Unleash Your Inner Bartender: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Whiskey Sour

The whiskey sour is a timeless classic, a perfectly balanced cocktail that's both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you prefer whiskey sour ingredients with no egg style or with the silky texture of whiskey sour ingredients with egg white, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover the best whiskey sour recipe, a simple whiskey sour recipe, and even venture into the delicious territory of the Amaretto Sour recipe. Get ready to explore the world of fantastic whiskey cocktails!

What is the formula for whiskey sour?

The foundational formula for whiskey sour is

  • 2 parts Whiskey
  • 1 part Fresh Citrus Juice (typically lemon)
  • ¾ part Sweetener (simple syrup)

This 2:1:¾ ratio is your starting point for creating a balanced and delicious sour.

What are the three ingredients in a whiskey sour?

At its core, a classic whiskey sour traditionally has three ingredients:

  1. Whiskey
  2. Fresh Lemon Juice
  3. Sweetener (usually simple syrup)

How to make a whiskey sour at home?

Making a whiskey sour at home is surprisingly easy! Let's break down the steps, with options for both egg white and no egg versions, and measurements in whiskey sour recipe ml.


Option 1: Simple Whiskey Sour Recipe (No Egg)

This is the classic, straightforward version.

Whiskey sour ingredients (no egg):

  • 60 ml (2 oz) Whiskey (we'll discuss the best whiskey for whiskey sour later)
  • 30 ml (1 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 22.5 ml (¾ oz) Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water, cooled)
  • Ice
  • Optional garnish: Orange slice and cherry

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Make sure you have your whiskey, fresh lemons, sugar (for simple syrup), and any garnishes ready.

Step 2: Make Simple Syrup (if you don't have it pre-made)

Combine equal parts sugar and hot water in a small saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool before using. You can also make it in a jar by shaking until dissolved.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker

Pour the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.

Step 4: Add Ice and Shake Well

Fill the shaker with ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

Step 5: Strain into a Glass

Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy!

Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry, if desired.


Option 2: Whiskey Sour Recipe with Egg White

Adding egg white creates a wonderfully smooth texture and a foamy top. Don't worry, it doesn't taste eggy!

Whiskey sour ingredients: egg white

  • 60 ml (2 oz) Whiskey
  • 30 ml (1 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 22.5 ml (¾ oz) Simple Syrup
  • 1 Egg White (pasteurized is recommended for safety)
  • Ice
  • Optional garnish: Angostura bitters (a few drops on the foam)

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients (Dry Shake)

Add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.  Do not add ice yet.

Step 2: Dry Shake Vigorously

Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This "dry shake" emulsifies the egg white and creates a better foam.

Step 3: Add Ice and Shake Again

Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.

Step 4: Strain into a Glass

Double strain the mixture (using both the shaker's built-in strainer and a fine-mesh sieve) into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This helps create a smoother foam.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy!

Optional garnish: Add a few drops of Angostura bitters onto the foam and swirl lightly with a cocktail pick or toothpick to create a decorative pattern.

What is a 3-2-1 whiskey sour?

3 2 1 whiskey sour is a simplified version of the recipe using a different ratio of ingredients:

  • 3 parts Whiskey
  • 2 parts Sour Mix (a pre-made mix of citrus juice and sweetener)
  • 1 part Soda Water (optional, for a lighter, more refreshing drink)

While quicker, this version often lacks the fresh flavor and balance of a sour made with fresh juice and simple syrup. True whiskey sour aficionados generally prefer the traditional method.


Best Whiskey for Whiskey Sour

The best whiskey for whiskey sour often comes down to personal preference, but here are some popular and recommended choices:

  • Bourbon: Its notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice complement the citrus beautifully. Look for bourbons with a slightly higher proof to stand out in the cocktail. Good options include Buffalo Trace, Four Roses Single Barrel, or Elijah Craig Small Batch.
  • Rye Whiskey: Rye's spicier and bolder character adds complexity to the sour. Consider Bulleit Rye, Rittenhouse Rye, or Sazerac Rye.
  • Irish Whiskey: Offers a smoother and more mellow flavor profile, making for a very approachable sour. Jameson or Teeling Small Batch are good choices.

Ultimately, experiment with different whiskeys to find your favorite!


Amaretto Sour Recipe

While not a traditional whiskey cocktail, the Amaretto Sour recipe is a popular and delicious variation that follows a similar sour structure.

Amaretto Sour Ingredients:

  • 60 ml (2 oz) Amaretto Liqueur
  • 30 ml (1 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Optional: 7.5 ml (¼ oz) Simple Syrup (depending on the sweetness of your amaretto and preference)
  • Optional: 1 Egg White (for a smoother texture)
  • Ice
  • Garnish: Cherry and/or orange slice

Instructions:

Follow the same shaking instructions as the Whiskey Sour. If using egg white, perform a dry shake first. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish.


Enjoy exploring the world of whiskey sours and finding your perfect recipe! Remember, fresh ingredients make a world of difference. Cheers!

Post a Comment

0 Comments

chatsimple