Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a quintessential classic cocktail, celebrated for its perfect harmony of strong, sweet, and sour flavors. It combines whiskey, typically bourbon or rye, with fresh lemon juice and a touch of sugar or simple syrup. Often, an egg white is added to create a silky texture and a beautiful frothy top, a version known as the Boston Sour. This iconic drink is both refreshing and sophisticated, appealing to a wide range of palates.
Whiskey Sour

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail, belonging to the "sour" family of drinks. It is recognized worldwide as a fundamental and timeless mixed drink, celebrated for its simple yet perfect balance of flavors.

Serving

This cold cocktail is typically served in a chilled rocks glass over a large ice cube. With an alcohol content around 15-20%, it is a moderately strong drink.
Serving size
Approximately 120-180 ml / 4-6 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Whiskey Sour's origins are traced back to the 1860s, with the first known written recipe appearing in the 1862 book "The Bon Vivant's Companion" by Jerry Thomas. The concept of sours, however, is much older, likely originating with sailors who mixed spirits with citrus to prevent scurvy. It became a staple of cocktail culture, solidifying its place as one of the original and most enduring mixed drinks.
Origin
United States, circa 1860s.

Whiskey Sour

The drink is most commonly known as the Whiskey Sour. When it includes egg white for a frothy texture, it is often called a Boston Sour. A popular variation with a float of red wine on top is known as the New York Sour.
Original name
Whiskey Sour
Alternative names
  • Boston Sour
  • New York Sour

Characteristics overview

The Whiskey Sour boasts a balanced sweet and sour flavor profile with a distinct whiskey character and citrus aroma. Its texture is silky and smooth, especially when made with egg white, resulting in a refreshing, all-season cocktail.
Flavor
Whiskey, citrusy, sweet, sour, rich, smooth
Aroma
Lemon zest, oak, vanilla, whiskey spirit
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and sour
Aftertaste
Clean, warming, slightly tart
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, golden, cloudy (with egg white), white foam top (with egg white)
Texture
Silky, smooth, frothy (with egg white)
Seasonality
All-season, refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by a strong sourness from lemon, balanced by moderate sweetness and the distinct character of the whiskey. It has no carbonation and a moderately strong alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a base of whiskey, complemented by fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. An optional but highly recommended egg white can be added for a superior texture and foam.
  • Bourbon or Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    Bourbon provides a sweeter, fuller profile, while rye offers a spicier kick.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio. Adjust to taste.
  • Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)
    Adds a silky texture and frothy head. Using pasteurized egg whites is recommended for safety. Can be substituted with aquafaba for a vegan version.

Ice type

  • Cubed (for shaking), Large Cube or Sphere (for serving)

Mixing equipments

Preparation requires a cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling, a jigger for accurate measurements, and strainers for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and fine-mesh)

Instructions

The key steps involve a dry shake to create foam, followed by a wet shake with ice to chill and dilute. The drink is then strained into a glass with fresh ice and garnished.
1. Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker without ice.
2. Perform a "dry shake" (shaking without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
3. Add a generous amount of cubed ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Place a large ice cube or sphere into a chilled rocks glass.
5. Double strain the cocktail into the glass to ensure a smooth texture.
6. Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry, a lemon twist, or a few dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam.

Garnishing

Garnish classically with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry, or more modernly with a lemon twist. A few drops of bitters on the foam add aromatic complexity and visual appeal.
  • Orange wheel and a maraschino cherry
  • Lemon twist
  • A few drops of Angostura bitters on the foam

Dietary Information

This drink is typically dairy-free and gluten-free, but it is not vegan or egg-free due to the common inclusion of egg white. A vegan version can be made by substituting egg white with aquafaba or omitting it entirely.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A serving of Whiskey Sour contains around 180-240 calories and 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, most of which are from sugar.
Calories
Approximately 180-240 kcal / 750-1000 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9-14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Whiskey Sour is a versatile cocktail suitable for many occasions, from a sophisticated cocktail hour to casual social gatherings. It serves as an excellent pre-dinner aperitif or a celebratory drink.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Social Gathering
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Celebrations

Pairing suggestions

The Whiskey Sour's balanced profile pairs well with savory and salty foods. It complements charcuterie, sharp cheeses, grilled meats, and simple bar snacks like nuts and pretzels.
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Salty nuts or pretzels
  • Grilled meats
  • Sharp cheeses

The Timeless Allure of the Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is an iconic and enduring classic that masterfully balances the boldness of whiskey with the bright tartness of fresh lemon and the sweetness of simple syrup. Its origins date back to the 19th century, solidifying its place in the cocktail hall of fame. The optional addition of egg white transforms it into a Boston Sour, lending a rich, velvety texture and a beautiful frothy crown. Served chilled in a rocks glass, it's a versatile and sophisticated choice for any occasion.

Variations

Boston Sour

A classic whiskey sour made exceptionally smooth and creamy with the addition of egg white for a rich, velvety texture.

New York Sour

A classic Whiskey Sour elegantly topped with a float of dry red wine, creating a striking visual and a complex, fruity flavor profile.

Gold Rush

A modern classic cocktail that perfectly balances the warmth of bourbon with the sweet floral notes of honey and the bright tang of fresh lemon juice.

Similar cocktails

Amaretto Sour

A perfectly balanced cocktail marrying the sweet, nutty flavor of amaretto with tart lemon juice, elevated by bourbon and a silky egg white foam.

Penicillin

A smoky and spicy modern classic that balances sweet honey, tart lemon, and the warming kick of ginger with two kinds of Scotch whisky.