This easy to make three ingredient Whiskey Sour Recipe hits the sweet-tart spot just right. The key to making this taste the best it can be is, of course, good fine whiskey and fresh citrus juice. Hubby and I love to mix up a batch of these refreshing libations on Saturday nights after yard work and house chores. Mix up a batch of these refreshing drinks for your guests and savor the flavor.
We love a good cold refreshing drink every now and then. Whether conversing with neighbors or just watching the sun go down, they are always enjoyable. This drink, Appletini, Tequila Sunrise, and Grapefruit Margarita are just a few of our favorite refreshing spring and summer adult beverages.
How to make a classic Whiskey Sour
Start by making some simple syrup which is simply equal amounts of water and granulated sugar simmered on the stove until the sugar dissolves. I usually do 1 cup of each, which will make quite a few whiskey sours. Therefore I usually store about 1/2 of the mixture for a couple of weeks down the road or for another cocktail using simple syrup. If just making a few whiskey sours go 1/2 cup of each.
Once the simple syrup has fully cooled, add the whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until the shaker is very cold. Strain into a glass filled with ice. If desired, garnish with an orange slice, lemon slice, and cherry.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Always use good-quality whiskey or bourbon. My new favorite is Four Roses Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It is a smooth, easy-sipping whiskey with a delightful true bourbon smell.
- For best results, chill the simple syrup before using it.
- Store simple syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a clean citrus flavor.
- For added flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of maple syrup into the simple syrup or, better yet, make a maple simple syrup.
- Whiskey sours are typically served in an old-fashioned glass, rocks glass, or lowball glass.
- The original whiskey sour had an egg white mixed in for froth. I really prefer them without it, but the Boston sour is something that everyone should experience. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice and shake to combine (dry shake). Then add the ice and shake again before straining it into a glass filled with ice.
- For a New York Sour, add 1/2 ounce of full-bodied red wine gently to the top of the fully prepared whiskey sour.
- Substitute honey for the sugar in the simple syrup, and you have yourself a Gold Rush.
Variations on the Whiskey Sour
- Boston Sour – add a raw egg white and replace the simple syrup with maple syrup.
- Old Fashioned – made with bourbon or rye whiskey and a dash of Angostura Bitters
- New York Sour – add a float of red wine
- Maple Syrup Whiskey Sour – add a raw egg white and a dash of Angostura Bitters. Replace the simple syrup with maple syrup.
Other classic cocktails you will love!
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Best Whiskey Sour
This delectable three ingredient Whiskey Sour cocktail is both easy and refreshing, making it one of our go-to cocktails for spring and summer.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: cocktail
- Method: cocktail shaker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ounces bourbon whiskey
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice or lime juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
- ice
- optional garnish – orange slice, lemon slice, maraschino cherry
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until the shaker is very cold. Pour through a strainer into a glass filled with ice.
- If desired, garnish with an orange slice, lemon slice, and cherry.
Notes
- Always use good-quality whiskey or bourbon. My new favorite is Four Roses Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It is a smooth, easy-sipping whiskey with a delightful true bourbon smell.
- For best results, chill the simple syrup before using it.
- Store simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not that stuff in the plastic lemon.
- For added flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of maple syrup into the simple syrup or, better yet, make a maple simple syrup.
- Whiskey sours are typically served in an old-fashioned glass, rocks glass, or lowball glass.
Keywords: whiskey sour ingredients, how to make a whiskey sour, bourbon sour, sour cocktail
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Michelle
Love how easy it is to make this drink!
★★★★★
Lauren
Such a simple favourite! Great ratios for my favourite drink
★★★★★
Beth Sachs
Perfect for the weekend and so refreshing too!
★★★★★
Emily
One of my favorite cocktails. Great recipe and easy to make!
★★★★★
Dannii
Oh this looks super refreshing. This will be perfect for my next BBQ.
★★★★★
Sharon Chen
Perfect for my me time! Can’t wait for the weekend!
★★★★★
Tawnie Kroll
Made these for my hubby and he loved it! So good and easy. Thank you!
★★★★★
Angela
I love this classic cocktail! Only 3 ingredients makes it my go to. So easy and delicious.
★★★★★
Michelle
Delicious, and simple to make!
★★★★★
Sandhya
Love how you need just 3 Ingredient to make this Whiskey Sour. Can’t wait for Friday night to try this.
★★★★★
wilhelmina
I am a huge whiskey sour fan, this is a great recipe! I made one tonight and enjoyed it on the patio.
★★★★★
Kellie
Classic perfection! My go-to for Friday happy hours at home!
★★★★★
Katie
This will be a fun one to add to the mix! I love showing friends some new drinks.
★★★★★
Maria
Can’t wait for Friday when I can finally make one of these!
★★★★★
Angela
Whiskey sour is just a great drink! Easy to make and so tasty! I love the tip of putting maple syrup in your simply syrup. Delicious.
★★★★★
Jess
This looks like sunshine in a glass. Love the color!
★★★★★
Denay DeGuzman
My husband loves a good whiskey sour! This is a perfect cocktail for the spring season. Ideal for outdoor visits with family and friends.
★★★★★
Angela
Such a simple and delicious cocktail. I love the combo of whiskey and lemon. Perfection!
★★★★★
Wanda
More often then not this is the drink I order when I go out. Thrilled I can make it at home now with this recipe, anytime!
★★★★★
Sandra
This is so perfect!! I love that combination!
★★★★★
Toni
This is seriously good!! Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Catalina
This is the perfect surprise for my husband! He loves whiskey so he will love this cocktail.
★★★★★
Jen
I love how simple yet quality ingredients really do make the best cocktails. So good!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Whiskey Sour Cocktail looks absolutely fascinating!
★★★★★
Vikki
So refreshing and tasty!
★★★★★
Amanda
This is my perfect friday night cocktail, can’t wait for tomorrow evening!