The Whiskey Sour is a cocktail that needs no introduction. It’s one of the oldest and most respected drinks in the cocktail canon — bold, simple, and endlessly satisfying. Made with whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness, it strikes a perfect balance between strong and sour, smooth and bright.
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey drinker or a cocktail enthusiast looking to explore the classics, the Whiskey Sour is a must-know recipe that delivers every time. Best of all, it requires only a few ingredients and takes just minutes to prepare.
What Is a Whiskey Sour?
The Whiskey Sour is part of the “sour” family of cocktails, which follow a basic formula: spirit, citrus, and sweetener. This drink dates back to the mid-1800s and remains a staple in cocktail bars today for its balanced and bold flavor profile.
At its core, the Whiskey Sour consists of three main components:
- Whiskey (often bourbon)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Simple syrup or another sweetener
An optional egg white can also be added to create a smooth, silky texture and a frothy top — transforming the drink into a Boston Sour.
Ingredients
For one classic serving:
- 2 ounces (60 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
- ¾ ounce (22 ml) fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
- ½ to ¾ ounce (15–22 ml) simple syrup (to taste)
- Optional: ½ ounce (15 ml) egg white (for foam and texture)
- Ice (for shaking and serving)
- Garnish: lemon wheel or cherry
Ingredient Notes
- Whiskey: Bourbon gives the drink a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. Rye whiskey adds more spice and dryness. Choose what suits your palate.
- Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness or depth.
- Simple Syrup: A 1:1 ratio of sugar and water, dissolved together. Adjust the amount to match your preferred sweetness.
- Egg White (Optional): Creates a beautiful creamy foam on top and softens the acidity of the citrus. Use fresh eggs or pasteurized egg whites from a carton.
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Fine mesh strainer (for double straining)
- Coupe, rocks, or old-fashioned glass
How to Make a Classic Whiskey Sour
Step 1: Add the Ingredients to a Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using). Do not add ice yet if using egg white.
Step 2: Dry Shake (if using egg white)
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds without ice. This helps emulsify the egg white and create a smooth, foamy texture.
Step 3: Shake with Ice
Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 15–20 seconds to chill and dilute the drink properly.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice, or serve up in a coupe glass with no ice. If you used egg white, you’ll see a beautiful, frothy foam settle on top.
Step 5: Garnish
Garnish with a lemon wheel, orange twist, or cocktail cherry — or all three for a classic presentation.
Tips for the Perfect Whiskey Sour
- Balance is key: The ratio of whiskey, lemon, and sweetener should be adjusted to your taste. Start with the base recipe and tweak as needed.
- Use quality whiskey: Since it’s the primary ingredient, choose a whiskey you enjoy sipping.
- Fresh citrus only: Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor and aroma.
- Egg white safety: If you’re concerned about raw egg, use pasteurized egg whites or skip it entirely — the drink is still excellent without it.
- Double strain: For a smoother cocktail, strain through a fine mesh strainer to catch pulp or ice shards.
Variations to Try
Boston Sour
Add egg white to the classic recipe for a creamy texture and silky mouthfeel.
New York Sour
Float a layer of red wine (like Malbec or Shiraz) on top of the finished Whiskey Sour for a visually stunning and flavor-complex variation.
Maple Whiskey Sour
Replace simple syrup with real maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with bourbon.
Smoked Whiskey Sour
Add a few drops of liquid smoke or use a smoked glass for a modern, dramatic twist.
Ginger Whiskey Sour
Add fresh ginger juice or muddled ginger for a spicy, warming edge.
When to Serve a Whiskey Sour
- Before or after dinner as an aperitif or digestif
- At home cocktail hours
- Celebrations, dinner parties, or holiday events
- Any time you’re craving something bold, refreshing, and classic
Final Thoughts
The Whiskey Sour is a cocktail that proves simplicity can be extraordinary. With just a few ingredients and a little technique, you can create a perfectly balanced drink that highlights the character of the whiskey while delivering a citrusy, refreshing finish.
Whether served straight up in a coupe glass or over ice in an old-fashioned glass, with or without egg white, the Whiskey Sour continues to stand the test of time — and for good reason. It’s a true staple for every home bartender and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Once you master the classic version, the possibilities for creative variations are endless. But even in its purest form, the Whiskey Sour is an unforgettable drink that earns its place among the greats.
Cheers to tradition, balance, and great whiskey.
