Whisky Sour Cocktail: Classic Bourbon Sour Recipe
A timeless balance of bourbon, lemon, and sweetness. The Whisky Sour is a beloved classic that captures everything great about whiskey cocktails—bright, smooth, and perfectly tangy.
The Whisky Sour at a Glance
A true staple of cocktail history, the Whisky Sour combines bourbon’s warmth with citrus bite and gentle sweetness. It’s as refreshing on a summer day as it is comforting by the fire.
Background
First recorded in Jerry Thomas’s 1860s bartending guide, this drink is one of the original sours that shaped modern mixology. Its simplicity is its strength—three ingredients, expertly balanced.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- Bourbon – the heart of the drink; smooth, rich, and aromatic.
- Lemon Juice – provides the essential tart backbone.
- Simple Syrup – softens acidity for a rounded sip.
Equipment:
- Shaker, jigger, strainer, and a rocks glass.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, tart, and spirit-forward. The Whisky Sour feels at home anywhere—from laid-back evenings to dressy dinner parties. It’s endlessly customizable, and adding a dash of bitters or an egg white turns it into a silky Boston Sour.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spirit swap: Try rye whiskey for spice or Scotch for smoke.
- Sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup for richer depth.
- Citrus: Mix in a hint of orange or grapefruit juice for variation.
Helpful Tips
- Shake hard for proper aeration if using egg white.
- Always use fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and cherry for classic presentation.
Whisky Sour Recipe
Type of Glass
Rocks Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
Directions
- Add bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and/or orange slice if desired.
Raise a glass to simplicity — the Whisky Sour proves that perfect balance never goes out of style.
