Whiskey Sour Cocktail and Variations
What is a Whiskey Sour?
A Whiskey Sour is a cocktail or mixed drink containing mostly Whiskey and lemon juice with various kinds of sugar or syrup (depending on the recipe). Some recipes also include a dash of egg white, which is then often called Boston Sour. Other recipes include spoons of red wine, which you can find as New York Sour on menus.
How is the Whiskey Sour made?
The recipe varies depending on the location, or your own taste. But the basic recipe for Whiskey Sour is this:
- 5 cl Bourbon Whiskey
- 3 cl Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 cl Sugar Syrup
- 2-3 ds Egg White or Fee Foam
Preparation: Fill the shaker with some ice and then put all the ingredients in. Mix it. Fill into chilled old fashioned glasses and garnish with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry.
For all vegans out there: You don’t have to leave out the foaminess of the egg white. You can replace it with Fee Foam. This alternative is neutral in taste and develops the foam by shaking.
Side Note: While you can use different Whiskeys, you can also use any type of syrup you prefer. This will probably go hand in hand with the Whisky of your choice. The choice between suitable maple syrup, sweet honey or even exotic agave syrup, is entirely yours.
New and Exciting: the Cranberry Smoky Whisky Sour
If you’re ready to try new exciting flavours, this one is for you. The Cranberry Smoky Whisky Sour is the new fruity variation of the old classic. Adding cranberry juice gives a sweet and sour addition that creates a new flavour for the drink, without leaving the origins behind.
- 3,5cl Ardbeg 10 Years
- 2,5cl Lemon Juice
- 9 cl Cranberry Juice
- 3ds Fee Foam
Preparation: Just like the classic, start with ice. Then add all the ingredients and shake it thoroughly. Fill the drink into glasses. Garnish as you like and serve.
When you fill the mix into the glass, you can see how the mixed liquid will seperate again. It doesn't add to the taste, but it's pretty to look at.
What Whiskey for Whiskey Sour?
Whiskey Sour is a cocktail which originated in America. Therefore it’s no surprise that usually Bourbon is used. But which Bourbon is the best for Whiskey Sour? Well that depends on your own taste. But here’s a list of Bourbons which are commonly used by various bartenders around the world:
1776 Bourbon
Not only rich in the history department: This Bourbon is intense and strong in it’s taste with a note of vanilla and honey sweetness. The high percentage of rye gives this Bourbon an interesting flavour of spice, which fits right in between the other ingredients of the Whiskey Sour.
Ardbeg 10 Years
As mentioned in the video, we used this Whisky for the Cranberry Smoky Mix. And smoky is not just a random word that was put in the name of the drink. Ardbeg 10 Years really does a good job, mixing the smokiness into the drink. This one is a Single Malt Whisky, not a Bourbon, but since it’s a whole new recipe, we made us of our creative freedom;)
Eagle Rare
Great aromas with a certain sweetness and spiciness and an oaky finish – The Eagle Rare Bourbon is perfect for adding it’s own taste to the drink, without overpowering it.
Woodford Reserve
Distilled in pot stills, Woodford Reserve is a rare speciality in America. Rich in flavour with a smooth texture, this Bourbon complements to the sour and sweet flavours of the mix. It’s settled more on the spicy side of taste.
Four Roses Yellow Label
This affordable Bourbon is more for those with a sweet tooth. Adding a sweetness with it’s vanilla flavour, it underlines the sugary part of the cocktail.
Wild Turkey 101 Proof
More on the Rye-side of flavour: This Bourbon will be more prominent in the mix with its intense flavour and a high percentage of Rye. If you really want to taste the Whiskey in your cocktail, this one is for you.
Is a Whiskey Sour the Same as the Old Fashioned?
No. While the base of both mixed drink is Whiskey with sugar syrup, the third (and maybe fourth) ingredients make the difference. While Whiskey Sour consists of two parts lemon juice, the Old Fashioned only adds 2-3 dashes of aromatic bitters. The optional egg white is also never used for this one. Therefore the Old Fashioned concentrates more on the Whiskey itself. This also shows in the commonly practice to use Rye Whiskey as a base.
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