Whiskey Sour recipe
The Whiskey Sour is a cocktail that dates all the way back to the 1800s. It’s an American classic that has withstood the test of time.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 4 ingredients
- Old Fashioned glass
Another short cocktail that packs a punch, but delivers subtle and strong flavours.
What Ingredients do you need to make a Whiskey Sour?
Bourbon
Bourbon is a type of Whiskey. It was created in America and is a barrel-aged distilled liquor that’s made primarily from corn.
The name Bourbon originates from the French Bourbon Dynasty, but how this type of American whiskey got that name is up for debate.
Major contenders include:
- Bourbon Street in New Orleans
- Bourbon County in Kentucky
…with the latter the reason why Bourbon is so closely connected to Kentucky.
Interestingly, by law, Bourbon sold in the US must be produced in the US, be made from at least 51% corn, and stored in a container of charred oak.
For Bourbon, we recommend:
Simple Syrup
Simple Syrup is a common ingredient in cocktails and is used simply to sweeten a drink.
You can buy the syrup off the shelf, but it’s also pretty easy to make yourself. It’s made by combining sugar and water in equal parts – simple, right?
If you do want to buy it off the shelf, we recommend:
Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino Cherries are preserved, sweetened cherries that are regularly used as a garnish in a variety of different cocktails.
In short, they can make a cocktail pop.
For Maraschino Cherries, we recommend:
What Equipment do you need to make a Whiskey Sour?
Cocktail Shaker
Cocktail shakers improve the taste of cocktails. It’s a fact.
There’s a reason that famed British spy James Bond says “shaken, not stirred”. And that reason is: because it tastes better.
If you don’t already have a cocktail shaker set, you might want to check out our detailed cocktail shaker comparison.
But to cut a long story short, here’s the cocktail shaker we recommend:
Old Fashioned Glass
Old Fashioned Glasses give a cocktail a classic, retro, yet elegant look.
If you’re making an old school cocktail, then this is the glass you absolutely need.
For Old Fashioned Glasses, we recommend:
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Recipe card
Whiskey Sour
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Old Fashioned glass
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Add ice, bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake and strain into an Old Fashioned glass.
- Garnish with maraschino cherry and a lemon wedge.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of classic cocktails.
Whiskey Sour FAQs
Is a Whiskey Sour a strong drink?
It’s a short cocktail that packs a punch, with 45ml / 1.5oz of bourbon, but the lemon juice and sugar syrup balance it with subtle flavours as well as strong ones.
What Ingredients do you need to make a Whiskey Sour?
To make a Whiskey Sour, you need 45ml / 1.5oz bourbon, 20ml / 0.75oz freshly squeezed lemon juice and 20ml / 0.75oz simple sugar syrup, plus lemon wedge and maraschino cherry to garnish. There’s more about bourbon, simple syrup and maraschino cherries above.
What Equipment do you need to make a Whiskey Sour?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker and an Old Fashioned glass.
Is a Whiskey Sour shaken or stirred?
A Whiskey Sour is shaken. Shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain it into an Old Fashioned glass.
Can I make a Whiskey Sour without a cocktail shaker?
A cocktail shaker is best, but a clean jam jar with a tight lid works too. Add ice and the ingredients, screw the lid on and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, then strain it into your glass through a small sieve.
What glass is a Whiskey Sour served in?
Serve a Whiskey Sour in an Old Fashioned glass.
How do you garnish a Whiskey Sour?
Garnish a Whiskey Sour with maraschino cherry and a lemon wedge.
How do I make a Whiskey Sour for a group?
The recipe makes one drink. Multiply every measure by the number of drinks you want: for 4, you’d need 180ml bourbon, 80ml freshly squeezed lemon juice and 80ml simple sugar syrup. Shake one or two drinks at a time, so there’s room in the shaker for the ice.
