The Whiskey Sour cocktail has been a perfect example of timeless elegance and flavor harmony for more than a century and a half. The rich, oaky character of whiskey meets the bright tartness of fresh lemon juice and the smooth sweetness of sugar syrup, all finished with a silky foam crown from egg white. This cocktail is without a doubt one of the most beloved members of the Sour family. It takes us straight back to the golden age of classic cocktails—when quality and balance mattered most. Unfortunately, egg white is often left out these days, which can make the drink feel a little “empty.”
History
The story of this cocktail goes back to the Abraham Lincoln era in the 1860s, when it first appeared in writing in Jerry Thomas’s book The Bartender’s Guide. However, the idea behind the drink reaches even further back—into the world of sailors. In the past, sailors used lime and lemon juice to help prevent scurvy, and they often mixed it into spirits made with whiskey stored onboard. This practical solution quickly caught on, and it stayed popular long after it reached the shore. Over time, the Whiskey Sour became one of the best-known cocktails in the world, and to this day it still holds its well-earned place on cocktail menus everywhere.
Ingredients
2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
2/3 oz (20 ml) sugar syrup (1:1 mixture of sugar and water)
1/2 oz (15 ml) egg white (can be omitted if not desired)
How to Make a Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Making a Whiskey Sour is a true ritual. First, add the bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and egg white to a shaker. Shake without ice (this is called a “dry shake”) to properly froth the egg white. Then add ice and shake again to chill the drink and bring the flavors together even more. Finally, strain into a chilled glass over a few ice cubes.
Serving and Garnish
The Whiskey Sour cocktail tastes best served in a classic old fashioned glass. Garnish with a cocktail cherry on top, and if you want an extra elegant finish, add 3 drops of Angostura bitters. If you skip the bitters, you can also place a spiral of lemon peel on the rim of the glass.
Calorie Content
One serving of a Whiskey Sour cocktail contains approximately 210–220 calories, mainly from the whiskey, sugar syrup, and egg white.