Serves 2 / Difficulty – Easy / Prep 5 mins
A classic cocktail that’s refreshing, balanced, and easy to enjoy, appealing to both seasoned whiskey drinkers and newcomers alike. Enjoy the complex flavours that combines sweet, sour, boozy elements with a smooth, silky texture of the foamy egg whites. You can use bourbon or rye whiskey, my favourites are Jack Daniels or Makers Mark.
So what makes up the flavours of a classic Whiskey Sour
Whiskey (bourbon or rye)
This provides the warmth, depth, and a slightly smoky or caramel-like base. Bourbon brings sweeter, vanilla and oak notes. Rye gives it a spicier, drier edge.
Lemon Juice
This adds a sharp, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the whiskey and creates the “sour” element that defines the drink.
Sugar Syrup
Balances the tartness with subtle sweetness and prevents the drink from being too harsh or puckering.
Egg White
This doesn’t effect the flavour but creates the smooth, silky texture and finishes the drink with a beautiful foamy top.
Bitters or Garnishes (like cherry or orange peel)
You can add a dash of Angstura bitters to add extra aromatic complexity or a hint of spice. Or as this recipe suggests, garnish with some Amarena cherries
Makes 2
Bourbon – 2 parts
Lemon juice – 1/4 part
Sugar syrup – 1/8 part (or less if this is too sweet)
Egg white – 2 tablespoons
Ice for the shaker – 2 cubes
Amarena cherries to serve
Method
Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker (apart from the cherries). Give a good shake for around a minute until the cocktail shaker is nice and chilled.
Prepare a whisky tumbler with some ice. Pour over the ingredients. Then top with a cocktail stick with 2-3 cherries.
