🇺🇸 USA · Drinks
Classic Whiskey Sour
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
A vibrant and tangy American classic, the Whiskey Sour perfectly balances the robust character of bourbon or rye whiskey with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup, often enhanced with an egg white for a frothy texture.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
First, gather your ingredients: 2 oz (60ml) Bourbon or Rye whiskey, 3/4 oz (22ml) fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz (22ml) simple syrup, and optionally 1 egg white. Having everything ready streamlines the cocktail-making process.
- 2
If you're using egg white for a frothy texture (highly recommended for a 'Boston Sour'), combine the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Perform a 'dry shake' first by shaking vigorously for about 15 seconds WITHOUT ice. This emulsifies the egg white and creates a rich foam.
- 3
Now, add a generous amount of ice to the shaker. Fill it about two-thirds full with fresh ice cubes. If you skipped the egg white, start with this step, combining all liquid ingredients and ice directly.
- 4
Secure the lid tightly and 'wet shake' vigorously for another 15-20 seconds until the shaker is thoroughly chilled and condensation forms on the outside. This chills and properly dilutes the drink.
- 5
Using a Hawthorne strainer, strain the cocktail mixture into a chilled coupe or Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. If you used egg white, you'll see a beautiful layer of foam forming on top.
- 6
For the classic garnish, place 1 cocktail cherry directly in the drink. If you made a Boston Sour with egg white, gently dot 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam. This creates an attractive aromatic contrast and visual appeal.
- 7
Serve your perfectly balanced Classic Whiskey Sour immediately. Encourage your guests to take a moment to appreciate the aroma before sipping this invigorating, tart, and subtly sweet libation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the purpose of the egg white in a Whiskey Sour?+
The egg white creates a rich, creamy foam on top of the cocktail, enhancing its texture and giving it a velvety mouthfeel. It also mellows the acidity slightly and adds a visual appeal, turning it into a 'Boston Sour'.
Is it safe to use raw egg white in cocktails?+
Using fresh, pasteurized egg whites significantly reduces the risk. However, if you're concerned, you can use aquafaba (chickpea brine) as a vegan alternative to achieve a similar frothy texture, or simply omit the egg white entirely.
What's the difference between a 'dry shake' and a 'wet shake'?+
A 'dry shake' is done without ice to emulsify ingredients like egg white and create foam. A 'wet shake' is done with ice to chill and dilute the cocktail. For egg white drinks, both are essential for optimal texture and temperature.
Can I make simple syrup at home?+
Absolutely! Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts granulated sugar in hot water. Stir until clear, then let it cool completely before using. It's a fundamental cocktail ingredient.
Mundo Match
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