Introduction
Whiskey sour is a classic cocktail that has been a staple drink for whiskey lovers for years. The perfect whiskey sour recipe is a delicious balance of sour and sweet, with a touch of whiskey flavor. In this article, we will explore different variations of whiskey sour recipes, tips to make the perfect whiskey sour, how to create a unique whiskey sour with unexpected ingredients, and the history and evolution of the drink from its creation. Let’s dive in and discover how to make the perfect whiskey sour drink.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make a Classic Whiskey Sour
Before diving into the different variations and tips for making the perfect whiskey sour, let’s start with the basics. Here are the ingredients you will primarily need to prepare a classic whiskey sour:
- 2 oz of whiskey
- 1 oz of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 oz of simple syrup
- 1 Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
To make a classic whiskey sour, follow these simple steps:
- Add two ounces of whiskey, one ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a half-ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
- Strain the contents into a sour glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of lemon.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations of the Whiskey Sour – Try a Twist on the Original Recipe
If you’re open to trying new things, consider different variations of the whiskey sour. Here are some ideas:
Winter Spiced Whiskey Sour
This variation has a little bit of a spicy twist that is perfect for the colder months. To make a winter spiced whiskey sour, do the following:
- Combine 1 oz of allspice dram and 1/2 oz of maple syrup in a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add 2 oz of bourbon whiskey and 3/4 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Shake all the ingredients vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a sour glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick or a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Enjoy this warm, spiced up whiskey sour.
Cherry Bourbon Sour
If you like the fruity taste, try a cherry bourbon sour. Here’s how to make it:
- In a shaker filled with ice cubes, pour 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of lemon juice (freshly squeezed), and 1/2 oz of cherry syrup.
- Shake all the ingredients for 15-20 seconds to chill the drink properly.
- Strain the mixture into a sour glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a fresh cherry and enjoy.
Tips for Making the Perfect Whiskey Sour – From Choosing the Right Whiskey to Mixing Techniques
Now that we’ve covered the basics and variations of whiskey sour, let’s look into tips to make the perfect whiskey sour:
Choosing the Right Whiskey
The kind of whiskey that you choose plays a significant role in your cocktail’s taste. Bourbon whiskey is sweet and has a distinct vanilla flavor that blends well with the citrusy sour taste. Alternatively, you can also try Rye whiskey, which has more spices and a relatively milder taste than Bourbon.
Mixing Techniques
The traditional way of shaking ingredients without ice and then shaking it again with ice cubes is one of the best ways to make a perfect whiskey sour. However, if you prefer a less diluted cocktail, you can also try stirring it instead of shaking it.
How to Make a Large Batch of Whiskey Sour for a Party or Gathering
Want to make a whiskey sour cocktail for your gathering or party? Here are some quick steps to make a batch of this delicious drink:
- Mix 2 cups of whiskey, 1 cup of simple syrup, and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a pitcher.
- Stir well and refrigerate until the mixture gets cold.
- Before serving, pour the mixture into a punch bowl filled with ice cubes and stir.
- Serve in sour glasses filled with ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and cherries.
- You can also add soda water or orange juice to create a delightful, refreshing whiskey sour punch cocktail.
Whiskey Sour Recipes for Every Occasion – Seasonal Whiskey Sours to Try
For those who love to celebrate every occasion uniquely, seasonal whiskey sours offer you the right opportunity to do so. Here are a few whiskey sour recipes for different seasons to satisfy your cravings:
Fall: Apple Cider Whiskey Sour
For the fall season, the Apple Cider Whiskey Sour is an excellent choice:
- Pour 2 oz of bourbon, 3/4 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 oz of apple cider into the shaker.
- Add some ice cubes and shake well for 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a coupette or glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish the drink with apple slices and a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
Winter: Warm and Cozy Gingerbread Whiskey Sour
This whiskey sour recipe is perfect for warming you up during the winter months:
- Combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of water, and 4 sliced gingerbread cookies in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir continuously until sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens, then remove from heat.
- Add 2 oz of whiskey and 3/4 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add a half-ounce of the gingerbread syrup and shake everything for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass or copa filled with ice cubes and garnish with a slice of gingerbread.
- Enjoy the delicious, warm whiskey sour!
Summer: Raspberry Lemonade Whiskey Sour
For a refreshing whiskey sour during the summer season, the Raspberry Lemonade Whiskey Sour is perfect. Here’s how:
- In a shaker with ice cubes, add 2 oz of whiskey, 3/4 oz of lemon juice, and a half-ounce of raspberry syrup.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a sour glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish the drink with fresh raspberries and enjoy the taste of summer!
How to Create a Unique Whiskey Sour with Unexpected Ingredients
While the whiskey sour recipe is easy and customizable, here are some ingredients you can use to make your unique whiskey sour:
- Add a dash bitters for a bit of spice
- Replace the lemon for other citrus like grapefruit, lime, blood orange, or even pineapple for an Island twist.
- You can also add tea infusions, marmalade, rosemary, thyme, or even Tabasco for a more adventurous experience, depending on your preferences.
The History and Evolution of the Whiskey Sour – And How to Make One
The whiskey sour is one of the oldest cocktails in America, with its first appearance in literature around the early 1860s. Jerry Thomas first mentioned it in his book, “The Bartenders Guide or How to Mix Drinks,” published in 1862. Since then, the Whiskey Sour recipe has evolved from just whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar to include other ingredients, such as angostura bitters, egg whites, and other flavors. Today it stands as one of the most iconic and favorite cocktail classics worldwide, enjoyed by all generations.
Conclusion
Whiskey sour is one of the most iconic cocktails and has stood the test of time. There are endless possibilities of variations and twists, making it one of the most customizable cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic whiskey sour or want to add a twist, this article provides you with all the information you need to make a perfect whiskey sour for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Stock up on your favorite whiskey and shake up some unique whiskey sour cocktails for an unforgettable drinking experience.
