The Whiskey Sour is one of the few cocktails that has been around for long. This iconic drink has been around since the mid-1800s and is now a bar fixture all across the world for a good reason. It has the exact amount of sweetness to bring everything together, as well as the warm, oaky depth of whiskey and the crisp tang of fresh citrus.
The egg white is what makes a good Whiskey Sour into a terrific one. Some people would skip this step, but the foam it makes changes the whole sensation of drinking. The silky, frothy layer on top gives the drink a rich texture and softens the edges of the spirits, making each sip smooth and appealing. It’s not just for show that you shake the drink dry and then wet it. That’s how you get the trademark cloud-like top.
This recipe works great with either bourbon, which has sweeter, vanilla-forward overtones, or rye, which has a spicier kick. You can sip it during a casual get-together or a formal cocktail hour. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see why this classic drink is so popular with both professional and amateur bartenders.
Recipe Details
- Cuisine: American / Classic Bar
- Course: Beverage / Cocktail
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Servings: 1 Cocktail
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 210–240 kcal
Ingredients
- Spirit: 2 oz (60 ml) Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- Citrus: ¾ oz (22.5 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
- Sweetener: ¾ oz (22.5 ml) Simple Syrup
- Bitters: 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- Foamer: ½ oz (15 ml) Egg White
- Ice: Plenty of high-quality cubed ice
- Garnish: A skewered orange wedge and a maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Combine: In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
- Add Egg White: Pour in the egg white.
- Dry Shake: Close the shaker tightly and shake the ingredients without ice for about 10 seconds. This step is crucial for emulsifying the egg white to create that signature foam.
- Wet Shake: Open the shaker, fill it with plenty of ice, and shake vigorously for another 10 to 12 seconds until the shaker is frost-cold on the outside.
- Strain: Place fresh ice into a chilled old-fashioned glass and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Finish the drink by placing a skewered orange and a cherry across the rim or nestled into the foam.
Classic Whiskey Sour
- Spirit 2 oz (60 ml) Bourbon or Rye
- Citrus ¾ oz (22.5 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
- Sweetener ¾ oz (22.5 ml) Simple Syrup
- Bitters 1 dash Angostura
- Foamer ½ oz (15 ml) Egg White
- Ice Plenty of cubed ice
- Garnish Orange wedge & cherry
Combine
In a cocktail shaker, add whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
Add Egg White
Pour in the egg white for that signature silky foam.
Dry Shake
Close shaker tightly and shake without ice for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
Wet Shake
Add plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until frost-cold.
Strain
Place fresh ice in a chilled old-fashioned glass. Strain the mixture over ice.
Garnish
Finish with a skewered orange wedge and maraschino cherry on the rim or in the foam.
FAQs for Whiskey Sour Cocktail
What’s the difference between using bourbon and rye whiskey?
Bourbon tends to be sweeter with notes of vanilla and caramel, creating a smoother, rounder cocktail. Rye whiskey has a spicier, more robust flavor that adds a bit of bite and complexity. Both work beautifully—choose based on your personal preference.
Is the egg white safe to consume raw?
Yes, when using fresh, properly refrigerated eggs from a reliable source, the risk is minimal. If you’re concerned, use pasteurized eggs or pasteurized egg whites from a carton, which provide the same frothy texture with added peace of mind.
Can I make this cocktail without egg white?
Absolutely. The cocktail will still taste delicious but will lack the signature silky foam on top. For a vegan alternative, use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas)—about ½ oz works similarly and creates excellent foam.
What is a “dry shake” and why is it important?
A dry shake means shaking without ice. This step allows the egg white to emulsify properly with the other ingredients, creating that thick, luxurious foam. Skipping this step results in a thinner, less impressive head on your cocktail.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended as it provides a bright, vibrant citrus flavor that bottled juice simply cannot match. Bottled juice often tastes flat or slightly bitter and will noticeably affect the quality of your cocktail.
How do I make simple syrup at home?
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can also make it without heat by shaking sugar and warm water together until dissolved.
What can I substitute for Angostura bitters?
While Angostura is classic, you can experiment with orange bitters for a citrus-forward twist, or Peychaud’s bitters for a slightly sweeter, more floral note. Some bartenders even use a combination of different bitters for added complexity.
Can I make a large batch for a party?
