Classic Whiskey Sour co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for the sour co*cktail? ›

The golden formula for an easy sour co*cktail breaks down like this: 2 ounces spirit. 1 ounce sweet. 1 ounce sour.

Whiskey: Bourbon is the whiskey traditionally used in a classic whiskey sour, with its warm vanilla and brown sugar flavor notes. We strongly recommend using a mid-range, high-proof bourbon (between 43-50% ABV) so that its flavor does not get drowned out by the other ingredients.

Both a whiskey sour and an old-fashioned co*cktail are made with whiskey—and that's the only similarity really. A whiskey sour balances the whiskey with lemon juice and sugar or simple syrup, while an old-fashioned is stronger, more spirit forward, and made with bitters and a sugar cube.

The Whiskey Sour was traditionally made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar and egg white, an ingredient that tames the tart flavor and creates a richer, smoother texture. Today the egg is optional, and it's often more common to find bars serving Whiskey Sours without egg white.

And this ratio works for other sour co*cktails, as well, including the margarita and daiquiri. The 3-2-1 that make up a whiskey sour are whiskey, of course (typically bourbon or rye), fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup (sugar and water).

Two parts base spirit to one part sweet to one part sour. Let's take it one step at a time. Start with your base spirit. It can be any of your main categories of liquor—whiskey, gin, vodka, etc.

Four Roses Bourbon

The gentle, fruity flavors of Four Roses perfectly balance out the sharp acidity of lemon juice, making for a Whiskey Sour that's ideal for beginners or simply those who don't want too much heat or edge on their co*cktail. A Four Roses Whiskey Sour is easy to drink on a hot summer day.

In conclusion, while Jack Daniel's is often mistaken for bourbon, it is technically classified as Tennessee whiskey. The distinction lies in the additional step of charcoal mellowing, also known as the Lincoln County Process, that Tennessee whiskey undergoes.

But if you want to take your Whiskey Sour to the next level, add an egg white. This will not, in fact, make your co*cktail taste like egg. Instead, the egg white will add texture, richness, and a particular creaminess that will make it seem almost like a whiskey milkshake.

Whiskey Sour co*cktail's Story

In the 1700 and 1800's the Whiskey Sour was a popular drink among sailors, earning the co*cktail its well-appointed nick name “the best a man could drink”.

Is an amaretto sour the same as a Whiskey Sour? ›

The Amaretto Sour is a popular twist on the classic whisky sour. The nutty and marzipan flavours of the amaretto add an extra dimension to this great tasting and balanced co*cktail. Bartender Tip: The Sour is a very versatile co*cktail for twisting.

Bourbon Is Best

If you love rye whiskey in your sour, go for it. But there's something about the softer, vanilla and caramel notes of bourbon that does the drink right. “With rye, there's more spice,” says McCoy.

While this drink will get you judged by the seasoned 40-year-old next to you at the bar, says Stanley, the people who order them aren't afraid to do so. "Whiskey sours are sweeter than whiskey gingers, so they're usually drunk by rookies," he says.

The key to an excellent whiskey sour? Getting the balance just right. This whiskey sour recipe has all the right proportions of bright, bracing lemon juice; warming, floral bourbon; and sweet simple syrup to deliver a refreshing co*cktail that's neither too cloying nor too biting.

Try our Whisky Sour recipe with Crown Royal Deluxe® Whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup and an egg white.

Sour co*cktails: It's All About Balance

Sour co*cktails include citrus juice and are nearly always shaken vigorously to best emulsify, chill, and aerate the ingredients. A golden ratio sour co*cktail must include 2 parts something alcoholic, 1 part something sour, and . 75-1 part something sweet.

Citric Acid: Found naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, citric acid offers a sharp, clean tartness, making it a staple in countless classic co*cktails. Malic Acid: Derived from apples and certain grapes, malic acid imparts a softer, smoother sourness compared to its citric counterpart.

Base spirit

However, Sours can and are made with any spirit base, be that whisk(e)y, gin, vodka, brandy, rum or even a liqueur - as is the case in the popular Amaretto Sour, where amaretto liqueur replaces the spirit and sweet components.

Muddle the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug, crushing the mint as you go – you can use the end of a rolling pin for this. Pour into a tall glass and add a handful of ice. Pour over the rum, stirring with a long-handled spoon. Top up with soda water, garnish with mint and serve.