Whiskey Sour

By Ali Slagle

Updated Nov. 22, 2024

Whiskey Sour
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
10 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
4(357)
Comments
Read comments

The whiskey sour is a trusted combination of sweet, sour and spirit. A true classic, it’s remained largely unchanged since its first printed mention in 1862 in the book “How to Mix Drinks” by Jerry Thomas. This recipe gives instructions for its two most common forms: frosty over ice or frothy with an egg white (also known as a Boston sour). For a spicier, drier drink, use rye instead of bourbon; for a New York sour, float ½ ounce red wine over the top; and for garnish, consider an orange slice or maraschino cherry.

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink
  • 2ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
  • ¾ounce lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • ¾ounce simple syrup
  • 1egg white (optional)
  • Ice
  • Orange slice or maraschino cherry, or both, for serving (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

141 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 0 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 0 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup. If using egg white, add to the shaker, cover and shake for 10 seconds to combine.

  2. Step 2

    If not using egg white, or after shaking the egg white, add ice, cover and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is chilled, 10 to 15 seconds. If using egg white, strain into a chilled coupe. If not, strain over fresh ice into a rocks or old-fashioned glass. Serve with an orange slice and maraschino cherry, if desired.

Ratings

4 out of 5
357 user ratings
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Comments

Kat M.

An orange slice and maraschino cherry should never be considered "optional." That's plain heresy. Or maybe it's blasphemy. Or both? Live large: get your hands on Luxardo" brand maraschinos, made in Italy. Deeply cherry flavor, luxuriously smooth and dense texture, and a test of discipline not to sneak an extra or two.

Lynn

My dad’s recipe from WWIi: 2 oz bourbon or Canadian whiskey. I small can frozen lemonade. I large can frozen orange juice. Ice, angostura bitters. Maraschino Cherry. Orange slices for the glasses The ingredients, I believe, reflected wartime items that were cheap and easily purchased. I just remember them being everyone’s favorite at family gatherings.

Marielle

When I was bartending in New Orleans, we sweetened our house old fashioned with Steen's cane syrup. It adds just a hint of depth and bitterness, and tinges the drink with a beautiful darkness.

SA

Everyone needs a grandma with a secret whiskey sour recipe

Beth

FYI, if you don’t have simple syrup, agave syrup works.

lizzie

Could you not use luxardo or amarena cherries for a drink this good? As opposed to the artificially colored maraschino ones?

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