Whiskey Sour

in Classics (On the Rocks), Recipes
Whiskey Sour
Pin

Whiskey Sour

0.0 from 0 votes
Course: On the Rocks / Classics, RecipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

The Whiskey Sour is a cornerstone of cocktail history, striking a masterclass balance between the bold kick of bourbon, the sharp snap of citrus, and the silky texture of a frothy foam head. It is a sophisticated, versatile drink that transitions perfectly from a sunny afternoon aperitif to a refined evening nightcap.

Servings
+
–

1

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey

  • ¾ oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • ½ oz Simple syrup (1:1 ratio)

  • 1 large egg white (optional, for the signature foam)

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters (for garnish and aroma)

  • Garnish: Maraschino cherry and a lemon slice

  • Ice: Cubed ice for shaking and serving

Directions

  • Dry Shake (The Secret to Foam): Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) into the cocktail shaker. Do not add ice yet. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. This “dry shake” emulsifies the egg white to create a thick, meringue-like froth.
  • Wet Shake: Add a generous handful of ice to the shaker. Shake again for another 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frost-cold.
  • Strain: * If serving in a Rocks glass: Fill the glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture over it.
    If serving in a Coupe: Double-strain through a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass to achieve a velvet-smooth texture.
  • Aromatize: Drop 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the top of the foam.
  • Garnish: Use a cocktail pick to thread a cherry and lemon slice, then rest it across the rim of the glass.

Notes

  • The Vegan Alternative: If you prefer not to use egg whites, substitute 0.5 oz of Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). It creates a nearly identical foam without the animal product.
  • The “Sour” Balance: If your lemons are particularly tart, you may want to increase the simple syrup to 0.75 oz. Always taste your fresh juice before mixing.
  • Bitters Art: Use a toothpick to drag the droplets of bitters through the foam to create a beautiful “swirl” or “heart” pattern, which adds a professional touch to your website’s photography.

Leave a Reply