A Whiskey Sour is one of those classic cocktails that proves you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make an excellent drink. With whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail delivers the perfect balance of smooth, tart, and sweet flavors.

If you’ve only had a Whiskey Sour made from bottled sour mix, making one from scra7tch can be a completely different experience. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the drink a clean, bright citrus flavor, while simple syrup lets you control exactly how sweet your cocktail becomes.

And although the traditional three-ingredient version is delicious on its own, you can also add egg white for the silky texture and thick foamy top commonly associated with a classic Whiskey Sour.

This easy Whiskey Sour recipe includes instructions for both versions, along with tips for choosing whiskey, making homemade simple syrup, creating the perfect foam, and preparing Whiskey Sours for a crowd.

What Is a Whiskey Sour?

A Whiskey Sour is a classic sour-style cocktail traditionally made with:

• Whiskey
• Fresh lemon juice
• Sugar or simple syrup

The “sour” cocktail family combines a base spirit with citrus and a sweetener. The formula is simple, but balancing those three components is what makes the drink work.

Many Whiskey Sour recipes also contain egg white.

Egg white isn’t primarily added for flavor. Shaking it creates a creamy mouthfeel and a layer of foam across the top of the cocktail.

If you prefer not to use egg white, simply leave it out. You’ll still have an excellent Whiskey Sour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason the Whiskey Sour has remained popular for generations.

It’s simple. You only need three essential ingredients.

It’s easy to customize. Make it sweeter, stronger, or more tart according to your taste.

You don’t need sour mix. Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup taste much better.

It works with several types of whiskey. Bourbon and rye are both excellent choices.

It’s impressive without being complicated. A properly shaken Whiskey Sour looks like something from a cocktail bar but is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

Whiskey Sour Ingredients

For one cocktail, you’ll need:

• 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 1 egg white, optional
• Ice
• Orange slice or peel for garnish, optional
• Cocktail cherry for garnish, optional

That’s it.

Because there are so few ingredients, their quality makes a noticeable difference.

Best Whiskey for a Whiskey Sour

You don’t need the most expensive bottle on the shelf.

In fact, a good mid-priced bourbon or rye is usually perfect.

Bourbon

Bourbon creates a slightly sweeter, smoother Whiskey Sour.

Its natural vanilla, caramel, and oak notes work especially well with fresh lemon.

If you’re making your first homemade Whiskey Sour, bourbon is an excellent place to start.

Rye Whiskey

Rye generally produces a spicier, drier cocktail.

The peppery character of rye stands up nicely against the sweetness of the simple syrup.

Choose rye if you prefer cocktails with a little more bite.

Tennessee Whiskey

Tennessee whiskey can also be used.

Depending on the bottle, it can produce a smooth Whiskey Sour with flavors similar to a bourbon-based version.

Do You Need Expensive Whiskey?

No.

A Whiskey Sour contains lemon and sugar, so some of the whiskey’s subtle characteristics will naturally be less noticeable.

Use a whiskey you enjoy drinking, but save your rare or expensive bottles for sipping neat if you’d rather appreciate all their nuances.

Fresh Lemon Juice Makes a Difference

If there is one ingredient you shouldn’t shortcut, it’s the lemon juice.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice has a brighter, cleaner flavor than most bottled lemon juices or commercial sour mixes.

One average lemon usually produces enough juice for at least one or two drinks depending on its size and juiciness.

Roll the lemon firmly against the countertop before cutting it. This can help release more juice.

Strain out seeds and excess pulp before adding the juice to your cocktail shaker.

How to Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is nothing more than sugar dissolved in water.

For a basic simple syrup, combine:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

Heat the mixture gently in a saucepan while stirring until the sugar dissolves.

You don’t need to vigorously boil it.

Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Transfer the syrup to a clean covered container and refrigerate.

For smaller batches, simply use equal amounts of sugar and water.

Quick Small-Batch Simple Syrup

Combine:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup hot water

Stir until completely dissolved.

Cool before using.

How to Make a Whiskey Sour Without Egg White

This is the easiest version.

Add the following to a cocktail shaker:

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup

Fill the shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously for approximately 10–15 seconds.

Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Alternatively, strain into a chilled coupe glass and serve it without ice.

Garnish with an orange slice, orange peel, lemon peel, or cocktail cherry.

Classic Whiskey Sour With Egg White

Adding egg white requires one additional step.

