The whiskey sour cocktail recipe has been a favorite since the 1870s. It combines the warmth of whiskey with the zing of citrus and a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re experienced or new to mixing drinks, learning this recipe will make you a pro.
We’ll look at different whiskeys, like Crown Royal and Jameson Irish Whiskey. You’ll learn the best mix ratios and techniques. We’ll also talk about the egg white debate. Get ready to make your own whiskey sour and wow your friends!
What is a Whiskey Sour?
The whiskey sour has a long history, dating back to the 1700s. It was made to fight scurvy in British Navy sailors. It mixes sweet and tart flavors perfectly. The first recipe was in Jerry Thomas’s 1862 book “The Bar-Tenders Guide.”
A classic whiskey sour recipe calls for 2 ounces of whiskey, like bourbon or rye. You also need 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. Some recipes add egg white for a creamy top. With about 14 percent alcohol, it’s great for hot days.
The whiskey sour is the original sour cocktail. It’s made with spirits, sugar, and citric acid. You can make it sweeter or more spirit-forward. It’s loved for over 150 years, with or without egg white.
How to Make the Perfect Whiskey Sour
Making the perfect whiskey sour is easy and will wow your guests. Start with top-notch bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The classic mix is 2:1:1 – two parts whiskey, one part sour, one part sweet. For one drink, use 2 ounces bourbon, 1 ounce lemon juice, and 3/4 to 1 ounce syrup.
First, grab your cocktail shaker and add the ingredients. If you want a silky texture, add an egg white. Shake without ice for 10 seconds to mix the egg well. Then, add ice and shake again for 7-10 seconds until it’s frosty. Strain into a glass filled with ice or serve up in a coupe.
For a twist, try maple syrup instead of simple syrup. It brings a lovely caramel flavor that goes great with bourbon. American whiskey varieties like Elijah Craig or Four Roses are perfect for this drink. Top it off with an orange peel and cherry for a beautiful finish.
Classic Whiskey Sour Recipe
The whiskey sour cocktail recipe has been a favorite for over a century. It’s a mix of sweet and tart flavors. To make it, you need 2 ounces of bourbon, 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup.
First, mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake hard for 15-20 seconds to mix well. Then, pour it into a glass with ice. For a creamy top, shake in 1-2 teaspoons of egg white first.
Top your whiskey sour with a maraschino cherry or lemon wedge. You can also add a few drops of Angostura bitters for more flavor. This recipe has 228 calories per serving. Fresh lemon juice is crucial for the perfect taste.
Popular Variations of Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour cocktail has grown, leading to many new versions. The New York Sour is a favorite, with red wine floated on top. This makes the drink look stunning and adds a fruity taste.
The Boston Sour adds egg white for a creamy texture. This egg white cocktail version has a smooth feel and a fluffy top. It’s perfect for those who want a richer sour experience.
The Brown Derby is another twist, using grapefruit juice and honey syrup. This gives the drink a tangy, sweet flavor that citrus fans will love.
The Southern Comfort Sour is sweeter, thanks to Southern Comfort instead of bourbon. It’s great for newcomers to whiskey cocktails.
Some bartenders get creative, like with the Penicillin. It mixes ginger syrup and smoky Scotch. With so many choices, there’s a whiskey sour for everyone.
Choosing the Right Whiskey for Your Sour
Finding the right whiskey for your bourbon sour can make a big difference. Bourbon is a top pick because it’s naturally sweet, which goes well with lemon juice. For a stronger drink, choose a 90-proof whiskey like Bulleit or Buffalo Trace. These offer bold flavors that balance out the lemon’s tartness.
Looking for something spicier? Try Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey. It’s known for its zesty kick. If you prefer something smoother, Canadian whiskey like Crown Royal is a good choice. It’s versatile and works well in many cocktails.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has over 200 flavor notes, making it a complex choice for your sour. If you’re up for something different, TINCUP whiskey combines high rye bourbon with Colorado single malt. The trick is to pick a whiskey that complements the other ingredients in your sour.
How to Make Whiskey Sour with Egg White
Making a whiskey sour cocktail with egg white takes it to the next level. Egg whites have been used in cocktails since the 1860s. They add a smooth texture and a foamy top.
To start, mix 2 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. This is the base of your drink.
Next, separate the egg white from the yolk carefully. Pour it into your shaker, making sure no yolk gets in. Use the dry shake method to get the perfect foam.
Shake all ingredients without ice for 30 seconds. This aerates the egg white. Then, add ice and shake again for a chilled, frothy mix.
If raw eggs worry you, use pasteurized eggs or try aquafaba for a vegan option. Aquafaba is chickpea liquid that works like egg white. The risk of salmonella from egg whites in drinks is very low. With these tips, you’ll make a great whiskey sour with egg white.
Whiskey Sour Garnishes That Wow
The perfect whiskey cocktail isn’t just about taste. It’s also about how it looks. A well-garnished Whiskey Sour can make your drink time better. Let’s look at some garnishes that will catch your eye.
For a classic look, use a maraschino cherry with an orange wedge. Or, for something fancy, try Luxardo cherries. These cherries bring a deep flavor and a fancy look to your drink. Just skewer the cherry and orange on a cocktail pick for an easy upgrade.
Lemon wheels add a zesty touch. Or, try squeezing lemon peel over the drink for a citrusy aroma. A sprinkle of Angostura bitters on the foam looks good and adds flavor. For a warm twist, use a cinnamon stick as a garnish. It also stirs your Whiskey Sour with cinnamon as you drink.
Garnishes do more than just look good. They also make your drink smell and taste better. Try out these garnishes to find your favorite. Impress your friends with your cocktail-making skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect whiskey sour cocktail recipe needs careful attention. Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh is a big mistake. It makes the flavor dull. Always choose fresh lemons for the best taste.
Another mistake is not balancing the ingredients right. The perfect whiskey sour has a 3-2-1 ratio: 3 parts whiskey, 2 parts sour, and 1 part sweet. If you don’t stick to this, your drink might be too strong or weak. Finding the right balance is key to great flavors.
How you shake the drink is also important. Shaking too little means the flavors won’t mix well, while shaking too much makes it too watery. Shake it hard for 12 seconds to get the right foam. If you’re using egg white, remember to do a dry shake first. It helps mix everything together smoothly.
Finally, picking the right whiskey is crucial. A bad whiskey can ruin your drink. Spend a bit more on a good bourbon or rye, around $20-30. Follow these tips to make a whiskey sour that will wow your guests every time.
Mastering Your Whiskey Sour Skills
The whiskey sour cocktail recipe has been loved since the 1870s. It’s a classic that balances flavors perfectly. It’s a great choice for many, thanks to its rich history and flexibility.
Making a great whiskey sour is an art. It mixes tradition with your own style. Start with a 2:1:1 mix of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. But feel free to tweak it to your liking.
The type of whiskey you use can change the flavor a lot. Try bourbon, rye, or Scotch to find your favorite. As you get better, try new versions like the New York Sour or Boston Sour with egg white. These variations show how versatile the drink is.
Whether it’s for a casual get-together or a fancy party, this recipe works well. With practice and care, you’ll make whiskey sours as good as the pros.