This whiskey sour cocktail is as classic as they come with whiskey (or bourbon) simple syrup, lemon juice, and an optional egg white! It's a well-rounded drink that was made for sipping and is just as suitable for a party as it is for a cozy evening at home. If dark liquor is your drink of choice, this whiskey sour recipe will be your new go-to!
Best Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
When I think of classic cocktails, a whiskey sour is at the top of the list. This popular bourbon drink is great for sipping, making it perfect dinner parties or a relaxing night at home.
The key is in getting the perfect balance of flavors. Tartness from fresh lemon juice, the sweetness of simple syrup, the robust flavor of whiskey, and if you want that extra special touch, the smooth frothiness from an added egg white.
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🌎 Origin
The precise origin of the whiskey sour is a little unclear. The first record of its mention came in 1862 in the book The Bartender’s Guide: How To Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas.
However, it is believed that sailors commonly mixed bourbon with sweet and sour ingredients to better balance the flavors for years before this. Particularly because citrus helped to prevent scurvy. Sugar was then added to help with the flavor of the drink, and voila, the whiskey sour is born.
🍹 Whiskey Sour Cocktail Ingredients
- Whiskey - 2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon.
- Lemon Juice - ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Simple Syrup - ¾ ounce simple syrup (*see note).
- Egg White (*optional) - 1 large egg white.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🍸 How To Make A Whiskey Sour
Anyone can make this simple classic cocktail! There are no special tricks or tools required other than a cocktail shaker, a rocks glass, and if you have one, a home bar kit.
- Dry shake. Add 2 ounces of whiskey or bourbon, ¾ ounce of lemon juice, ¾ ounce of simple syrup, and the 1 optional egg white if using, to a shaker without ice. Dry shake for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Chill. Add ice to your shaker and continue to shake for 15 more seconds or until chilled.
- Strain and serve. Strain into a rocks glass over ice, or serve a coupe (without ice). Garnish with an orange twist or cherry if desired.
🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations
- A whiskey sour cocktail is generally served in a rocks glass over ice but can also be served in a stemmed cocktail glass with a citrus twist or a cherry for garnish.
- The raw egg white emulsifies when shaken and adds a light and frothy texture to the drink! It is 100% optional, but it truly elevates this simple cocktail.
- You can purchase a carton of liquid egg whites to make this cocktail even easier! You will want to use 2 tablespoons of liquid egg white per cocktail (2 tablespoons = 1 egg).
- To make your own simple syrup, combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a glass jar or a container with a lid and let it cool. This can be used just like simple syrup and will last in the fridge for 30 days.
🍲 Foods To Serve With
If you're looking to host a dinner and have whiskey sours on the menu, here are a few great entree choices!
- Smoked Surf n Turf
- Pan Seared Picanha Steaks
- Grilled Lamb Shanks
- Roasted Rack of Pork
- Baked Cabbage Steaks
- Grilled Beef Heart Steaks
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❓ Recipe FAQs
The usual choice for a whiskey sour is an 80-proof bourbon. A few of my favorites are Russell's Reserve 10-year bourbon, Wild Turkey 101 Rye, or Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack. However, any 80-proof bourbon will do.
Traditionally, a whiskey sour is shaken and served on the rocks. However, it is not uncommon to enjoy one shaken and chilled 'a coupe', or without ice.
Though it is never 100% safe to ingest raw egg, there isn't much to worry about. In the United States where nearly all eggs you can purchase in stores are pasteurized, illness is extremely uncommon. The alcohol lowers the risk of contracting salmonella significantly. I would refrain from using unpasteurized eggs, however.
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
🍾 More Tasty Cocktails
- Bahama Mama - Enjoy a staycation with this fruity and tropical rum cocktail!
- Blue Lagoon - A vibrant blue cocktail that is perfect for a day by the pool or lounging at the beach!
- Dark n Stormy Cocktail - This simple cocktail is full of flavor from Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, ginger beer, and lime.
- Frozen Blue Hawaiian Cocktail - It's like a fun fruit slushy for adults complete with Malibu rum!
- Bay Breeze Cocktail - Coconut, cranberry, pineapple, and Malibu rum come together to make one refreshing drink!
- Sea Breeze Cocktail - This 3-ingredient vodka cocktail tastes like spiked fruit punch!
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📖 Recipe Card
Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey (or bourbon)
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 1 large egg white (optional)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and optional egg white if using, to a shaker without ice. Dry shake for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to your shaker and continue to shake for 15 more seconds or until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice, or serve a coupe (without ice). Garnish with an orange twist or cherry if desired.
Notes
- A whiskey sour cocktail is generally served in a rocks glass over ice but can also be served in a stemmed cocktail glass with a citrus twist or a cherry for garnish.
- The raw egg white emulsifies when shaken and adds a light and frothy texture to the drink! It is 100% optional, but it truly elevates this simple cocktail.
- You can purchase a carton of liquid egg whites to make this cocktail even easier! You will want to use 2 tablespoons of liquid egg white per cocktail (2 tablespoons = 1 egg).
- To make your own simple syrup, combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour into a glass jar or a container with a lid and let it cool. This can be used just like simple syrup and will last in the fridge for 30 days.
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