Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe: How To Make A Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour has been one of my go-to cocktail recipes for years. In fact, I think it was the first cocktail that I ever taught myself to make. Since first trying it out in my late teens, it’s become a signature drink of mine. As it’s such a favourite for me, I thought maybe it might be a crowd-pleaser amongst my readers as well. Keep reading to find out what my failsafe Whiskey Sour recipe is…hopefully it won’t turn you sour-faced!

What is a Whiskey Sour?

Dating back to the 1860s, the Whiskey Sour was originally a simple three-ingredient cocktail made of Bourbon, Lemon Juice and Sugar. The classic recipe is still very much a go-to for so many of us nowadays, however, there have been plenty of twists on the original over the years. One of the recipes that you might be most familiar with is a Whiskey Sour that contains egg whites (aka, a Boston Sour). I have to say that I’m a big fan of ordering this twist on the classic when I’m out at a bar. But, when I’m making it at home? There’s no way I’m faffing around with an egg white! A lot of bartenders may also play around with different flavours and liqueurs to add a bit of pizzazz. For me, it’s all about the original recipe.

Alright, so what’s in your Whiskey Sour recipe then?

So, I’ve mentioned that when I’m making my own Whiskey Sour at home it’s all about the sans-egg version. But, what exactly goes into an F O Whiskey Sour? It only uses three key ingredients so if you’re looking to try your hand at mixology this could be the perfect drink to start with. Here’s my recipe.

Equipment

Cocktail Glass (or whiskey glass) | Shaker

Ingredients

50ml bourbon (a classic JD will do)

50ml sugar syrup

50ml lime juice

Crushed ice

Method

Take your cocktail glass and fill it with crushed ice (this is just to chill it).

Fill your cocktail shaker about two thirds of the way with crushed ice.

Add your 50ml of bourbon, sugar syrup and lime juice.

Pop the lid on and shake until mixed.

Pour the ice out of your cocktail glass and take the lid off your shaker.

Strain the mixed drink into your cocktail glass.

Did you spot my twist on the standard Whiskey Sour recipe? Yeah, that’s right, I use lime rather than lemon! I feel as though lime makes a Whiskey Sour that little bit smoother. Of course you want it to be sour (I mean, it’s right there in the name after all), but sometimes when you’re knocking back a couple of these bad boys, the sourness of the lemon juice can catch up with you! Swapping it out for lime seems to make all the difference to me. Let me know if you think the same!

Female Original

Liked this? How do you fancy learning a bit more about Scotch whisky? Check out my at home whisky tasting.