Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- If using egg white, combine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters in a cocktail shaker without ice. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds to create foam.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.
Notes
Makes 1 cocktail.
Jorj's Tip
Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference. Bottled juice simply can't match the bright flavor that gives a Whiskey Sour its signature balance. If you're using egg white, don't skip the dry shake—it creates the beautiful velvety foam that makes this cocktail feel like it came from a classic cocktail lounge.
Hosting a Crowd
For 8 guests, prepare the base ahead of time:
• 2 cups bourbon
• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup simple syrup Refrigerate until guests arrive. Shake individual cocktails with ice (and an egg white, if desired), then garnish with fresh citrus and cherries. This keeps every drink fresh while allowing you to spend time with your guests instead of measuring ingredients all evening. Host's Shortcut: If you're serving a larger crowd, skip the egg whites and serve the cocktail over ice from a beautiful glass pitcher. It remains every bit as refreshing and is much easier to prepare for a house full of friends. Make It Your Own • Maple Whiskey Sour: Replace the simple syrup with pure maple syrup for a warm, slightly richer flavor.
• Honey Bourbon Sour: Use honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) for a softer sweetness.
• Smoked Whiskey Sour: Garnish with a lightly torched rosemary sprig or serve under a smoked glass dome for a dramatic presentation.
• Blackberry Whiskey Sour: Muddle two fresh blackberries in the shaker before adding the remaining ingredients.
• ¾ cup fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup simple syrup Refrigerate until guests arrive. Shake individual cocktails with ice (and an egg white, if desired), then garnish with fresh citrus and cherries. This keeps every drink fresh while allowing you to spend time with your guests instead of measuring ingredients all evening. Host's Shortcut: If you're serving a larger crowd, skip the egg whites and serve the cocktail over ice from a beautiful glass pitcher. It remains every bit as refreshing and is much easier to prepare for a house full of friends. Make It Your Own • Maple Whiskey Sour: Replace the simple syrup with pure maple syrup for a warm, slightly richer flavor.
• Honey Bourbon Sour: Use honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) for a softer sweetness.
• Smoked Whiskey Sour: Garnish with a lightly torched rosemary sprig or serve under a smoked glass dome for a dramatic presentation.
• Blackberry Whiskey Sour: Muddle two fresh blackberries in the shaker before adding the remaining ingredients.