The Best Whiskey Sour

The whiskey sour is one of the best classic cocktails. It's easy to make—with just three essential ingredients—and the recipe is the base for the entire family of sour drinks. There are also a variety of adjustments you can make to ensure it suits your taste perfectly. The whiskey sour is such a popular drink that it has its own holiday. If you need a reason to mix one up, National Whiskey Sour Day is August 25.

The History of the Whiskey Sour

The whiskey sour made its official debut in Jerry Thomas' 1862 The Bon Vivant's Companion (or How to Mix Drinks), which was the first published bartending guide. However, you can trace the cocktail's roots to a century before that.

Sour drinks were initially created to fight off scurvy among British Navy sailors during the 1700s by adding citrus juice—a source of vitamin C—to drinks. Most often, this meant adding lime to the rum rations (inspiring drinks like the Navy Grog). Not only did these sour drinks purportedly ward off disease, but the rum or gin (and sometimes whiskey) helped preserve the perishable fruit juice on long voyages.

From there, the addition of a little sugar enhanced the citrus-liquor combination. The result was a more drinkable and very tasty beverage. These eventually became known as the sour family of drinks, which have remained popular; the whiskey sour remains the most notable.

The Formula for a Perfect Whiskey Sour

As the name suggests, this cocktail is sour, thanks to fresh lemon juice. The fruit's sourness is balanced and complemented by the sweetness of whiskey and simple syrup, so it's not as tart as you might think. For this recipe, we suggest using 2 ounces of whiskey, 3/4 ounces of lemon juice, and 1/2 to 3/4 ounces of simple syrup. Try it with the ratio suggested in the recipe, give it a taste, and then adjust your next drink as needed.

What Whiskey Is Best for Sours?

The best whiskey for a sour is one that you love the flavor of, and there are many whiskey options, including excellent inexpensive whiskeys. Most sour drinkers prefer bourbon, though a good rye whiskey makes an excellent sour as well. Whatever brand or style of whiskey you choose will give the cocktail a unique flavor profile. As you switch from one whiskey to another, you may need to adjust the sweet and sour elements.

For a Frothy Cocktail, Add an Egg White

A traditional recipe for whiskey sours includes an egg white. It tends to tame the tartness and make the drink a bit smoother and gives it a nice frothy texture. When using egg, dry shake all of the ingredients without ice, then add ice and shake for at least 30 seconds to ensure it's properly mixed. It's also generally preferred to serve the drink on the rocks.

What Is the Difference Between a Whiskey Sour and an Old Fashioned?

While both of these drinks contain whiskey and are typically garnished with a maraschino cherry, their similarities end there. A whiskey sour is made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, while an old-fashioned is made with whiskey, sugar, and bitters.

What You'll Need to Make This Whiskey Sour Recipe

A Great Cocktail Jigger

A Handy Dandy Citrus Juicer

A Sleek Cocktail Shaker