Combine:

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 1 egg white

Don’t add ice yet.

Seal your cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 15 seconds.

This is called a dry shake.

The dry shake helps emulsify the egg white and creates foam.

Next, open the shaker and add ice.

Shake again for another 10–15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.

Strain the cocktail into your glass.

You should have a silky drink topped with a thick layer of foam.

Add a cocktail cherry or orange peel if desired.

Why Dry Shake a Whiskey Sour?

Egg white needs agitation to turn into foam.

Ice can interfere with the initial foaming process, which is why bartenders often shake the cocktail without ice first.

The second shake with ice chills and dilutes the drink.

The result is a creamy Whiskey Sour topped with smooth foam.

Reverse Dry Shake Method

There’s another technique called the reverse dry shake.

Instead of shaking without ice first, you:

1. Shake the whiskey, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white with ice.
2. Strain out the ice.
3. Shake the cocktail again without ice.
4. Strain into the serving glass.

Some people find this produces an even thicker foam.

Either method works.

Try both and see which texture you prefer.

Is Raw Egg White Safe in a Whiskey Sour?

Consuming raw or undercooked eggs can carry a risk of foodborne illness.

If you want the traditional texture while reducing that concern, use pasteurized egg whites or pasteurized shell eggs.

Liquid pasteurized egg whites can be especially convenient when making several cocktails.

Always keep eggs refrigerated and follow proper food-safety practices.

People who are pregnant, elderly, very young, or immunocompromised may wish to avoid raw egg products unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Whiskey Sour Without Egg

Egg white is completely optional.

Leaving it out changes the texture, but not the basic identity of the cocktail.

A Whiskey Sour without egg white will be:

• lighter
• brighter
• less creamy
• easier to prepare

The whiskey, lemon, and sugar remain the primary flavors.

Whiskey Sour Ratio

A great starting ratio is:

2 parts whiskey + 3/4 part lemon + 1/2–3/4 part simple syrup

For example:

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

Taste preferences vary.

If the drink seems too tart, add a little more simple syrup.

If it’s too sweet, reduce the syrup or add slightly more lemon juice.

If the lemon overwhelms the whiskey, reduce the citrus slightly.

This flexibility is one of the advantages of making cocktails yourself.

What Does a Whiskey Sour Taste Like?

A properly balanced Whiskey Sour shouldn’t taste overwhelmingly sour.

The first impression is usually bright citrus followed by whiskey’s warmer caramel, oak, vanilla, or spice notes.

Simple syrup rounds out the lemon’s sharp acidity.

With egg white, the cocktail becomes noticeably smoother and creamier.

Without egg white, it tastes crisper and more refreshing.

Bourbon Whiskey Sour

If you want a smooth, approachable version, use bourbon.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Egg white, optional
• Ice

Shake and serve according to the basic recipe.

Bourbon’s sweetness often means you can use slightly less syrup.

Rye Whiskey Sour

For something spicier, substitute rye whiskey.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• Egg white, optional

The extra touch of sweetness can help balance rye’s spicy character.

Maple Whiskey Sour

Maple syrup makes a delicious alternative to simple syrup.

Use:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce pure maple syrup

Shake with ice and strain.

The maple adds rich caramelized flavors that pair beautifully with bourbon.

Honey Whiskey Sour

Honey can also replace traditional simple syrup, but straight honey doesn’t dissolve easily in cold cocktails.

Instead, make honey syrup.

Combine:

• 2 parts honey
• 1 part warm water

Stir until smooth.

Then use approximately 1/2 to 3/4 ounce in your cocktail.

Orange Whiskey Sour

Add approximately 1/2 ounce fresh orange juice along with the lemon juice.

The orange softens the acidity while adding another layer of citrus flavor.

Ginger Whiskey Sour

Ginger and whiskey work exceptionally well together.

Add a small amount of ginger syrup to the cocktail or replace part of the simple syrup with ginger syrup.

Garnish with a thin slice of fresh ginger or lemon peel.

New York Sour

One of the best-known Whiskey Sour variations is the New York Sour.

Prepare a traditional Whiskey Sour and strain it into your glass.

Then carefully float approximately 1/2 ounce dry red wine over the top by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon.

The red wine creates a dramatic colored layer and adds fruity, tannic flavors.

Whiskey Sour With Sour Mix

You can make a Whiskey Sour with commercial sour mix, but fresh ingredients generally produce better results.

