Whiskey Sour Recipe
A well-made whiskey sour recipe is one of the most balanced and timeless cocktails you can prepare at home. It delivers the perfect harmony of bold whiskey, bright citrus, and gentle sweetness, making it equally enjoyable for casual sipping or entertaining guests. Whether you are new to mixing drinks or already comfortable behind the bar, this cocktail is approachable, refreshing, and consistently impressive.
What sets a great whiskey sour apart is attention to freshness and technique. Using real lemon juice instead of bottled mixes creates a cleaner, brighter flavor, while proper shaking gives the drink its signature chill and texture. Traditionally, this cocktail can be made with or without egg white, depending on your preference. The egg white adds a silky mouthfeel and a smooth foam on top, but the drink remains excellent without it.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 1 pasteurized egg white (optional)
- Ice
- 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish
Directions (How to Make a Whiskey Sour)
- Prepare your tools and glass
Place a rocks glass or coupe glass nearby so it is ready once the cocktail is finished. If you prefer your drink very cold, you can chill the glass in the freezer while you mix. - Add the liquid ingredients to the shaker
Pour the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) into a cocktail shaker. At this stage, do not add ice yet. - Dry shake to create texture
Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. This step is important when using egg white, as it helps create a smooth, creamy foam and evenly blends the ingredients. - Add ice and shake again
Open the shaker, add a generous handful of ice, reseal, and shake firmly for another 7 to 10 seconds. This chills the drink thoroughly and slightly dilutes it for a balanced flavor. - Strain the cocktail
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. For a cleaner, smoother drink, strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove ice shards and pulp. - Garnish and serve
Garnish with a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately while cold and freshly shaken.
Tips for Best Results
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Shake confidently and with purpose; proper shaking is key to texture and temperature.
- If skipping the egg white, simply shake once with ice and strain as usual.
- Taste before serving and adjust sweetness slightly if desired.
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Mixing Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Glass Used: Rocks glass or coupe glass
Storage and Serving Notes
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Because it contains fresh citrus and is shaken, it is not suitable for storage. If serving multiple guests, prepare each drink individually or in small batches for optimal quality.