The Whisky Sour, a tart delight composed of whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup, often boasts a frothy top of egg white foam, earning it the alternate moniker of Boston Sour. First immortalised in Jerry Thomas’s 1862 opus ‘The Bartender’s Guide: How To Mix Drinks’, this timeless staple has been tantalising taste buds for centuries.
The beauty of the Whisky Sour lies in its simplicity; its ingredients are few yet carefully chosen. As one of the International Bartender Association’s official cocktails, it commands an “official” recipe. Let’s walk through the elements of this classic tart concoction:
- 2 oz bourbon whisky: We recommend the best quality you can procure. (While any whisky will work, we find bourbon imparts a desirable flavour.)
- 1 oz lemon juice
- ¾ to 1 oz simple syrup
- Orange or lemon peel and cocktail cherry: These make a vibrant garnish.
The sweetness level of a Whisky Sour can be adjusted to your liking. The typical sour formula is a 2:1:1 ratio – that is, 2 oz spirit, 1 oz citrus, and 1 oz sweetener. We find that a Whisky Sour with ¾ oz syrup allows the whisky’s characteristics to truly shine. For those who fancy a sweeter cocktail, up to 1 oz of syrup can be used.
Steps to Make a Whisky Sour
Crafting a whisky sour is an uncomplicated affair, yet the resulting cocktail is far from ordinary. You might also know this drink as a Bourbon Sour when bourbon is your whisky of choice. But before we dive into the recipe, here are a few pointers:
- Measure out 2 ounces of whisky, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and a modest ¾ ounce of simple syrup. Most of us have a soft spot for bourbon in our whisky sours but feel free to substitute it with your preferred whisky.
- Vigorously shake these ingredients together in a cocktail shaker until it’s pleasingly chilled.
- Serve your concoction over a generous heap of ice and savour the experience. For an aesthetic touch, try our crystal-clear ice.
- Want to jazz it up some more? Consider adding an egg white for a frothy, luscious topping.
- A whisky sour is traditionally garnished with a slice of orange and a cocktail cherry. Remember, the addition of egg white is optional, but it does lend an appealing creaminess to the drink.
The Intriguing Addition of Egg Whites to Cocktails
Why do we incorporate egg whites into cocktails? This practice dates back to the mid-19th century, with bartenders infusing egg whites into a myriad of classic cocktail recipes such as the Gin Fizz and the Pisco Sour. But why egg whites, you may ask?
Primarily, egg whites contribute two significant elements to the cocktail:
- They impart a frothy texture to the topmost layer of the drink, elevating the drinking experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
- They lend a creaminess and richness to the flavour profile of the cocktail, enhancing its deliciousness multifold.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Is it safe to consume cocktails with raw egg whites? Rest easy! The possibility of contracting salmonella from eggs is minuscule. In fact, everyday foods like melons, salads, and even peanuts pose a higher salmonella risk than eggs! However, it’s essential to store and handle eggs safely to minimise any potential risks.
Whisky Sour Mix
Suppose you’re desiring a stellar whisky sour concoction, but you baulk at the thought of purchasing those high-sugar, store-bought mixers. Well, you’re in luck! This recipe doubles as a mix, perfect for shaking up multiple drinks in one go!
Merely prepare a generous batch of lemon juice and maple syrup blend. Here’s your guide to creating a homemade whisky sour mix sufficient for eight tantalising servings:
- Combine 1 cup of fresh lemon juice with ¾ cup of pure maple syrup.
- To craft a single, irresistible drink, measure out a modest 3 ½ tablespoons of the mix and pair it with 4 tablespoons of whisky.
It’s as straightforward as that! Your homemade, low-sugar whisky sour mix is ready to impress.
Whisky Sour Alternatives
The brilliance of the classic Whisky Sour lies in its versatility! This simple mix serves as an excellent baseline for an array of delightful variations. Here’s the rundown of how you can twist your Whisky Sour to concoct a drink that suits your fancy:
- Boston Sour: Add the retro charm of an egg white to your Whisky Sour, and voila! You have a Boston Sour.
- Lemon Lime Sour: Incorporate our signature Sweet and Sour Mix to introduce a hint of lime to your drink.
- Lime Sour: Or, why not reinvent the classic by preparing a Whisky Sour with Lime?
- Jameson Whisky Sour: Switch your whisky of choice to Irish whisky to create a Jameson Whisky Sour.
- Amaretto Whisky Sour: For a twist on the classic, mix equal parts whisky and amaretto to create a delicious Amaretto Whisky Sour.
- Egg white: For a silky and frothy variation, you can make your Whisky Sour with Egg White, which is also known as a Boston Sour. The added egg white not only contributes to a velvety texture but also transforms the cocktail into an aesthetically pleasing delight.
- Scotch: Looking for a tangy and smoky mix? Give the Penicillin a shot. This cocktail is a refined blend of Scotch, lemon, ginger honey syrup, and a splash of Islay single malt scotch. It’s a soothing concoction that offers a delightful spin on the classic Whisky Sour.
- Rye whiskey and orange: If you crave a fruity and vibrant twist to the conventional Whisky Sour, then the Ward 8 Cocktail is for you. This invigorating mix features rye whiskey, orange juice, a dash of lemon juice, and a trickle of grenadine. The result? A wonderfully balanced cocktail that is both sour and sweet, with an appealing hint of bitterness.
These variations offer a fresh take on the traditional Whisky Sour, proving that even the classics can learn a new trick or two!
If you are looking for a one-stop shop where you can find whiskies to make a Whisky Sour, The Whisky Club has everything you need. Just choose your whisky preference and experience the finest whiskies from around the world delivered right to your doorstep. Cheers!