Commercial sour mix often contains sweetener and citrus flavoring combined into one product.

If using sour mix, follow the manufacturer’s recommended ratio because sweetness and acidity vary significantly between brands.

For a fresher cocktail, stick with lemon juice and simple syrup.

How Much Ice Should You Use?

Don’t be afraid to fill the cocktail shaker.

Using plenty of ice helps chill the cocktail quickly.

Fill the shaker approximately halfway to two-thirds full with ice after adding the liquid ingredients.

Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker becomes very cold.

When serving on the rocks, strain over fresh ice rather than dumping the shaker ice into the glass.

Best Glass for a Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour is commonly served in:

• Rocks glass
• Old-fashioned glass
• Coupe glass
• Sour glass

A rocks glass is excellent for serving the cocktail over ice.

A coupe works beautifully when serving it “up” without ice.

Don’t worry if you don’t have specialized cocktail glasses. A small everyday drinking glass works just fine.

Whiskey Sour Garnishes

Garnishes aren’t required, but they make the finished cocktail more attractive.

Traditional options include:

• Cocktail cherry
• Orange slice
• Orange peel
• Lemon peel

A cocktail cherry and orange slice create the classic Whiskey Sour appearance.

For a cleaner presentation, express an orange peel over the drink and place it along the rim.

How to Make Whiskey Sours for a Crowd

Making individual cocktails is easy, but shaking drinks one at a time isn’t ideal when you’re entertaining a large group.

You can prepare the base mixture ahead.

For 8 Whiskey Sours, combine:

• 16 ounces whiskey
• 6 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 4–6 ounces simple syrup

Stir thoroughly and refrigerate.

When serving, pour approximately 3 1/4 ounces of the mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake and strain.

If you’re adding egg white, it’s generally better to add it while shaking individual servings rather than mixing raw egg into a large batch that may sit for an extended period.

Make-Ahead Whiskey Sour Mix

You can also prepare homemade sour mix.

Combine:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup simple syrup

Store it covered in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to make a Whiskey Sour, combine approximately:

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 1 1/2 ounces homemade sour mix

Adjust according to taste.

Because fresh citrus loses some of its brightness over time, homemade sour mix is best prepared relatively close to when you plan to use it.

Common Whiskey Sour Mistakes

Even simple cocktails can go wrong.

Using Too Much Simple Syrup

The drink should be balanced, not sugary.

Start with 1/2 ounce and add more if necessary.

Using Bottled Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice usually produces a noticeably better cocktail.

Barely Shaking It

Shake vigorously.

You want the ingredients thoroughly mixed and chilled.

Using Too Little Ice

A few tiny melting cubes won’t chill your drink efficiently.

Use plenty of fresh ice.

Forgetting the Dry Shake

If you’re using egg white and want thick foam, shake without ice before the final ice shake.

Using Warm Ingredients

Cold ingredients and plenty of ice help create a refreshing cocktail with proper dilution.

Whiskey Sour vs. Old Fashioned

Both are famous whiskey cocktails, but they’re very different.

An Old Fashioned primarily contains whiskey, sugar, and bitters.

A Whiskey Sour combines whiskey with citrus and sugar.

The Old Fashioned highlights the whiskey more directly, while a Whiskey Sour is brighter and more refreshing.

Whiskey Sour vs. Amaretto Sour

The drinks use the same basic sour cocktail concept, but the spirits are different.

A Whiskey Sour uses whiskey.

An Amaretto Sour uses amaretto, an almond-flavored liqueur, although many modern recipes also add bourbon.

Amaretto produces a sweeter, nuttier cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a Whiskey Sour?

A basic Whiskey Sour contains whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Egg white is an optional traditional addition that creates a silky texture and foamy top.

What whiskey is best for Whiskey Sours?

Bourbon and rye are both excellent. Bourbon creates a smoother and slightly sweeter drink, while rye adds more spice.

Do you have to put egg white in a Whiskey Sour?

No. Egg white is completely optional. The cocktail is still a Whiskey Sour without it.

Why is egg white used in a Whiskey Sour?

Egg white creates a creamy texture and thick layer of foam when shaken.

Can I make a Whiskey Sour without a cocktail shaker?

Yes. Use a tightly sealed jar with enough room for the ingredients and ice to move around. Shake vigorously, then strain.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but fresh lemon juice generally produces a brighter and better-tasting cocktail.

