The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail with a history dating back to the mid-19th century. It’s believed to have originated as a simple combination of Whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. Over the years, it has evolved, and variations with different types of Whiskey and sweeteners have emerged. Today, it remains a beloved cocktail known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and rich depth of Whiskey.
The Whiskey Sour is a versatile and timeless cocktail suitable for various occasions. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy the classic, enjoy it as an aperitif, or cool down on a summer evening.

Whiskey Sour Recipe (Without egg white)
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Old-fashioned glass (rocks glass)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey bourbon or rye
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice juice of about half a lemon
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup adjust to taste
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or maraschino cherry for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice to chill it.Ice
- Add 2 oz of Whiskey, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup to the shaker.2 oz Whiskey, 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill an old-fashioned glass (rocks glass) with ice.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass.
- Optionally, garnish your Whiskey Sour with a lemon wheel or a maraschino cherry.Lemon wheel or maraschino cherry for garnish
- Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Your classic Whiskey Sour is ready to enjoy!
Video
Notes
Pro Tips for Success:
Adjust the simple syrup to your taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add more syrup; for a tarter taste, use less.- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously with ice to chill it and create a frothy texture.
- Experiment with different types of Whiskey to discover your favorite variation.
- Don't skip the garnish – a lemon wheel or maraschino cherry adds a nice visual touch.
Nutrition Information (Approximate):
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9-12 g
- Sugars: 8-10 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g

Whisky Sour With Egg White Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Coupe or rock glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey bourbon or rye
- 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup
- 1 Fresh egg white
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh egg white in a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice to the shaker to fill it about halfway.
- Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to create a frothy texture.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rock glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve and enjoy your beautifully crafted Whiskey Sour with egg white!
Video
Notes
Pro Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Dry shake (shake without ice) the egg white with other ingredients first to create a rich foam, then add ice and shake again.
- Experiment with different whiskey varieties to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup to suit your taste.
Nutrition (Approximate):
- Calories: 175-200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
- Protein: 1-2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 9-12 g
Do you put whiskey sour on ice?
Yes, you can serve a Whiskey Sour on ice, especially if it doesn’t contain egg white. Serving it on the rocks is a popular way to enjoy this classic cocktail. The ice helps chill the drink, dilutes it slightly, and adds a refreshing experience.
However, if your Whiskey Sour includes egg white, serving it neat (without ice) is generally better because the foam created by shaking with egg white might not look as appealing when it sits on top of the ice.
Are egg white cocktails healthy?
Egg white cocktails are generally safe to consume due to several factors that minimize health risks:
- Vaccination Against Salmonella: Most chickens used for egg production are vaccinated against salmonella, a common bacteria that can be present in eggs. This vaccination significantly reduces the risk of contamination.
- Freshness and Quality: Bartenders and home mixologists typically use high-quality eggs from reputable sources, reducing the likelihood of contamination.
- Alcohol Content: Alcohol is a natural disinfectant, and cocktails usually contain a significant amount. This can help mitigate the risk of harmful bacteria.
People with compromised immune systems, pregnant individuals, or those with egg allergies should exercise extra caution. They may consider using pasteurized egg whites or egg white alternatives in cocktails.
Suppose you’re still concerned about raw egg whites; you can find pasteurized liquid egg whites or egg white substitutes designed explicitly for cocktails. These products offer a safer alternative while still providing the frothy texture that egg whites contribute to cocktails.
If you enjoy the simplicity and tang of a Whiskey Sour, you might be intrigued by its more complex cousin, the Whiskey Smash, which adds muddled fruits and herbs to the mix

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