Whisky Sour

The Whisky Sour has a citrusy, sweet, tart, smooth flavor profile. A perfectly balanced classic cocktail combining whiskey's warmth with bright citrus and smooth sweetness. The addition of egg white creates a luxurious foam that elevates this timeless drink to cocktail perfection.

A Whisky Sour requires 6 ingredients: Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Angostura Bitters, Maraschino Cherry.

A Whisky Sour takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

A Whisky Sour is traditionally served in a coupe, garnished with 3 drops of Angostura bitters and a maraschino cherry.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Whisky Sour by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Whisky Sour's roots stretch back to the 1860s, making it one of America's oldest cocktail families. The drink first appeared in print in Jerry Thomas's 1862 'How to Mix Drinks,' though sailors had been combining spirits with citrus for centuries to prevent scurvy. The original recipe was delightfully simple: whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. The addition of egg white, which creates the signature foam cap, became popular in the late 19th century and was standard practice by the early 1900s. During Prohibition, the cocktail suffered as bathtub gin and rough whiskey required extra sugar and mixers to mask harsh flavors. The post-Prohibition era saw a return to quality ingredients and proper technique. Today's craft cocktail movement has elevated the Whisky Sour to new heights, with bartenders emphasizing fresh juices, quality whiskey, and proper technique. The drink's enduring popularity lies in its perfect simplicity—it's approachable enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to showcase premium spirits.