If you want to make a whiskey sour at home that rivals even the swankiest of bars, I’ve got the recipe for you. This classic cocktail is a regular in my repertoire, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, you only need a handful of ingredients, and it’s ready in just a few minutes. Grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s do this!
Learning how to make this classic cocktail will make you feel like a pro bartender. We don’t have to tell anyone how easy it is to make! 🥃
Do you wanna know one of my favorite sounds? The ‘ooooh’ your guests make when you bring over a freshly crafted cocktail. This whiskey sour recipe is sure to inspire the most delighted of ‘ ooo’s – it seems really impressive, like something you’d be served in an upscale bar. But really, it’s super simple to make when you know what you’re doing.
As someone who adores entertaining, you can bet I’ve mastered the classic whiskey sour. This is one of those recipes you learn once, and a lifetime of impressed guests lies ahead. My focus has been on nailing the ratios to achieve the perfectly balanced sweet-tart taste and ensuring you have the delicious foamy bit on top.
Key whiskey sour ingredients
- Whiskey: I often reach for a bottle of Canadian whiskey when making this recipe. Irish whiskey is another great option, just make sure it’s not a peaty whiskey. Bourbon and Rye are great, too.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe. If you only have bottled and don’t mind its distinct taste, you can substitute. I’ve also used lime juice in a pinch. It changes the flavor but it’s also tastes great.
- Simple syrup: Make your own, or substitute it for maple syrup or honey.
- A foamer : You can use egg white or a cocktail foamer. I prefer to serve it with its signature frothy top—the foam adds a creamy texture that transforms the mouthfeel of your sips. But I’ve made this plenty of times without the foam top and it’s delicious that way, too.
Whiskey Sour Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 ounces whiskey
- ▢ ¾ ounce lemon juice (see notes)
- ▢ ½ ounce simple syrup (see notes)
- ▢ 1 ounce egg white or cocktail foamer (see notes)
- ▢ 3 drops cocktail bitters
- ▢ 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white or cocktail foamer to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously (without ice) for 30 seconds. Why ⇢ This helps to emulsify air into the mix, creating that signature foamy top. 2 ounces whiskey, ¾ ounce lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, 1 ounce egg white or cocktail foamer
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 20 seconds, until the cocktail is cold. Why ⇢ The second shake, with the ice added, helps to cool the drink, making it refreshing. If you add the ice in step one, it won’t be as foamy. Note: If you like cocktails that are fairly sweet, take a sip and add up to ½ ounce of extra simple syrup.
- Strain your whiskey sour into a rocks glass – if you used egg white or foam, do not add ice to your glass. Why ⇢ When you add ice to a foamed cocktail, the foam sticks to the ice in an unpleasant way. Skip the ice when you foam your cocktails!
- Dot three drops of bitters on top of the foam and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Why ⇢ The bitters are not 100% necessary, but they add a delicious contrast to the drink. 3 drops cocktail bitters, 1 maraschino cherry
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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A sour is a cocktail with three elements: alcohol, citrus, and sugar. Playing with these three elements can dramatically change the drink. The ingredients and quantities in this recipe are my absolute favorite for a whiskey sour!
Shaking your whiskey sour with egg white or a cocktail foamer, then adding a few drops of bitters and a maraschino cherry, makes this cocktail feel and taste sophisticated. But you can make a quick and easy version by skipping these three.
More whiskey cocktails
Whiskey Ginger
Old Fashioned Recipe
Whiskey Soda Recipe
Maple Bourbon Sour
Whiskey Sour Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey
- ¾ ounce lemon juice , see notes
- ½ ounce simple syrup , see notes
- 1 ounce egg white or cocktail foamer , see notes
- 3 drops cocktail bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white or cocktail foamer to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously (without ice) for 30 seconds. Why ⇢ This helps to emulsify air into the mix, creating that signature foamy top. 2 ounces whiskey, ¾ ounce lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, 1 ounce egg white or cocktail foamer
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 20 seconds, until the cocktail is cold. Why ⇢ The second shake, with the ice added, helps to cool the drink, making it refreshing. If you add the ice in step one, it won’t be as foamy. Note: If you like cocktails that are fairly sweet, take a sip and add up to ½ ounce of extra simple syrup.
- Strain your whiskey sour into a rocks glass - if you used egg white or foam, do not add ice to your glass. Why ⇢ When you add ice to a foamed cocktail, the foam sticks to the ice in an unpleasant way. Skip the ice when you foam your cocktails!
- Dot three drops of bitters on top of the foam and garnish with a maraschino cherry. Why ⇢ The bitters are not 100% necessary, but they add a delicious contrast to the drink. 3 drops cocktail bitters, 1 maraschino cherry
Notes
https://www.theendlessmeal.com/whiskey-sour-the-classic-recipe/
