Micaela JularbalThe whiskey sour is a simple and refreshing drink that is known for its bold and tangy flavor. It’s usually made from a base spirit, usually bourbon, water, sugar, and a citrus element, usually lemon juice. It might even remind you of the lemonade that you loved to drink from the neighborhood stand you used to frequent as a kid – albeit now with a nice alcoholic kick.
It’s a great drink for both hot and chilly weather because of its sweet and sour taste. It’s a popular drink ordered in bars and served in house parties all over the country. Interested in learning how to make a whiskey sour cocktail like a professional? There are a number of things you should know.
Make Whiskey Sours like a Professional
Nothing spells professional more than knowing these three things, 1) whiskey sour history, 2) the basics, and 3) the variants.
The whiskey sour has enjoyed widespread popularity before the recipe was even formally written down and published. The early versions of the sour cocktail (whiskey wasn’t necessarily used yet) were served to sailors in order to water down their alcoholic intake as well as give them lemon or lime to prevent scurvy. When the drink arrived in American shores, bourbon whiskey was substituted as the base spirit because of the Americans’ fondness for the alcohol. In 1862, the recipe was then refined and published by Jerry Thomas in a book called ‘The Bartender’s Guide’.
Like many other cocktails, the whiskey sour was also affected by the multiple changes in the country’s culture and technology. However, the classic whiskey sour still remained popular because of its simplicity and memorable taste. The basic ingredients are as follows:
Bourbon. Classic whiskey sours are usually made with Bourbon due to its popularity in the United States. It is made from a grain mixture that is primarily corn and has anywhere from 65 to 80% alcohol by volume level. ‘Straight bourbon’, which is aged for at least 2 years, is usually used because it does not contain other spirits and flavorings.
Lemon Juice. Whenever possible, freshly squeezed lemon juice is used over those in prepackaged containers because it can greatly affect the sweetness and sourness of your whiskey sour. Be especially wary of cheap lemon juice that is jam packed with artificial flavorings and sweeteners.
Syrup or Sugar. For the sweetener, you can use sugar like you’ll see in a lot of recipes out there. However, syrup will usually mix better with the drink since it is already in liquid form.
Garnish. Originally, there was no garnish added to the drink. Now, cherries and orange slices are popular garnishes for the whiskey sour cocktail.
Ice. Whiskey sour cocktails are usually enjoyed with ice because it can help mitigate the alcohol taste. However, there is no problem drinking it straight as well.
Here’s how to make a classic whiskey sour:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of bourbon whiskey
- 2/3 ounce of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of superfine sugar or 1.5 ounces of syrup
- Cubed Ice
- 1 Maraschino cherry for garnish
- 1 Orange Slice for garnish
Step 1 – Mix the Cocktail. Place the bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar/syrup into a cocktail shaker. Do NOT add the ice just yet. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Step 2 – Shake again with ice. Add the ice and seal the shaker again for about 7 to 10 seconds in order to chill the drink.
Step 3 – Strain the cocktail. Staining the cocktail into a glass will help ensure that the seeds and pulp from the fresh lemon juice, ice shards, and excess sugar are removed from the drink.
Step 4 – Garnish and serve. Add the maraschino cherry and orange slice as your garnish to complete the visual presentation of the cocktail.
There are also many variants that come from these base ingredients. A popular, but also highly debated variation to the whiskey sour, is the one with egg whites. Egg whites can add a creamy and frothy element to the cocktail that is appealing to both the eyes and the taste buds, well at least for some people. Egg whites are usually flavorless so don’t worry about spoiling the taste, however, make sure to use only fresh eggs. The eggs are added alongside the bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar/syrup in the cocktail shaker before the ice. This is totally optional, so if you don’t feel like serving a drink with an egg white to your guests, then there’s no need to.
Whiskey Sour Ingredient Substitutions
There are also many substitutes. In other countries for example, bourbon has been substituted for Scotch whisky or rye whiskey. Some publications also recommend adding lime, lychee, or even soda as part of the juice. Honey can also be used as a substitute for the sweetener.
You can have fun experimenting with the recipe as well. In fact, customizing the whiskey sour according to another person’s taste is also a mark of a professional. What’s important to remember is that you have to balance the sweet, sour, and alcoholic taste of the drink.
Whiskey Sour and Food Pairings
The whiskey sour is a versatile cocktail that is great with and without food. Its sweet and sour taste, reminiscent of the flavors of summer, makes it a great accompaniment for many dishes traditionally served in a BBQ. These include grilled chicken, smoked salmon, steak, and apple pie.
It’s also a great after-dinner drink that you can enjoy on its own. If you want to eat it with something light, salty snacks, such as pretzels and tortilla chips, provide a nice contrast to this drink.
Enjoy your Whiskey Sour
If you have the time to try and practice making classic whiskey sour drinks and its variations, then you’ll definitely be ready to entertain guests with it. If you don’t, its simple ingredients and procedure make it easy to do on the spot even if you haven’t made one before. In fact, why not just prepare the ingredients and make it a whiskey sour making party with your friends. You can all experiment, taste, and have fun together in creating a variety of whiskey sour cocktails that fit everyone’s tastes.
