Whiskey Sour Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

By: Becky HardinPosted: 12/1/22Updated: 11/15/23

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love this Whiskey Sour Recipe:

• Classic: You know those over the top co*cktails that are super expensive and just impractical? A Whiskey Sour is the opposite of that! This simple co*cktail is delightfully timeless.
• Sour and Sweet: While the name might have “sour” in it, that doesn’t mean it’s not also sweet! There’s just enough simple syrup in the mix to balance out the tangy lemon juice and bold whiskey.
• So Easy: Shake it, serve it, and enjoy. This co*cktail couldn’t be easier to make!

What is a whiskey sour?

A whiskey sour is a mixed drink containing whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar or simple syrup.

Why is it called a whiskey sour?

The whiskey sour gets its name from its usefulness. In the 1800s, sailors did not have much access to potable water, so they would bring alcohol instead. Furthermore, they often brought lots of citrus fruits onboard to combat scurvy. The whiskey sour was the perfect combination of scurvy-fighting citrus and thirst-quenching whiskey.

What’s the difference between a whiskey sour and an old-fashioned?

While both drinks contain whiskey, that’s where the similarities end. A whiskey sour contains lemon juice and simple syrup, while an old-fashioned contains bitters and a sugar cube.

What is the best whiskey for a whiskey sour?

The best whiskey for a whiskey sour is your favorite high-proof whiskey! Look for one that is 80-100 proof. Many people prefer bourbon whiskey, as it has a sweeter taste, but you can use scotch, Irish whiskey, Canadian whiskey, Japanese whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, or rye whiskey.

Isn’t a whiskey sour supposed to have foam on it?

No, it’s called a Boston sour when you shake a whiskey sour with an egg white to get a foam.

What is simple syrup, and where can I get it?

Simple syrup is a sugar syrup that you can buy where you would traditionally find co*cktail mixers in the grocery store, or you can easily make it yourself. You will want to bring equal parts of water and sugar to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved.

Can I make a whiskey sour with bottled lemon juice?

While you can, I don’t recommend using it because it doesn’t carry the same flavor.

What’s the difference between co*cktail cherries and maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries are neon red with more artificial sweetness to them, while co*cktail cherries are a deep red color with a better flavor. They are sometimes called Bing or Luxardo cherries.

How do I make the pretty lemon peel garnish for a whiskey sour?

You will run a pairing knife around the outside of the lemon, just peeling off the outer layer of the lemon. Then you will just cut the peel into these pointed rectangle shapes.

• You can make the simple syrup up to 1 month in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
• You can also juice the lemon up to 1 day in advance and store the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
• You can make your own sour mix by stirring together the lemon juice and simple syrup. This will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

• You can use any variety of whiskey that you like. Just be sure it is good quality and high proof.
• You can use a different citrus, such as lime juice or grapefruit juice.
• You can use sugar or honey in place of the simple syrup.

This recipe is easily scalable. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of drinks you’d like to make. For example, to make 8 whiskey sours, you’ll want to use

• 16 ounces (2 cups) whiskey
• 8 ounces (1 cup) lemon juice
• 8 ounces (1 cup) simple syrup

• Boston Sour: Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and 1 egg white to a co*cktail shaker without ice. Shake for 15 seconds, then add ice and shake for 30 more seconds. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon peel and a co*cktail cherry.
• Gold Rush: Replace the simple syrup with honey.
• Amaretto Whiskey Sour: Add 1 ounce of amaretto.
• New York Sour: Add 1 egg white (if desired), strain into a co*cktail glass, and slowly pour ½-ounce of red wine over the back of a bar spoon so that it floats on top of the drink.

• Use a high quality, high-proof whiskey for the best taste.
• While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice will yield the best flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
• Don’t slack on shaking. This helps dilute the alcohol and balance the flavors.
• Serve up or over one large ice cube. This will dilute the drink slowly while keeping it cold.
• Serve immediately for the best results.