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+ servings

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

This classic Whiskey Sour cocktail combines bourbon, zesty lemon juice, and sweet simple syrup for a refreshing drink.
For a silky texture, an optional whipped egg white can be added, making this an adaptable choice for any cocktail enthusiast.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • strainer
  • Serving glass

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 0.75 ounces lemon juice
  • 0.75 ounces simple syrup
  • Whipped egg white optional
  • Garnish: Orange twist, cocktail cherry

Variations:

New York Sour:

  • Substitute bourbon with cognac
  • Add 0.75 ounces orange juice
  • Add 0.5 ounces dry red wine floated on top, omit egg white

Citrus Mint Sour:

  • Add 0.75 ounces grapefruit juice
  • Add 0.5 ounces crème de menthe liqueur
  • Garnish with a grapefruit slice and fresh mint leaves

Marmalade Sour:

  • Mix in 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
  • Add 0.5 ounces orange liqueur

Maple Sour:

  • Add 0.5 ounces orange juice
  • Add 0.25 ounces maple syrup
  • Add 0.5 ounces amaretto liqueur
  • Garnish: Lemon twist

Cranberry Orange Sour:

  • Add 0.75 ounces cranberry juice
  • Add 0.75 ounces orange liqueur
  • Top with ginger beer

White Whiskey Sour:

  • Replace bourbon with white whiskey
  • Add 2 ounces pineapple juice

Spiced Whiskey Sour:

  • Use spiced whiskey instead of bourbon
  • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Garnish: Cinnamon stick

Instructions
 

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake the mixture vigorously until well chilled.
  • Strain the shaken mixture into a glass filled with ice. If desired, gently stir in the whipped egg white, allowing it to form a layer on top.
  • Add the appropriate garnish for the chosen variation or the classic recipe and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity by modifying the amounts of simple syrup and lemon juice to suit your taste.
  • Freshly squeezed juices and high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of this cocktail.
  • Variations provide creative options to customize the drink for different preferences or occasions.
Keyword Bourbon sour recipe, cocktail recipes, Lemon bourbon drink, Simple whiskey cocktail, Whiskey cocktail with egg white, Whiskey sour cocktail recipe
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