You can pre-mix the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters in a bottle and refrigerate. However, the egg white must be added and shaken individually for each serving to achieve the proper foam—this step cannot be batched effectively.
Why does my foam disappear quickly?
This usually happens if the dry shake wasn’t long enough or vigorous enough. Make sure to shake hard for a full 10 seconds without ice first. Also, ensure your egg white is fresh, as older eggs don’t foam as well.
What’s the best glass to serve a whiskey sour in?
Traditionally, it’s served in a rocks glass (old-fashioned glass) over ice. However, you can also serve it “up” in a coupe glass without ice for a more elegant presentation that showcases the foam beautifully.
Conclusion
The Whiskey Sour is more than just a drink; it’s a lesson on how to balance and use your hands. Each part has a job: the citrus cuts through the whiskey’s richness, the simple syrup smooths out any rough edges, and the bitters give a subtle complexity that keeps your taste buds interested. You may make a drink that tastes much more sophisticated than the simple list of ingredients if you get the quantities and the shaking procedure just right.
If you’ve never used an egg white in a cocktail before, don’t be scared. The dry shake does all the hard work, and the results are well worth it. If you’re worried about raw egg, pasteurized egg whites work just as well and are easy to find at most grocery stores.
Once you know the basics, don’t be afraid to try new things. Adding a little red wine on top makes this a New York Sour. Using maple syrup or honey instead of simple syrup gives the drink a fun touch. You can also use different bitters to completely vary the taste.
No matter how you make it, the Whiskey Sour is a drink that rewards careful attention to detail. If you learn this one, you’ll have a sure-fire hit for years to come. Thanks!
Creating a comprehensive and thoughtfully curated recipe collection is the foundation of confident home cooking, empowering you to tackle everything from simple weeknight meals to elaborate dinner parties with ease and creativity. The beauty of building such a collection lies in its versatility, allowing you to seamlessly transition between different cuisines, dietary preferences, and cooking styles while ensuring that every meal you prepare brings joy and satisfaction to those gathered around your table. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, the options have never been more exciting or delicious, with comforting bowls of steaming vegan ramen offering rich umami depth that rivals any traditional version, while quick vegan lasagna demonstrates that classic Italian comfort food translates beautifully without animal products, and heritage recipes like vegan cabbage rolls prove that beloved Eastern European traditions can be honored and reimagined for plant-based kitchens. When entertaining guests during game day celebrations or casual weekend gatherings, nothing generates excitement quite like an impressive spread of bold and flavorful appetizers, including crispy buffalo chicken wonton cups that deliver the perfect combination of crunch and heat, alongside creamy and irresistible buffalo chicken cauliflower dip that keeps everyone reaching for more, and buffalo chicken garlic bread that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Morning routines deserve thoughtful attention as well, and breakfast enthusiasts will discover endless inspiration through protein-packed protein powder cinnamon rolls that fuel active lifestyles without sacrificing indulgence, convenient ham and cheese pinwheels for hectic school mornings when time is precious, trendy chili crisp egg avocado toast combining creamy avocado with spicy crunch, and innovative creative egg breakfast ideas that transform ordinary mornings into something truly extraordinary. Health-conscious cooks seeking lighter alternatives will appreciate the wonderfully satisfying Big Mac salad capturing beloved fast food flavors without the guilt, while garlic parmesan wings proves that achieving incredibly crispy results doesn’t require deep frying at all. Summer entertaining reaches new heights with refreshing and tropical virgin piña colada mocktails that guests of all ages can enjoy together. For hearty main courses that anchor memorable family dinners, consider dependable Italian-style meatloaf recipes that never fail to satisfy hungry appetites, aromatic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken bringing authentic Southeast Asian flavors to your dinner table, elegant shrimp aglio e olio showcasing the beautiful simplicity of Italian cuisine, comforting creamy chicken meatball orzo offering restaurant-quality dining at home, and the magnificently rich beef bourguignon representing the finest French culinary tradition. Side dishes and soups round out meals perfectly, with effortless broccoli recipes proving with simple vegetables able to shine, while velvety creamy broccoli and garlic soup warms the soul on chilly evenings. Finally, complete every gathering with stunning blueberry tiramisu, a modern twist on the beloved Italian classic that will leave your guests impressed and eagerly requesting the recipe.
