Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Written by: Yuri Jones
whiskey sour sitting on the counter of a dimly lit bar

Image source: Proof & Grain

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Prep Time
3-4 minutes
Servings
1
Glassware
Old Fashioned Glass and Coupe Glass

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey (60 ml)
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice (22 ml)
  • ½ oz simple syrup (15 ml)
  • Optional: ½ oz egg white (15 ml)
  • Cherry and orange slice, 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

  1. Add all ingredients (including egg white if using) to a shaker without ice and dry shake for 10 seconds.
  2. Add ice and shake again for 12–15 seconds until frothy and cold.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or an Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.

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.

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Whiskey Sour cocktail - Proof & Grain

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.

Why It’s a Bar Menu Essential

The Whiskey Sour is timeless because it delivers every time.

Whether shaken fresh at a cocktail bar or mixed at home, it offers the perfect blend of bite, smoothness, and style - a true classic in every sense.

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