Among its esteemed members, the Whiskey Sour reigns supreme, quenching thirsts for over a century and a half. While its exact origins remain elusive, its presence dates back to at least the era of Abraham Lincoln, with the first documented recipe surfacing around 1862 in Jerry Thomas’s renowned book, The Bar-Tenders Guide.
Traditionally made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white, the Whiskey Sour offers a balanced blend of flavors, with the egg white imparting a silky texture and mellowing the tartness. Nowadays, the egg is often omitted, resulting in a lighter version of the drink. However, for those seeking the authentic experience and a touch of protein, the original recipe remains a worthy endeavor.
When adding egg white, a “dry shake” technique is done, involving shaking all ingredients without ice first before a final shake with fresh ice. This emulsifies the ingredients and aerates the egg, yielding a richer, more velvety cocktail like of a meringue.
Whiskey Sour Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) Whiskey: Bourbon is a popular choice for its sweet and slightly smoky flavor, but rye whiskey is also commonly used.
- 3/4 oz (22 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the cocktail’s tangy and refreshing element.
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup: Simple syrup, made from equal parts sugar and water, offers the necessary sweetness.
- Ice Cubes: Ice is essential for chilling the cocktail.
Whiskey Sour Recipe
Step 1: Begin with a clean cocktail shaker. You can also use a mixing glass if you prefer stirring your cocktail.
Step 2: Add 2 oz (60 ml) of your chosen whiskey to the shaker.
Step 3: Squeeze fresh lemon juice to obtain 3/4 oz (22 ml) Add it to the shaker.
Step 4: Measure out 1/2 oz (30 ml) of simple syrup and pour it into the shaker.
Step 5: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Step 6: Seal the shaker and shake well for about 10-15 seconds, until the mixture is well-chilled.
Step 7: Strain the contents of the shaker into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. You can also use a rocks glass.
Step 8: Optionally, garnish the drink. More on that in the next section.
Step 9: Sip and savor the delightful flavors of your Whiskey Sour.
Whether you enjoy it as a classic or prefer to explore its variations, the art of the Whiskey Sour is a skill that any cocktail lover should have.
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