Mix up a classic whisky sour, then check out our old fashioned, Manhattan, whisky highball and more whisky cocktails. We've also got plenty more cocktail sours to try, including Tom collins, amaretto sour and pisco sour. After, read how to elevate your cocktail skills with our best home bar hacks.
Our drinks expert, Hannah Guinness, shares her at-home bar tips to help you take your whisky sour to the next level.
What is a whisky sour?
The origins of the sour stretch back centuries to when sailors devised a way of preventing scurvy (a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C) on long voyages by mixing their spirit ration (usually rum or whisky) with lemon or lime juice. The sour is a foundational drink for many modern cocktails – from margaritas to daiquiris – but remains a classic in its own right.
Ingredients
Bourbon is traditionally used here but an easy-going, fruity Irish whiskey could also work well, as would a blended scotch. Irish whiskey expert Ronan Collins has tried and tested the best Irish whiskeys – check out the results.
Glassware
Use either an old fashioned glass or coupe for this recipe – we prefer the latter is it really showcases the creamy top of the drink.
Bar hacks and garnishes
Make sure you shake the drink vigorously in a cocktail shaker (10-15 seconds at least) to get a properly foamy top. For a tropical twist, try our pineapple whisky sour.
Take your skills to the next level with this handy cocktail kit from the olive shop. Completed with easy-to-use cobbler shaker, double jigger, fine mesh strainer and bar spoon, it has everything you need to make next-level drinks at home. Buy here.
Vegan version
To make this recipe vegan, swap the egg white for 2 tbsp of aquafaba.
Whisky sour recipe
