ordinary drink that belongs to the alcoholic family of cocktails. It is traditionally prepared with Blended whiskey, Lemon, Powdered sugar and served in a Old-fashioned glass.

Best enjoyed at parties, with dinner, during celebrations.

As with all alcoholic beverages, please enjoy this cocktail responsibly.

IBA Classic Alcoholic ContemporaryClassic

Did You Know?

The Whiskey Sour is one of the original cocktails listed in Jerry Thomas's 1862 book, 'The Bartender's Guide', making it a true classic in cocktail history.

Whiskey Sour Variations

New York Sour This variation adds a float of red wine on top, creating a striking visual contrast and a richer flavor. Swap: Add a splash of red wine on top of the finished drink.
Amaretto Sour In this version, amaretto is used instead of whiskey, resulting in a sweeter and nuttier flavor profile. Swap: Replace whiskey with amaretto.

Pairs Well With

Grilled steak Spicy barbecue wings Lemon meringue pie

Quick Facts

~150
Calories
Medium
Strength
5 min
Prep Time

Common Mistake

A common mistake is using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh, which can lead to a less vibrant and more artificial taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of whiskey is best for a Whiskey Sour?

While blended whiskey is traditional for a Whiskey Sour, you can also use bourbon for a richer flavor. The choice of whiskey can significantly affect the drink's overall taste, so it's worth experimenting with different types to find your preferred profile.

Can I make a Whiskey Sour without sugar?

Yes, you can make a Whiskey Sour without sugar by using a sugar substitute or simply increasing the amount of lemon juice to enhance the tartness. However, this will alter the balance of flavors, so it's important to adjust according to your taste.

Is it better to shake or stir a Whiskey Sour?

Shaking a Whiskey Sour is recommended as it helps to thoroughly mix the ingredients and chill the drink quickly. This method also aerates the mixture, giving it a lighter texture compared to stirring.

What is the origin of the Whiskey Sour?

The Whiskey Sour dates back to the 19th century and is believed to have been popularized in the United States. Its origins can be traced to the early cocktail culture, where it was a simple yet effective way to enjoy whiskey.

Can I use fresh lemon juice in a Whiskey Sour?

Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for a Whiskey Sour as it provides a vibrant and natural tartness that bottled juice can't replicate. This freshness elevates the cocktail's flavor profile significantly.

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