Tamarind Whiskey Sour

The Tamarind Whiskey Sour is a beautifully balanced cocktail that elevates the traditional whiskey sour formula with a unique key ingredient. Tamarind provides a complex, fruity tartness that pairs exceptionally well with the rich, oaky notes of bourbon or the spicy character of rye whiskey. Often prepared with egg white for a silky, smooth texture and a frothy head, this drink is both visually appealing and deliciously complex, offering a journey of flavor from sweet and tangy to warm and spicy.
Tamarind Whiskey Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks, which traditionally balances a spirit, a sour component, and a sweet component. Its innovative use of tamarind solidifies its status as a contemporary creation that has gained significant acclaim.

Serving

Serve this cold cocktail in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to maintain its temperature and showcase the beautiful foam. It is a moderately strong drink with a noticeable but well-integrated alcohol presence.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a celebrated modern classic created by bartender Kyle Linden Webster. He developed it for the opening menu of his acclaimed bar, Expatriate, in Portland, Oregon. The drink quickly became a signature item, beloved for its perfect balance and inventive use of tamarind, reflecting the bar's Pan-Asian influences.
Origin
United States, specifically Portland, Oregon. It was created in the mid-2010s by Kyle Linden Webster for his bar, Expatriate.

Tamarind Whiskey Sour

The drink is primarily known as the Tamarind Whiskey Sour, its original name. It is sometimes referred to as the Expatriate Sour, a nod to the bar where it was created. As it is most commonly made with bourbon, it's occasionally called a Tamarind Bourbon Sour to be more specific about the base spirit.
Original name
Tamarind Whiskey Sour
Alternative names
  • Expatriate Sour
  • Tamarind Bourbon Sour

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a delightful balance of tangy tamarind and warm whiskey, with a silky, velvety texture from the egg white. Its complex aroma and long, clean aftertaste make it a sophisticated and refreshing choice suitable for any season.
Flavor
Tangy, sweet-and-sour, fruity, warming, spicy, complex
Aroma
Whiskey, oak, lime, tamarind, aromatic bitters
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Long, warming, tangy, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, brownish-amber, thick white foam head
Texture
Silky, smooth, creamy, velvety
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is assertively sour and tangy, balanced by a moderate sweetness and the warm strength of the whiskey. It has a notable fruitiness from the tamarind and a creamy texture, but no saltiness, bitterness, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need bourbon or rye whiskey as the base, complemented by fresh lime juice and the key ingredient, tamarind syrup. Egg white is typically used for texture, and a few drops of Angostura bitters are needed for the garnish.
  • Bourbon Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A high-rye bourbon or a rye whiskey can be used for a spicier backbone.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results. Lime is preferred over lemon to complement the tamarind.
  • Tamarind Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Can be homemade by simmering tamarind paste with sugar and water, or store-bought tamarind concentrate/syrup can be used. Adjust sweetness as needed.
  • Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Adds a creamy texture and foam head. Can be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version or omitted entirely.
  • Angostura Bitters3 drops
    Used for garnish on top of the foam.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

The essential equipment includes a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the ingredients, along with strainers to achieve a smooth, silky consistency in the final drink.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker.

Instructions

The preparation involves a two-step shaking process: first a dry shake without ice to build foam, followed by a wet shake with ice to chill and dilute. The drink is then double-strained into a chilled coupe glass and garnished with bitters.
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, tamarind syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice.
3. Perform a 'dry shake': seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
4. Open the shaker, fill it with cubed ice, and seal it again.
5. Perform a 'wet shake': shake hard for another 10-12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
6. Empty the ice from your chilled coupe glass.
7. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass to ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
8. Let the foam settle for a moment, then carefully dot the surface with 3 drops of Angostura bitters for garnish.

Garnishing

The drink is elegantly garnished with a few drops of Angostura bitters atop the foam, which can be swirled with a pick to create a simple design.
  • Angostura bitters art: Drop a few dashes of bitters onto the foam head and drag a cocktail pick through them to create a simple pattern.

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains egg, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with egg allergies, though it can be made without. It is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the tamarind syrup and the alcohol. The carbohydrate count is also in the moderate range for a sour-style drink.
Calories
Averagely 220-250 kcal / 920-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent cocktail for a sophisticated happy hour or as a pre-dinner drink at a dinner party. Its unique flavor profile also makes it a great choice for adventurous drinkers looking to try a modern twist on a classic.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Dinner Parties
  • Adventurous Tastings
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The tangy and robust flavor profile of the Tamarind Whiskey Sour pairs wonderfully with bold, flavorful foods. It cuts through the richness of grilled meats and complements the complex spices found in many Southeast Asian cuisines. It also serves as a great contrast to simple, salty bar snacks.
  • Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes
  • Grilled or barbecued meats
  • Rich, fatty foods like pork belly
  • Salty nuts or spiced snacks

Tamarind Whiskey Sour: A Modern Classic's Tangy Twist

The Tamarind Whiskey Sour is a testament to modern mixology, transforming a beloved classic into something new and exciting. Its core is the brilliant interplay between the warming spice of whiskey and the exotic, tangy sweetness of tamarind, all brought together with the fresh acidity of lime. The optional egg white lends a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel that makes each sip a rich experience. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a well-balanced sour and is looking for a drink with a unique and memorable character.

Similar Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

The classic version uses lemon juice and simple syrup instead of lime juice and tamarind syrup, resulting in a more straightforward sweet-and-sour profile.

Amaretto Sour

Uses amaretto liqueur as the base instead of whiskey and typically lemon juice, offering a sweet, nutty, marzipan-like flavor.

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