With a harmonious combination of warm spirit, bright citrus, and sweetness, the classic Whiskey Sour may be the world's most perfect cocktail. Following a simple formula, there are endless variations!

Always in season, the Whiskey Sour fits our criteria for a great drink to make at home - an easy recipe that doesn't require difficult ingredients. Yes, please!

A Brief History of the Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour's origins date back to the mid-19th century, when cocktails were first becoming the hallmark of fashionable society. The earliest known mention of the Whiskey Sour was in Jerry Thomas's 1862 bartender's guide "How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon Vivant's Companion," where it was described as a combination of whiskey, water, sugar, and lemon.

This simple, perfectly balanced blend of ingredients has since captivated the palates of drinkers around the world.

Cocktail Culture & Evolution

As the Whiskey Sour made its way through the decades, it evolved into a symbol of timeless elegance and refined taste. The cocktail has been embraced by different cultures and generations, finding a place in both laid-back taverns and upscale lounges.

The Whiskey Sour's versatility and balance have ensured its continued popularity, making it a staple in cocktail menus across the globe. Look for both classic and imaginative variations on cocktail menus when you go out. You may be surprised how often they appear!

The Classic Recipe

Shaking up a Whiskey Sour at home is a delightful and straightforward process. The ratio of ingredients is easy to remember - 2 parts spirit, 1 part sour, 1 part sweet (roughly). As everyone's palate is different, amounts can be adjusted to suit your preference (taste and adjust before shaking).

Here's the basic recipe that forms the foundation of this beloved cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Lemon twist or cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously to chill and mix the ingredients.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail cherry.

The Boston Sour: A Frothy Variation

A traditional variation of the Whiskey Sour called the "Boston Sour" incorporates egg white to mellow out the tart flavor and add a smooth, rich mouth feel to the drink (like a dessert!). Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (vegan substitute: Aquafaba)
• Ice
• Lemon twist or cocktail cherry for garnish
• Aromatic bitters for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
2. Dry shake (shake without ice) vigorously for 30-45 seconds to emulsify the egg white. Put some energy into it!
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again to chill and froth the mixture (15-20 seconds). Shake vigorously until your hands are uncomfortably cold.
4. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass (ideally chilled) without ice. Let the egg white froth settle on top.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cocktail cherry.
6. Optional: Add 3-4 drops of aromatic bitters on top of the egg white froth. Just enough to make a few brown dots.

More Classic Variations

The beauty of the Whiskey Sour lies in its adaptability. Here are three classic variations that offer distinct twists on the timeless recipe:

1. The New York Sour: Add a floater of red wine on top. The wine adds a nice visual element and a layer of complexity to the drink.

2. The Ward Eight: Add a splash of grenadine and orange juice for this sunny Prohibition-era favorite.

3. The Whiskey Smash: Muddle fresh mint leaves with simple syrup and whole lemon wedges (instead of lemon juice).

Imaginative (and Easy) Variations 

Both the classic Whiskey Sour and frothy Boston Sour can be elevated into more interesting flavor territory. The basic recipe provides the perfect starting point to get creative - follow these proportions and you can't go wrong. From there, the rest is up to you!

The easiest way to create your own variation is to replace the unflavored simple syrup with a craft syrup made from real fruit and botanicals. Choose flavors that complement the season or occasion for a personal twist.

Serve your cocktail garnished with fresh herbs, citrus, or a cocktail cherry and...voila! Your guests will be impressed with a drink that tastes great, looks fabulous, and seems a lot harder to make than it really is.

Here are 10 simple syrups that will instantly elevate the classic Whiskey Sour or Boston Sour. Which flavor combinations sound good to you?

• Blackberry Vanilla
• Grapefruit Rosemary
• Hibiscus Lemon Mint
• Hibiscus Cardamom
• Key Lime (with glitter!)
• Lavender
• Mango Habanero
• Marionberry
• Peach Hibiscus
• Strawberry-Basil 

Cheers to the Whiskey Sour

Whether you prefer it straight up, on the rocks, with egg white froth, or with a creative twist, let the Whiskey Sour take you on a journey through time, culture, and taste. Cheers to the timeless magic of this iconic cocktail!