Vienna Sour

The Vienna Sour is a beautifully balanced cocktail that elevates the familiar Whiskey Sour template into something more layered and intriguing. The addition of Bénédictine D.O.M. introduces a complex blend of 27 herbs and spices, with distinct notes of honey, saffron, and angelica. This pairs wonderfully with the spicy backbone of rye whiskey, all brightened by the sharp tang of fresh lemon juice. When prepared with egg white, it boasts a rich, silky texture and a creamy foam cap that makes it a delight to sip.
Vienna Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Vienna Sour is a cocktail belonging to the "sour" family of drinks, which are characterized by a base spirit, a sweet element, and a sour citrus element. It is considered a modern classic or a sophisticated variation of the traditional Whiskey Sour.

Serving

Serve this cold cocktail in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to maintain its temperature and showcase its elegant 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 22-26% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The exact origin of the Vienna Sour is unclear, and it is largely considered a modern classic or a clever contemporary riff on the Whiskey Sour. It does not have a single attributed creator or a specific historical moment of invention. The name likely evokes the sophisticated and artistic cafe culture of Vienna, Austria, suggesting a drink of refined and complex character suitable for a discerning palate.
Origin
The drink's specific creator, time, and place of origin are unknown, but it is considered a 21st-century creation popular in the craft cocktail revival movement.

Vienna Sour

The drink is sometimes referred to by its German name, "Wiener Sour," which translates directly to "Vienna Sour." Both names refer to the same sophisticated whiskey cocktail enriched with Bénédictine.
Original name
Wiener Sour

Characteristics overview

The Vienna Sour presents a complex aroma of citrus and herbs, leading to a flavor that balances rye spice with the honeyed complexity of Bénédictine. Its texture is exceptionally silky and velvety due to the egg white foam.
Flavor
herbal, honeyed, rye spice, lemon citrus, complex, slightly sweet
Aroma
lemon zest, whiskey grain, botanical herbs, sweet spice
Taste balance
sour, sweet, complex
Aftertaste
warming, lingering herbal notes, clean
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
golden amber, opaque, thick white foam head
Texture
silky, smooth, velvety, rich
Seasonality
refreshing yet warming, suitable year-round, particularly in autumn

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a flavor-forward drink where a pronounced sourness is balanced by moderate sweetness and alcohol strength. The herbal complexity from Bénédictine is its most defining characteristic, complemented by a silky creaminess from the foam.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires rye whiskey as its base, with the essential addition of Bénédictine liqueur for its herbal character. Fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an optional egg white complete the body of the drink.
  • Rye Whiskey45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A 100-proof (50% ABV) rye is recommended for a bold spice character to stand up to the other ingredients.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This herbal liqueur is essential for the drink's signature flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    A 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your other ingredients.
  • Egg White1 large egg white(optional)
    Adds texture and foam. Use pasteurized egg white for safety. Can be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version.
  • Angostura Bitters2 dashes(optional)
    Used primarily for garnish on top of the foam.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and both a Hawthorne and a fine mesh strainer for double-straining the cocktail.
  • Cocktail shaker for combining and chilling ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker.
  • Fine mesh strainer for double-straining to ensure a smooth texture.

Instructions

The preparation involves a two-step shaking process: 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 and garnished.
1. If using, chill your coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the rye whiskey, Bénédictine, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
3. Perform a 'dry shake': seal the shaker without ice 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 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled and frosted.
6. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled coupe glass.
7. Allow the foam to settle for a moment, creating a distinct head on the drink.
8. Garnish by carefully dropping 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the center of the foam. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The traditional garnish is a few drops of Angostura bitters atop the foam, which adds an aromatic component and visual appeal. A lemon twist is also a suitable alternative.
  • Angostura Bitters: Apply 2-3 drops onto the center of the foam head and optionally drag a cocktail pick through them to create a simple design.

Dietary Information

This cocktail contains egg white, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with egg allergies. The base spirit, rye whiskey, is distilled from gluten-containing grains, so it may not be suitable for individuals with severe gluten sensitivities.
✓ 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 count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar content. Carbohydrate and sugar levels are relatively low for a cocktail but are present due to the liqueur and syrup.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-13 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-12 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for a refined cocktail hour, as a pre-dinner aperitif, or simply when you desire a complex and contemplative sip. Its warming and spiced character makes it particularly suitable for autumn and winter evenings.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Sophisticated Gatherings
  • Autumn Evenings

Pairing suggestions

The Vienna Sour pairs well with savory and rich appetizers that can stand up to its complex flavor profile. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board, cheese plate, or spiced nuts to complement its herbal and spicy notes.
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats
  • Mild to medium cheeses like Gruyère or Comté
  • Spiced or candied nuts
  • Duck confit or other rich poultry dishes

Vienna Sour: A Sophisticated Symphony of Herb and Spice

The Vienna Sour is a masterful variation of the classic Whiskey Sour, offering a significant step up in complexity and refinement. By introducing the honeyed and herbal character of Bénédictine, the drink gains a unique depth that perfectly complements the spicy notes of rye whiskey. The balance of sweet and sour remains impeccable, while the optional egg white contributes a luxurious, velvety texture. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic cocktails but are looking for a sophisticated and memorable twist.

Similar Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

The direct predecessor; made with whiskey, lemon, and sugar, but without the Bénédictine liqueur.

Final Ward

Another rye-based equal-parts cocktail, but with Green Chartreuse and maraschino liqueur instead of Bénédictine.

Champs-Élysées

A similar sour template using Brandy as the base and Green Chartreuse as the modifying liqueur.

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