What’s the best Whiskey Sour ratio?

Start with 2 ounces whiskey, 3/4 ounce lemon juice, and 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup.

Can I use maple syrup instead of simple syrup?

Yes. Pure maple syrup works particularly well with bourbon.

Easy Whiskey Sour Recipe

Recipe Information

Recipe Name: Classic Whiskey Sour
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: whiskey sour, whiskey sour recipe, classic whiskey sour
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Calories: Approximately 190 calories

Ingredients

• 2 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 1 pasteurized egg white, optional
• Ice
• Orange slice or peel, optional
• Cocktail cherry, optional

Instructions

1. Add whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and optional pasteurized egg white to a cocktail shaker.
2. If using egg white, shake vigorously without ice for approximately 15 seconds.
3. Add a generous amount of ice.
4. Shake vigorously for another 10–15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice or into a chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with an orange slice, orange peel, lemon peel, or cocktail cherry.
7. Serve immediately.

Homemade Simple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Add sugar and water to a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-low heat while stirring.
3. Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Allow to cool completely before using.
6. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate.

Whiskey Sour for a Crowd

Ingredients

Makes approximately 8 cocktails.

• 16 ounces bourbon or rye whiskey
• 6 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 4–6 ounces simple syrup
• Ice
• Orange slices and cherries for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher.
2. Stir thoroughly.
3. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
4. For each drink, measure approximately 3 1/4 ounces of mixture into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
5. Shake until thoroughly chilled.
6. Strain over fresh ice.
7. Garnish and serve.

Recipe Notes

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Start with 1/2 ounce simple syrup and increase it if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
• Bourbon creates a smoother Whiskey Sour, while rye makes it spicier.
• Egg white is optional.
• Pasteurized egg whites are a convenient option when making the foamy version.
• Always shake egg-white cocktails vigorously.
• Serve immediately after shaking for the best texture and temperature.
• Simple syrup can be prepared ahead and refrigerated.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or liquid measuring tool
• Citrus juicer
• Cocktail strainer
• Rocks glass or coupe glass
• Small saucepan for simple syrup

Estimated Nutrition

Per cocktail without egg white:

Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Sugar: 13g

Nutrition information is an estimate and varies depending on the whiskey and amount of simple syrup used.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make a Whiskey Sour is a great introduction to homemade cocktails because the recipe is simple enough for beginners while still leaving plenty of room for experimentation.

Start with two ounces of your favorite bourbon or rye, add freshly squeezed lemon juice, and balance the tartness with simple syrup. From there, you can keep it simple or add pasteurized egg white for that classic creamy texture and impressive foamy top.

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try maple, honey, ginger, or even the red-wine-topped New York Sour. It’s one basic cocktail formula that can easily turn into several different drinks.

Classic Whiskey Sour Recipe

This classic Whiskey Sour combines smooth bourbon or whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart cocktail. Add an optional egg white for the traditional silky texture and foamy top.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 1 Drink

Course: cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 ounces bourbon or whiskey
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 egg white optional
• Ice
• Maraschino cherry for garnish
• Orange or lemon slice for garnish

Get ingredients with

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

• 1 Cocktail shaker
• 1 Jigger or measuring cup
• 1 Cocktail strainer
• 1 Fine-mesh strainer, optional
• 1 Rocks glass

Method

 

1. Add the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and optional egg white to a cocktail shaker.
2. If using egg white, shake the ingredients without ice for about 15 seconds to create a foamy texture.
3. Add a handful of ice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for another 15–20 seconds, until thoroughly chilled.
5. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. For a smoother presentation, double-strain the cocktail.
6. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange or lemon slice.
7. Serve immediately

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 11gSodium: 2mgSugar: 9g

Notes

• Bourbon makes a slightly sweeter Whiskey Sour, while rye whiskey creates a spicier, drier drink.
• Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice when possible. It makes a noticeable difference in a simple cocktail like this.
• Adjust the simple syrup to taste. Increase it slightly for a sweeter cocktail or reduce it for a more tart Whiskey Sour.
• The egg white is optional. It doesn’t significantly change the basic sweet-and-sour flavor but gives the drink its traditional silky mouthfeel and foamy top.
• If using raw egg white is a concern, use pasteurized egg whites or omit it.
• For a Whiskey Sour served up, shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass without fresh ice

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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