A classic cocktail that beautifully balances the warmth of whiskey with the bright tang of fresh lemon juice and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup. Optionally topped with a velvety egg white foam for a luxurious finish.
Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Sour / Classic
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Tart, sweet, slightly oaky
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Old Fashioned or rocks glass
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🧊 Method: Shaken
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Cocktail shaker (or Boston shaker)
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Fine mesh strainer (for a smooth finish)
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Rocks glass
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Bar spoon
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Citrus juicer
1. Prepare the Glass
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Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice water. Set aside.
2. Dry Shake (Egg White Version Only)
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If using egg white, add it to the shaker along with:
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2 oz bourbon
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¾ oz lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
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Shake without ice for 15 seconds to build a frothy foam.
3. Shake with Ice
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Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 15–20 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
4. Strain & Serve
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Discard the ice water from the glass.
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Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass over fresh ice.
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If using egg white, the foam will naturally rise to the top.
5. Garnish & Finish
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Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry.
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Optional: Add 1–2 dashes of Angostura bitters over the foam for visual flair and aroma.
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Classic Sour: Skip the egg white for a crisper, more direct cocktail.
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New York Sour: Float ½ oz red wine over the top for a striking layered effect.
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Maple Whiskey Sour: Replace simple syrup with maple syrup for a rich, autumnal twist.
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Amaretto Sour: Use amaretto liqueur in place of whiskey for a nuttier, sweeter profile.
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Food: BBQ sliders, spicy chicken wings, or pulled pork tacos
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Snacks: Salted nuts, charcuterie, or pretzels
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Dessert: Lemon tart, pecan pie, or dark chocolate
Ingredients
Directions
-
Cocktail shaker (or Boston shaker)
-
Jigger or measuring tool
-
Fine mesh strainer (for a smooth finish)
-
Rocks glass
-
Bar spoon
-
Citrus juicer
1. Prepare the Glass
-
Chill a rocks glass by filling it with ice water. Set aside.
2. Dry Shake (Egg White Version Only)
-
If using egg white, add it to the shaker along with:
-
2 oz bourbon
-
¾ oz lemon juice
-
½ oz simple syrup
-
-
Shake without ice for 15 seconds to build a frothy foam.
3. Shake with Ice
-
Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 15–20 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
4. Strain & Serve
-
Discard the ice water from the glass.
-
Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass over fresh ice.
-
If using egg white, the foam will naturally rise to the top.
5. Garnish & Finish
-
Garnish with a lemon wheel and maraschino cherry.
-
Optional: Add 1–2 dashes of Angostura bitters over the foam for visual flair and aroma.
-
Classic Sour: Skip the egg white for a crisper, more direct cocktail.
-
New York Sour: Float ½ oz red wine over the top for a striking layered effect.
-
Maple Whiskey Sour: Replace simple syrup with maple syrup for a rich, autumnal twist.
-
Amaretto Sour: Use amaretto liqueur in place of whiskey for a nuttier, sweeter profile.
-
Food: BBQ sliders, spicy chicken wings, or pulled pork tacos
-
Snacks: Salted nuts, charcuterie, or pretzels
-
Dessert: Lemon tart, pecan pie, or dark chocolate