Elevate your evening with this classic whiskey sour recipe! Blending Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, this timeless cocktail hits all the right notes for a cozy night in.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes minutes
- 2 oz Whiskey
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice or cherry - for garnish, optional
Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill it.
Add Angostura Bitters: Add 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters to the shaker.
Add Simple Syrup: Measure and pour ½ oz simple syrup into the shaker.
Add Lemon Juice: Follow with ¾ oz fresh lemon juice.
Add Whiskey: Pour 2 oz Whiskey into the shaker.
Prep Shaker: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
Shake: Give everything a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain: Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Garnish: Place a lemon slice or cherry on top for garnish.
Substitutes:
- Whiskey: If I'm out of traditional Whiskey, I've used bourbon for a sweeter profile or rye for a spicier kick.
- Simple Syrup: I've swapped simple syrup with maple syrup or honey in a pinch. Both give unique flavor spins to the drink.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice can work if fresh lemons aren't available. Just be mindful of the tartness and adjust to taste.
Making a Pitcher of Whiskey Sour:
- Scale: To create a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. This means 16 oz of Whiskey, 6 oz of lemon juice, 16 dashes of Angostura Bitters and 4 oz of simple syrup.
- Mix: Combine the Whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Stir thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour the concoction into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a lemon slice or cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey or a smoky tea, like Lapsang Souchong, steeped strongly and cooled.
- Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic whiskey substitute instead of regular Whiskey, and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic Whiskey Sour.
Making it Vegan:
Some whiskey sour recipes call for egg white to give a frothy texture. If you're vegan or avoiding raw egg: - Aquafaba Alternative: Use aquafaba, the brine from a can of chickpeas. It acts similarly to egg white when shaken and gives that frothy texture without the use of animal products. Just add about 1 oz to your shaker before shaking.