Whiskey Sour

Classic Cocktails · Whiskey Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

The archetypal sour: spirit, citrus and sweetness in harmony.

Base spirit
Whiskey
Origin
United States
Period
Printed 1862

Ingredients

IBA official specification

  • Bourbon whiskey45 ml
  • Fresh lemon juice25 ml
  • Simple syrup20 ml
  • Egg white(Optional)20 ml
Glass
Coupe or rocks glass
Ice
Up, or over cubes
Garnish
Angostura drops, orange and cherry
Technique
Dry shake
Difficulty
Intermediate
Prep time
5 min

Method

  1. 01

    Combine all ingredients in a shaker.

  2. 02

    If using egg white, dry shake without ice for 10 seconds.

  3. 03

    Add ice and shake hard again.

  4. 04

    Strain into the glass.

  5. 05

    Garnish with a few drops of Angostura on the foam.

Tasting Notes

Sweetness
Acidity
Bitterness
Body
Aroma
Lemon, vanilla, oak
Finish
Soft and tangy
Character
Balanced and approachable

Tasting scores are MIXY editorial assessments.

History & Background

Sours appear in Jerry Thomas's 1862 'How to Mix Drinks', one of the first bartender guides.

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