Whiskey Sour: A Smooth Blend of Whiskey and Citrus

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
July 10, 2025

whiskey sour sitting on the counter of a dimly lit bar

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Prep Time

3-4 minutes

Servings

1

Glassware

Old Fashioned Glass and Coupe Glass

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey (60 ml)
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice (22 ml)
0.5 oz simple syrup (15 ml)
Optional: 0.5 oz egg white (15 ml)
Ice
Lemon wheel or cherry, for garnish

Tools

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Jigger
Citrus juicer
Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Bar spoon or dry shaker (if using egg white)

Directions

Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and (if using) egg white to a shaker without ice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds (dry shake).
Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
Strain into an old fashioned glass over ice or a coupe glass without ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry.

Mixologist's Notes

Always use fresh lemon juice—bottled won’t cut it.
If using egg white, a dry shake before adding ice ensures better foam.
Rye adds spice; bourbon gives you a rounder, sweeter base.

Flavor Profile

Tart, smooth, and citrus-forward with a rich whiskey base and a silky finish if made with egg white.

Whiskey Sour Recipe Poster

$39.00

About the Whiskey Sour cocktail

The Whiskey Sour is one of the oldest cocktails still widely enjoyed today.

Its origins trace back to the mid-1800s, when sailors used citrus to combat scurvy and added spirits to preserve flavor. By 1862, it appeared in Jerry Thomas’s The Bartender’s Guide, cementing its place in cocktail history.

Made with just whiskey, citrus, and sugar, the Whiskey Sour is beloved for its bold yet balanced profile, making it a staple in classic cocktail culture.

Why the Whiskey Sour Still Reigns

The Whiskey Sour cocktail recipe is built around contrast.

The warmth of bourbon or rye meets the sharp tang of lemon and the mellow sweetness of simple syrup. It’s punchy, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable, a perfect gateway cocktail for those new to whiskey.

Optionally, adding egg white creates a velvety texture and smooth foam top, elevating the drink to silky perfection.

Variations and What to Serve It With

There’s plenty of room to experiment:

Use rye whiskey for added spice and dryness
Try maple syrup or honey instead of simple syrup
Add red wine on top for a New York Sour
Include a dash of bitters or flavored liqueurs for a modern twist

Whiskey Sours pair well with rich or savory foods. Think BBQ ribs, fried chicken, grilled cheese, or salty nuts. The lemon’s acidity helps cut through fat, while the whiskey stands up to bold flavors.