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How to Make a Whisky Sour

The Whisky Sour is a gem of a cocktail! A classic cocktail and the perfect way to enjoy whisky in those warm summer months.

Whisky Sour

What is a Whisky Sour cocktail

The origin of whisky sour dates back to the 1860s. The first-ever recipe was recorded in a book by Jerry Thomas called “The Bartender’s Guide: How to Mix Drinks” in 1862. Furthermore, in 1870, a newspaper called Wisconsin also mentioned the “whiskey sour.” Although the early records of the name date back to 1860, it is believed that the British sailors enjoyed a drink very similar to this. It helped them in get through those long voyages!

You can call it a Whisky Sour, a Bourbon Sour or a Scotch Sour!

Whiskey Sour

What goes into a Whisky Sour

Just great whisky and fresh ingredients!

  • Whisky or Whiskey: It’s up to you to chose which whisky you want, but always make it the best whiskey! It can be Bourbon Whiskey, Scotch Whisky, Tennessee Whiskey, or any other!
  • Fresh Lemon juice: The citrusy and tangy flavor of lemon is a breath of fresh air. It is refreshing and adds a punch. It also balances out the flavors of the malt.
  • Simple syrup: Simple sugar syrup is the simplest way to add sweetness without spending a lot of time dissolving sugar granules. You can easily make it and store it for later use.
  • Egg white or Aquafaba: To give it that white foam and that creamy texture! Actually adding an egg is not in the traditional whisky sour cocktail recipe. It was called the Boston Sour first!
  • Angostura bitters: Now, this ingredient works wonders. It balances out the flavors in a great way. You can easily find this ingredient from any grocery store. Angostura bitters are a blend of spices and herbs, and other flavors soaked in alcohol. These are weirdly tasteful and can get you drunk as well.
Whiskey Sour 2

What tools you need to make Whisky Sour

Making a Whisky Sour is super easy. The process involves a cocktail shaker and takes no more than 60 seconds. Grab a jigger and a rocks glass for this Whisky Sour recipe.

Add all the ingredients into a shaker. Don’t add ice cubes yet, as you want to do the dry shake! Egg whites make the best foam when shaken first at room temperature! Seal the shaker and start shaking it for about 30 seconds. Now add fresh ice cubes and shake again for 30 seconds. Pour the drink into the glass filled with ice cubes. Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Garnish it with lemon zest, orange slice, and cherry and serve.

  • Top Tip(ple)🍸:
    • Honey/maple syrup: Try adding honey or maple syrup instead of simple syrup. Honey will give a beautiful gold color, while maple syrup has a sweet toffee-like flavor.
    • Lemon / orange peel: Although I have used lemon zest as a garnish, you can also add lemon peel. Try orange peel as well. The citrusy flavor with slight bitterness is just perfect.
    • Maraschino cherry: Maraschino cherries are super sweet. They also have a bright and popping color. Add a cherry or two in the whiskey sour and enjoy.
    • NO SOUR MIX!: A sour recipe is so easy, please don’t use short cuts!

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Where to find ingredients for Whisky Sour cocktails

You can find all the ingredients at Spirits Kiosk (10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK.) in the UK; or Drizly (Get $5 Off Your Order of $20+ using code ALUSHLIFE5) in the USA!

Where to find more whisky cocktails:

Here are a few of my favorites:

 Plus more sour drinks recipes here

Here is the recipe!

Whisky Sour
Yield: 1

Whisky Sour

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

The Whisky Sour is a gem of a cocktail! A classic cocktail and the perfect way to enjoy whisky in those warm summer months.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon (or any Whisky)
  • 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
  • 3/4 oz Lemon Juice

Instructions

  1. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
  2. Fill shaker with ice and shake until chilled
  3. Strain cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice
  4. Optional: garnish with lemon wheel and/or cherry

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 170Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 0g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Made this cocktail?

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