A Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail made with bourbon and homemade sour mix. A frothy egg white can be added too — which technically makes it a Boston Sour!

It’s boozy, sweet, and tart and the creamy egg white is an optional finish that really smooths out the whole drink!

Whiskey Sour on a wood coaster on a mint color napkin.

In this season of hunkering down at home, it’s the perfect time to try different cocktail recipes. Introducing the Whiskey Sour cocktail!

This easy recipe blends bourbon, lemon juice, lime juice, and a touch of sugar. It’s wonderfully balanced and delicious to sip.

To make it even better, whip up a batch of your own Whiskey Sour mix. In fact, this sour mix can be used in other cocktails like Vodka Sours and Amaretto Sours, too.

Straight on photo of a whiskey sour on a wood coaster with bottles of bourbon and sour mix in the background.

Whiskey Sour Ingredients:

Bourbon whiskey – Mellow bourbon is complimented by the tangy sour mix.
Sour mix – Try making my easy homemade sour mix for a tasty blend of citrus, sour, and sweet flavors.
Egg white – An optional ingredient that when shaken, makes the drink frothy.
Ice – It’s used in a shaker since this cocktail is served chilled.
Maraschino cherry – A classic garnish for a classic recipe.

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How To Make A Whiskey Sour:

Add bourbon to a cocktail shaker.

Bourbon being added to a cocktail shaker.

Pour in the homemade Sweet and Sour Mix.

Sweet and sour mix being added to a cocktail shaker.

Add in the egg white, if using.

Egg white being added to a cocktail shaker.

Cover and shake vigorously in a dry shake for 15 seconds.

Expert Tip: This cocktail is made with a dry shake (no ice), and after the initial shake, you add ice and shake vigorously for an additional 15 seconds to chill the drink. This is what allows the egg white to foam and add a creaminess to the cocktail.

Bourbon sour being shaken in a cocktail shaker.

Add the ice and shake for an additional 15 seconds, then pour (do not strain) the drink into a rocks glass and garnish with a brandied cherry.

Bourbon sour being poured into a cocktail glass.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it spelled “whiskey” or whisky”?

Great question! In America and Ireland, it generally has the “e,” while some other countries including Canada and Scotland leave it out.
So, whether you order a “Whiskey Sour” or a “Whisky Sour,” it’s referring to the same thing. English, amiright?

What’s the difference between Boston Sour and Whiskey Sour drinks?

Simple: Boston Sours have egg whites!

Is this cocktail sweet?

It has just the right balance of citrus and sugar so it’s easy to drink without being too sweet.

Is Whiskey Sour a girly drink?

Not in my book! If you’re wondering if Whiskey Sour is a “girly drink,” in my opinion, there’s nothing “girly” about bourbon. 😉

Whiskey sour in a cocktail glass on a wood coaster garnished with a cherry.

Substitutions & Variations:

Make it vegan: Whether you have dietary restrictions or the egg white just weirds you out, you can get that frothy consistency with aquafaba. This is just a fancy word for chickpea water, and you can get it by draining a can of chickpeas.
Omit the eggwhite/aquafaba: Then you’ll have a traditional Whiskey Sour.
Quick sour mix: No time to make it? Mix up a ½ ounce each: fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, and sugar (about 2 tablespoons) or simple syrup. Just add the bourbon, juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and shake.

Classic Boston Sour recipe on a wooden coaster garnished with a brandied cherry.

More Recipes For Bourbon Lovers:

Blueberry Bourbon Whiskey Smash Cocktail – Fruity and refreshing with lemon, mint, and blueberry simple syrup.
Bourbon Orange Cranberry Sauce – Keep this one handy for the holidays!
Boozy Bourbon Caramel Spice Cake – Filled with warm flavors.
Spicy Bourbon Chicken – A flavorful bowl of goodness that’s better than takeout.
Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate – Rich, decadent, and extra comforting on a cold day.

Let’s Connect!

If you’ve tried this recipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

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5 from 2 votes

Whiskey Sour

Author Rebecca Hubbell

Course Beverage, Drink

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

This Whiskey Sour Recipe is my favorite version of the classic cocktail. Made with bourbon and homemade sour mix, I like adding a frothy egg white — which technically makes it a Boston Sour!

Ingredients

Instructions

Add bourbon, sour mix, and egg white to a cocktail shaker and shake vigourously for 15 seconds.
Add ice and shake for an additional 15 seconds until the egg white becomes foamy.
Pour into an old fashioned cocktail glass and garnish with a brandied maraschino cherry.

Notes

You can add less egg white or omit it entirely if preferred.
This cocktail is made with a dry shake (no ice), and after the initial shake, you add ice and shake vigorously for an additional 15 seconds to chill the drink. This is what allows the egg white to foam and add a creaminess to the cocktail.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Make it vegan: Whether you have dietary restrictions or the egg white just weirds you out, you can get that frothy consistency with aquafaba. This is just a fancy word for chickpea water, and you can get it by draining a can of chickpeas.
- Omit the eggwhite/aquafaba: Then you’ll have a traditional Whiskey Sour.
- Quick sour mix: No time to make it? Mix up a ½ ounce each: fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, and sugar (about 2 tablespoons) or simple syrup. Just add the bourbon, juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and shake.

Nutrition

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Categories:

Beverages, Cocktails, Recipes,

Bourbon Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Whiskey Sour Ingredients:

How To Make A Whiskey Sour: