Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a strong whiskey sour, sweet and tart on the palate. Shaken and served in a rocks glass. It's one of the International Bartenders Association's official unforgettables cocktails.
- 3 min
- Rocks glass
- Shaken
Flavor profile
- Tart
- 62 out of 100
- Sweet
- 82 out of 100
- Fruity
- 18 out of 100
- Smoky
- 40 out of 100
- Boozy
- 69 out of 100
How to make a Whiskey Sour
To make a Whiskey Sour, shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass: 2 oz bourbon, ¾ oz lemon juice and ¾ oz simple syrup. Garnish with lemon and maraschino cherry.
You'll need
- Bourbon2 oz
- Lemon juice¾ oz
- Simple syrup¾ oz
- Lemon, Maraschino cherrygarnish
Pairs well with: Simple syrup · All syrups
Prefer it silky? Add an egg white and dry-shake first: that's the Boston Sour.
Prefer it long and fizzy? Top it with soda water: that's the John Collins.
Make it a showstopper. Float red wine on top: that's the New York Sour.
Instructions
- 1
Add bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- 2
Fill the shaker with ice.
- 3
Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the outside is frosty.
- 4
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
- 5
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.
Why shake? Lemon juice needs a hard shake to mix and chill properly.
Whiskey Sour questions
What does a Whiskey Sour taste like?
Mostly sweet and tart, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a strong drink at about 21% ABV once mixed.
How strong is a Whiskey Sour?
About 21% ABV after mixing with ice, stronger than wine, lighter than a neat spirit.
What's the difference between a Whiskey Sour and a Bourbon Sling?
Both use bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup. Both are shaken, but the Whiskey Sour goes in a rocks glass and the Bourbon Sling in a highball glass.
Should a Whiskey Sour be shaken or stirred?
Shaken: lemon juice and simple syrup need a hard shake to mix and chill properly.
Can I make Whiskey Sours in a batch?
Yes. For 6 drinks, mix 12 oz bourbon, 4½ oz lemon juice and 4½ oz simple syrup in a jug and chill it. Add 4¼ oz of cold water to stand in for the dilution from shaking. Pour over fresh ice to serve.
What glass do you serve a Whiskey Sour in?
A rocks glass.