The Whiskey Sour is an iconic cocktail that showcases the beauty of balance in drinks. Combining the richness of bourbon, the tartness of fresh lemon juice, and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup, it has been a favorite for over a century. Believed to have emerged in the mid-19th century, its first printed recipe was included in Jerry Thomas's legendary 1862 cocktail guide, The Bar-Tenders Guide, which cemented its place in cocktail history. With optional egg white, the Whiskey Sour becomes silky and luscious, elevating the experience with each sip. This adaptable cocktail has inspired countless variations and is a staple in cocktail bars worldwide.
Preparation: 4 Minutes
Skill level: Beginner
Serving: For 1 Person
Preparation: 4 Minutes
Skill level: Beginner
Serving: For 1 Person
2 oz (60 ml) bourbon
3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
1/2 oz (15 ml) egg white (optional)
Garnish: Angostura bitters (3–4 drops)
Orange Peel and Cherry
Rock Glass
Dry Shake
Dry Shake: Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a shaker. Dry shake (without ice) for 30 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
Add Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain: Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice or into a coupe glass without ice.
Garnish: Add 3–4 drops of Angostura bitters on the foam and, if desired, use a toothpick to create a swirl pattern.
The Whiskey Sour is one of the oldest cocktails in the world of mixology. This drink balances bourbon’s depth and richness with the refreshing acidity of lemon juice, all rounded out by the sweetness of simple syrup. Adding egg white transforms it into a velvety, refined experience, making it a cocktail that embodies sophistication while still being easy to make. The Whiskey Sour’s versatility allows it to be enjoyed in both cozy winter evenings and sunny summer afternoons, making it a timeless choice for all seasons.
Why It Works: The Whiskey Sour is a beautiful example of the “sour” category of cocktails. Each ingredient plays a vital role: bourbon offers warmth and body; lemon juice cuts through with refreshing acidity; and simple syrup adds balance without overpowering. Egg white, if used, smooths the cocktail’s texture, adding a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel. Together, these elements create a drink that is bold yet approachable. This balance between sweet, sour, and spirit is what makes the Whiskey Sour a mainstay in cocktail culture.
Flavor Profile: The Whiskey Sour’s flavor is layered and nuanced. It opens with a burst of lemon, refreshing and tart, followed by the caramel, vanilla, and oaky notes of bourbon. The simple syrup harmonizes these flavors, preventing the drink from becoming overly sour. If egg white is included, the cocktail gains a silky texture that rounds out each sip, while a few dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam bring a subtle hint of spice, adding complexity and depth.
Raw Egg Warning
Consuming raw or undercooked eggs may pose a risk of food-borne illness.
Do I Need Egg in a Whiskey Sour?
While the classic Whiskey Sour recipe traditionally calls for egg white to create a smooth texture, it’s entirely optional. Without the egg white, the drink retains its signature tartness and refreshing profile, but will feel lighter and crisper rather than creamy or dessert-like. Both options have their unique appeal, so it ultimately depends on the mood you're in.
What’s the Best Type of Whiskey for a Whiskey Sour?
The versatility of the sour cocktail template allows for nearly any spirit or style of whiskey to be used. However, bourbon is a fantastic choice for a Whiskey Sour. Its natural sweetness, from the corn used in production, pairs harmoniously with the lemon, making it easier to achieve balance than with spicier ryes or complex scotches, which may require a bit more experimentation to find the right blend of flavors.
Did You Know? The Whiskey Sour has influenced a multitude of variations within the cocktail world. Its template of spirit, citrus, and sugar serves as the foundation for drinks like the Daiquiri, Margarita, Sidecar, and even non-alcoholic versions like lemonade. Among whiskey cocktails, the Whiskey Sour has inspired the New York Sour, topped with a float of red wine, and the Gold Rush, which replaces simple syrup with honey. Its versatility means it can be tailored to any type of whiskey, whether you prefer bourbon’s smooth sweetness, rye’s spicy edge, or even scotch’s smoky profile.
The Whiskey Sour is one of the oldest cocktails in the world of mixology. This drink balances bourbon’s depth and richness with the refreshing acidity of lemon juice, all rounded out by the sweetness of simple syrup. Adding egg white transforms it into a velvety, refined experience, making it a cocktail that embodies sophistication while still being easy to make. The Whiskey Sour’s versatility allows it to be enjoyed in both cozy winter evenings and sunny summer afternoons, making it a timeless choice for all seasons.
Why It Works: The Whiskey Sour is a beautiful example of the “sour” category of cocktails. Each ingredient plays a vital role: bourbon offers warmth and body; lemon juice cuts through with refreshing acidity; and simple syrup adds balance without overpowering. Egg white, if used, smooths the cocktail’s texture, adding a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel. Together, these elements create a drink that is bold yet approachable. This balance between sweet, sour, and spirit is what makes the Whiskey Sour a mainstay in cocktail culture.
Flavor Profile: The Whiskey Sour’s flavor is layered and nuanced. It opens with a burst of lemon, refreshing and tart, followed by the caramel, vanilla, and oaky notes of bourbon. The simple syrup harmonizes these flavors, preventing the drink from becoming overly sour. If egg white is included, the cocktail gains a silky texture that rounds out each sip, while a few dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam bring a subtle hint of spice, adding complexity and depth.
Raw Egg Warning
Consuming raw or undercooked eggs may pose a risk of food-borne illness.
Do I Need Egg in a Whiskey Sour?
While the classic Whiskey Sour recipe traditionally calls for egg white to create a smooth texture, it’s entirely optional. Without the egg white, the drink retains its signature tartness and refreshing profile, but will feel lighter and crisper rather than creamy or dessert-like. Both options have their unique appeal, so it ultimately depends on the mood you're in.
What’s the Best Type of Whiskey for a Whiskey Sour?
The versatility of the sour cocktail template allows for nearly any spirit or style of whiskey to be used. However, bourbon is a fantastic choice for a Whiskey Sour. Its natural sweetness, from the corn used in production, pairs harmoniously with the lemon, making it easier to achieve balance than with spicier ryes or complex scotches, which may require a bit more experimentation to find the right blend of flavors.
Did You Know? The Whiskey Sour has influenced a multitude of variations within the cocktail world. Its template of spirit, citrus, and sugar serves as the foundation for drinks like the Daiquiri, Margarita, Sidecar, and even non-alcoholic versions like lemonade. Among whiskey cocktails, the Whiskey Sour has inspired the New York Sour, topped with a float of red wine, and the Gold Rush, which replaces simple syrup with honey. Its versatility means it can be tailored to any type of whiskey, whether you prefer bourbon’s smooth sweetness, rye’s spicy edge, or even scotch’s smoky profile.
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