Whiskey sour

Whiskey sour is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. It has a sweet and sour taste, and is usually served on the rocks.

Whiskey sour recipe

  • 4.5 cl (3 parts) bourbon whiskey
  • 3 cl (2 parts) fresh lemon juice
  • 1.5 cl (1 part) simple syrup

Shake with ice. Strain into chilled glass, garnish and serve.

Directions for how to make the Whiskey sour

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Pour the bourbon whiskey into the shaker.
  3. Add the fresh lemon juice.
  4. Pour the simple syrup into the shaker.
  5. Shake the mixture well for about 10-15 seconds.
  6. Strain the mixture into an Old fashioned glass filled with ice.
  7. Garnish the drink with a lemon wedge or cherry (optional).
  8. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for how to make the perfect Whiskey sour

  • Use fresh ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice for a brighter, more authentic flavor. Similarly, use freshly cracked ice instead of pre-made ice cubes for a smoother, better blended drink.

  • Balance the sweet and sour flavors: A good whiskey sour should be perfectly balanced between sweet and sour flavors. Start by adding equal parts simple syrup and lemon juice, then adjust as needed to suit your personal taste.

  • Choose the right whiskey: Opt for a bourbon or rye whiskey with a smooth, mellow flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.

  • Shake it up: Make sure to shake the whiskey sour well to properly blend the ingredients and create a frothy foam on top.

  • Garnish with style: A traditional whiskey sour is typically garnished with a lemon wheel and cherry, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch with a unique garnish like a sprig of rosemary or a dash of cinnamon.

Alcohol-free alternative to the Whiskey sour

There are several delicious and easy-to-make alcohol-free alternatives to whiskey sour that you can try. Here are some options:

  1. Virgin Sour: Simply swap out the whiskey for lemonade, and you have a refreshing sour drink with a citrusy zing.

  2. Pineapple Paradise: Combine 2 parts pineapple juice and 1 part lemon juice, and add a splash of grenadine syrup for sweetness. Shake it all up with ice and serve in a glass with a cherry garnish.

  3. Coconut Mojito: Muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and sugar syrup in a tall glass. Add coconut water and a splash of soda water, and garnish with more mint leaves.

  4. Ginger Highball: Mix ginger beer with lime juice and cranberry juice for a spicy, fruity, and refreshing cocktail.

  5. Tea-Tini: Brew a strong cup of tea (such as earl grey or green tea) and mix with lemon juice and agave syrup. Serve chilled in a martini glass with a lemon twist.

Whiskey sour fun facts

  1. Whiskey sour is believed to have originated in the Navy as a way to prevent scurvy.
  2. Whiskey sour was a popular drink during Prohibition due to its easy-to-hide ingredients.
  3. The traditional recipe calls for whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar, but modern variations may include egg whites or other flavors like bitters.
  4. The cocktail gained popularity in the 1940s and was featured in the famous movie “Casablanca.”
  5. Some people believe that the drink was named after the sour taste of unripe lemons commonly used in the original recipe.