Whiskey Cocktails · Classic Recipe

Whiskey Sour

A complete, easy-to-follow recipe for the Whiskey Sour, including ingredients, method, glassware, and the story behind the drink.

At a Glance

Category: Whiskey Cocktails
Glass: Rocks glass or coupe
Garnish: Orange slice and cherry, or three drops of bitters on the foam

Ingredients

2 oz Bourbon whiskey
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
Optional: 1 egg white

Method

Dry-shake with egg white if using (no ice) to emulsify, then shake again with ice. Strain over ice or into a coupe.

Glass & Garnish

Glass: Rocks glass or coupe
Garnish: Orange slice and cherry, or three drops of bitters on the foam

Background & History

One of the foundational 'sour' family cocktails — spirit, citrus, sweetener — that underpins dozens of other classics, including the Daiquiri and Margarita.