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    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Whiskey Sour

    Whiskey Sour

    Published: March 1, 2019 · Modified: Oct 2, 2021 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    This classic Whiskey Sour has an amazing silky texture that comes together with only a few simple ingredients. It is the perfect balance of sweet and sour that compliments any occasion. The beautiful creamy foam never fails to impress guests!

    Two glasses of whiskey sour with cocktail picks with lemon peel and maraschino cherry as garnish on top.
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    Pinterest graphic of two cocktail glasses containing whiskey sours with lemon peel and a maraschino cherry on top.
    Pinterest graphic of glasses containing whiskey sours with lemon peel and a maraschino cherry on top.
    Pinterest graphic of two cocktail glasses of whiskey sours with lemon peel and a maraschino cherry on top.
    Pinterest graphic of an angled overhead view of two glasses of whiskey sour with lemon peel and cherry on top as garnish.
    Pinterest graphic of two glasses of whiskey sours with garnish on top in front of a glass of bourbon.

    Deliciously refreshing in the summer months and will warm you up in the winter, this Whiskey Sour is a year-round drink. Pre-made sour mixes just do not compare to this silky sour, and it’s shockingly easy to make from scratch. All you need are a handful of ingredients, and you’ll be serving up this classic cocktail in no time. If you’re throwing a party and want some more bar-worthy drinks to impress, you have to try my Old Fashioned or Negroni.

    WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

    Ingredients needed to make a whiskey sour.

    Whisky — I use bourbon whisky to make this Whiskey Sour cocktail. My go-to is this Maker’s Mark 46, as it has a smooth and subtle finish.

    Lemon — you’ll need the lemon for garnish and the juice for the cocktail. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for the freshest tasting cocktail.

    Egg — this cocktail uses raw egg whites, so I recommend using an organic egg or pasteurized egg. The egg white is flavorless and will not make your cocktail taste like egg but instead give your drink a creamy texture.

    HOW TO MAKE A WHISKEY SOUR

    Set of two photos showing lemon peel sliced for garnish and then lemon juiced.

    1. Cut a lemon peel for garnish and set aside.

    2. Juice the lemon and strain out the seeds.

    Set of two photos showing bourbon then lemon juice added to a shaker.

    3. Add bourbon whiskey to a shaker.

    4. Add the lemon juice to the shaker.

    Set of two photos showing egg whites and simple syrup added to the shaker.

    5. Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks and add the whites to the shaker.

    6. Add the simple syrup to the shaker.

    Set of two photos showing ice added to the shaker then shaken.

    7. Add ice cubes to the shaker.

    8. Tightly screw on the lid and shake to combine.

    Set of two photos showing the drink strained from the shaker then garnished.

    9. Strain the liquid into a glass.

    10. Garnish the Whiskey Sour with lemon peel and maraschino cherry.

    Two whiskey sours in cocktail glasses with cocktail picks with lemon peel and maraschino cherry as garnish.

    PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

    • It’s easier to separate the egg yolk from the egg whites when they’re cold.
    • Make sure the shaker’s lid is on tight to avoid the lid popping off as the egg whites will expand and create foam.
    • To make the Whiskey Sour even colder, you can chill your martini glasses in the freezer beforehand.
    • Avoid adding crushed ice to the shaker as the ice will melt quicker and water down the cocktail.
    • Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can use a mesh strainer to keep the ice in the jar.
    • For a visual garnish, add a few drops of bitters to the top of the foam. Then run a toothpick through the drops to make a swirl pattern.
    • It’s much easier to peel a lemon before you juice it.

    Two whiskey sours, one in front, with a lemon peel and maraschino cherry garnish beside a pink linen napkin.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    Why do you put egg whites in the cocktail?

    While some restaurants may not use egg whites in the drink, the traditional way to make a Whiskey Sour is with an egg white. The egg cuts the tart flavor of the cocktail as well as adding texture, richness, and creaminess.

    Can I stir this cocktail?

    You must shake the cocktail for the egg whites to make a nice frothy top. Stirring will not achieve the same effect as it will not emulsify the egg whites.

    Do I have to use egg whites?

    If you’d like the drink to be vegan, swap the egg whites for aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) or a commercial foamer. Alternatively, you can leave out the egg whites, but the drink will not have the same silky body.

    How do I make simple syrup?

    If you did not pick up any simple syrup at the store, here’s how to make your own:

    • Add equal parts water and sugar to a pan.
    • Stir and bring to a boil.
    • Remove from heat and chill.
    • This syrup can be stored for a week or so if refrigerated correctly in a sealed container.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

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    • A glass of lemon drop martini with a lemon peel in the glass and a sugared rim.

      Lemon Drop Martini

    • Two glasses of cucumber martini with one in front of the other. Both has a thin slice of cucumber as garnish.

      Cucumber Martini

    If you’ve tried this Whiskey Sour recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    A glass of whiskey sour with a lemon wedge and jigger beside it.
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    5 from 7 votes

    Whiskey Sour

    This Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that only requires a few simple ingredients. Made with egg whites, this cocktail has a creamy smooth texture.
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 190kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Equipment

    • cocktail shaker

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz bourbon 60mL
    • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice 22mL
    • ½ oz simple syrup 15mL
    • ½ oz egg white 14g, optional

    Optional Garnish

    • lemon peel
    • maraschino cherry

    Instructions

    • Pour the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a cocktail shaker.
    • Close and shake vigorously.
    • Strain the drink into a coupe glass.
    • Garnish with lemon peel and maraschino cherry.

    Video

    Notes

    • It’s easier to separate the egg yolk from the egg whites when they’re cold.
    • Make sure the shaker’s lid is on tight to avoid the lid popping off as the egg whites will expand and create foam.
    • To make the Whiskey Sour even colder, you can chill your martini glasses in the freezer beforehand.
    • Avoid adding crushed ice to the shaker as the ice will melt quicker and water down the cocktail.
    • Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can use a mesh strainer to keep the ice in the jar.
    • For a visual garnish, add a few drops of bitters to the top of the foam. Then run a toothpick through the drops to make a swirl pattern.
    • It’s much easier to peel a lemon before you juice it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. elyse says

      March 06, 2019 at 11:40 am

      5 stars
      I very much enjoyed this drink, thanks John!

      Reply

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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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