Get ready to impress your friends and family with a delicious whiskey sour cocktail! Here’s our take on the classic recipe:
Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 fresh egg white (optional)
- 1 Maraschino cherry and/or orange slice, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. If using, add the egg white.
- Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill and froth.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass or a stemmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with the Maraschino cherry and/or orange slice.
Now, let’s dive into the process of making this delicious cocktail!
The Perfect Whiskey Sour
Choosing Your Whiskey
When it comes to making a whiskey sour, the type of whiskey you choose can make or break the cocktail. Bourbon or rye whiskey are the traditional choices and both work equally well, it just comes down to personal preference. Bourbon has a sweeter, more caramelized flavor, while rye has more of a bite and spice to it. An ideal whiskey for a whiskey sour is one that will stand up to the other flavors in the cocktail without overpowering them.
Fresh Lemon Juice is Key
The key to a great whiskey sour is freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness of the simple syrup and enhance the whiskey’s flavor. To get the most juice out of your lemons, roll them on a counter with the palm of your hand before slicing them in half and squeezing them.
Simple Syrup: Sweeten to Taste
A whiskey sour can be made with either simple syrup or sugar, with the former being the preferred method. Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water that has been cooked until the sugar dissolves. Using simple syrup gives you a consistent sweetness throughout the cocktail that doesn’t overpower the other flavors. The amount that you use is up to personal taste – you can add a little more or a little less depending on how sweet you like your cocktail.
Egg Whites Add Froth and Texture
If you want to add a little extra texture and froth to your whiskey sour, add an egg white! The egg white doesn’t add much flavor, but it does give the drink an airy texture and bright white foam on top. If you’re squeamish about using raw eggs, you can use pasteurized egg whites instead, which come in a convenient carton.
Garnishes Add Extra Flair
Finally, garnishes add the finishing touch to your whiskey sour. A classic garnish is a Maraschino cherry and an orange slice. The cherry adds a pop of color and a sweet flavor, while the orange slice adds a citrusy flavor that pairs well with the lemon juice.
Now that you know the ins and outs of making the perfect whiskey sour cocktail, it’s time to get shaking! Impress your friends and family with this classic cocktail that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.