Here’s the method to craft the ultimate whiskey sour using fresh lemon juice and top-quality bourbon! This timeless cocktail recipe provides the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and boozy flavors in just a few minutes.
I’ll always remember the first occasion I sampled a well-crafted whiskey sour. My father-in-law is really enthusiastic about this beverage, particularly the kind made with sour mix. So, as cocktail aficionados, Alex and I embarked on creating a recipe for this traditional drink. The initial taste of that flawlessly balanced, fresh-squeezed concoction left me enchanted. The sweet-tart citrus combined with the warming bourbon is simply enchanting.
Since that time, I’ve dedicated years to refining my personal whiskey sour recipe. This isn’t merely another cocktail recipe—it’s the secret to fashioning a drink that will have your friends and family requesting the recipe time and again!
What sets this whiskey sour recipe apart
Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous iterations of whiskey sours, and I’ve discovered the secret rests in three essential components: utilizing fresh lemon juice (never from a bottle), selecting the right bourbon, and my favorite twist: replacing simple syrup with pure maple syrup. This minor adjustment introduces caramel undertones that enhance the flavor of the drink—even though you can stick with classic simple syrup if you prefer!
The whiskey sour originated in the 1860s, making it one of the oldest cocktails in America. Yet, despite its rich history, I’ve noticed that many individuals have only encountered the overly sweet, artificially colored versions found in chain restaurants. A true whiskey sour should strike a perfect balance—not overly sweet or too tart—with the bourbon’s essence coming through prominently.
Whiskey sour ingredients
The whiskey sour is a classic sour cocktail composed of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s often garnished with an egg white foam, sometimes referred to as a Boston Sour.
The first instance of this classic cocktail appeared in the 1862 book The Bartender’s Guide: How To Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas. The ingredients remain unchanged today:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey: as high quality as possible. (Any whiskey can be used, but we favor the flavor of bourbon.)
– 1 oz lemon juice
– ¾ to 1 oz simple syrup
– Orange or lemon peel and cocktail cherry, for garnish
Pro tip
Modify the sweetness level in a whiskey sour to suit your preferences. A traditional sour formula is 2:1:1, meaning 2 oz spirit, 1 oz citrus, and 1 oz sweetener. We enjoy a whiskey sour with ¾ oz syrup, which allows the whiskey flavor to shine. However, if a sweeter cocktail is preferred, feel free to use up to 1 oz syrup.
Selecting the finest whiskey for whiskey sours
From my experience, the bourbon choice significantly impacts the cocktail. I usually opt for mid-range bottles priced between $25 to $35—with enough character to complement the citrus and sweetener, yet not too pricey that you hesitate to sip it.
My preferred selections are Elijah Craig Small Batch, Four Roses Small Batch, or Woodford Reserve. For special occasions, I appreciate Bulleit 10 Year Bourbon, which imparts vanilla and spice hints. I’ve also experimented with rye whiskey, yielding a bolder, spicier finish.
You can vary the type of whiskey to create different takes on this drink: a Buchanan Sour uses Scotch, the Penicillin highlights Scotch and ginger honey syrup, an Irish Sour incorporates Irish whiskey, and the Ward 8 cocktail features rye whiskey, orange, and grenadine.
A note on the sweetener
While most bartenders rely on simple syrup to sweeten cocktails, I’ve discovered that pure maple syrup lends a more intricate, nuanced sweetness. The natural caramel qualities of maple syrup beautifully complement bourbon, adding depth without overwhelming the drink (and no, it doesn’t impart a maple flavor!).
I’ve conducted numerous side-by-side tastings with family and friends, and maple syrup consistently outshines the competition. The distinction is subtle, but it elevates a good whiskey sour to a fantastic one.
Featured 5-star review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is my go-to whiskey sour recipe! I’ve tried it with several different bourbon brands and it’s always delicious. I’ve started purchasing maple syrup in bulk!” -Patricia
Whiskey sour mix for a gathering
If you need a whiskey sour mix but want to avoid those pre-made, sugary store-bought options, you can also prepare this recipe as a mix to serve many drinks at once. It holds up well when made up to 24 hours in advance.
– To create a whiskey sour mix for 8 drinks: Combine 1 cup lemon juice with ¾ cup simple syrup or maple syrup. Or, prepare our Sweet and Sour Mix.
– To make a single drink: Measure out 3 ½ tablespoons of the mix along with 4 tablespoons whiskey (refer to Whiskey Sour Mix).
Popular whiskey sour variations