Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe And Its History

Whiskey Sour Cocktail – Short History

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that’s been enjoyed for centuries. Before we go through the Whiskey Sour Cocktail recipe u need to know that its history and its invention are a bit complicated, but it’s believed to have been created in the mid-18th century. Back in the 1800s, traveling on the sea was tough and many sailors got sick with scurvy, a dangerous disease caused by not having enough vitamin C. Finding also clean water during long trips was hard, so sailors often drank whiskey, rum, and other drinks instead to prevent scurvy during long sea trips.

This mix was called “grog.” Now, as the story goes, someone decided to switch out the water for whiskey, and then, the Whiskey Sour was born! As the drink became popular, people started playing around with its original recipe, adding different sweeteners like sugar syrup instead of just sugar. Eventually, it became a major and popular cocktail in bars and households alike. The main reason why the Whiskey Sour Cocktail is very popular nowadays is mainly because of its simplicity and the simple ingredients you need to make a Whiskey Sour Cocktail. It’s made with just a few basic ingredients that are widely available – whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and optionally egg white. This simplicity makes it easy to mix up at home or order at a bar.

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

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Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Rating: 5.0/5

( 4 voted )

Serves: 1 Prep Time: 2 Min Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
• 1 Egg white
• Ice cubes
• 3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters for garnish
• Orange slice or cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, the white egg, and the simple syrup.
2. Dry shake (without ice) all the ingredients for about 15 seconds mainly to create the foam.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake all the ingredients for another 20 seconds to chill the mixture.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rock glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice or a cherry (or both)

If you don’t have simple syrup, you can easily make it by combining equal parts water and sugar and stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Glassware And Garnish

Rock Glass | Orange slice + Cherry for Garnish

Important Notes To Consider While Making Whiskey Sour:

1. Egg White
   Adding egg white to your whiskey sour makes it smooth and foamy on top. To do this, separate the egg and shake it up with the other ingredients without ice first. Then, shake it again with ice. Some people like how it feels in their mouth
2. Flavored Syrups
   You can make your whiskey sour more interesting by using different syrups. Things like honey, maple, or fruity syrups like raspberry can add special flavors. They can make your drink taste even better.
3. Whiskey Variations
   While bourbon is the usual whiskey for whiskey sours, you can try others too. Rye whiskey is spicier, Scotch whisky is smoky, and Japanese whisky is delicate. Each one gives your drink a different taste.
4. Garnish Creativity
   You can make your drink look fancy and taste better by adding cool garnishes on top. Besides lemon slices or cherries, try using citrus peels for smell or herbs like mint for freshness.
5. Barrel-Aged Whiskey Sours
   For a unique twist, consider using an aged whiskey. The aging process adds complexity and depth to the drink, imparting subtle oak flavors and mellowing the sharpness of the lemon juice. Barrel-aged whiskey sours can be a fun project for enthusiasts looking to experiment with aging cocktails at home.
6. Batch Cocktails
   If you’re having a party, you can make a big batch of whiskey sours ahead of time. Mix everything in a big jug and keep it cold until you’re ready to drink. It saves time so you can enjoy your party more.
7. Glassware Selection: Usually, whiskey sours are served in rock glasses, but you can use any glass you like. Try different shapes and sizes to make your drink look cool and show off your style.

Remember, the beauty of cocktails like the whiskey sour lies in their versatility and the opportunity for experimentation. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences and get creative with your ingredients and presentation. Cheers to your whiskey sour adventures!

Image from Cocktalia