Whiskey Sour
Whiskey Sour [Whiskey Business Remix]
Balanced whiskey cocktail with fresh citrus and natural sweeteners. This is classic American mixology that delivers perfect sweet and sour harmony.
Makes
Serves 1
Total Time
5 min (5 min prep)
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
2 oz (60ml) bourbon whiskey (100 proof preferred)
3/4 oz (22ml) fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz (15ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark preferred)
1 large egg white (pasture-raised, optional)
Ice cubes
For Garnish:
3-4 drops Angostura bitters
1 lemon wheel
1 Luxardo maraschino cherry (or fresh cherry)
Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)
Replace maple syrup with raw manuka honey for antimicrobial benefits and digestive enzymes. Use digestive bitters like Urban Moonshine or Angostura for stomach acid support and improved digestion. Add 1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger juice for anti-inflammatory properties and nausea relief. Choose organic lemons to avoid pesticide residues that can disrupt gut bacteria. Consider adding a pinch of pink Himalayan salt to support electrolyte balance and aid digestion.
Remix Options
Sweetener Swaps: Try raw honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup (1/2 oz each) for different flavor profiles. Whiskey Varieties: Use rye whiskey for spicier kick, Irish whiskey for smoother taste, or Japanese whisky for subtle complexity. Citrus Alternatives: Replace lemon with lime juice, grapefruit juice, or blood orange for unique twists. Egg-Free Version: Skip egg white for simpler cocktail or use aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for vegan option. Smoked Version: Add 1/4 oz mezcal or use smoked salt rim for earthy depth. Batch Recipe: Multiply by 8 for pitcher service, shake individual portions with egg white for proper foam.
Good To Know
Egg White Safety: Use fresh, high-quality pasture-raised eggs and consume immediately – the acid in lemon juice helps neutralize bacteria while creating silky foam texture. Dry Shake Technique: Shaking without ice first emulsifies the egg white properly, creating that signature thick foam that sits beautifully on top. Maple Syrup Quality: Grade A Dark maple syrup provides complex caramel notes that complement whiskey better than lighter grades or artificial syrups. Whiskey Selection: 100-proof bourbon has enough strength to stand up to dilution from ice and other ingredients while maintaining flavor intensity. Fresh Lemon Importance: Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright oils and fresh acidity needed for proper balance and aroma. Glassware Choice: Rocks glass showcases the drink’s color and allows proper ice contact, while coupe glass highlights the foam presentation for special occasions.
steps
Combine:
Add bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white to cocktail shaker. Ensure all ingredients are well-chilled for best results.
Dry Shake:
Shake vigorously without ice for 10-15 seconds to properly emulsify the egg white and create the foundation for silky foam texture.
Ice Shake:
Add ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until shaker is extremely cold and well-diluted for proper balance and temperature.
Strain:
Double strain through fine mesh strainer into rocks glass over fresh ice or into chilled coupe glass for elegant presentation without ice.
Garnish:
Drop 3-4 drops of Angostura bitters onto foam surface and create decorative pattern with toothpick by drawing through the drops.
Finish:
Add lemon wheel and premium cherry to complete the classic presentation. Serve immediately while foam is at its peak height and stability.