Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic26% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- 1 1/2 ozScotchBase
- Juice of 1/2LimeCitrus
- 1/2 tspPowdered SugarSweetener
- 1/2 sliceLemonCitrus
- 1CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeTop
- Shake scotch, juice of lime, and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Decorate with 1/2 slice lemon, top with the cherry, and serve.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Scotch Sour?
- The Scotch Sour is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 26.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 127 calories.
- What does a Scotch Sour taste like?
- Scotch Sour has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Tart, Sugar, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Scotch Sour?
- Scotch Sour pairs well with Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Scotch Sour?
- The Scotch Sour has an ABV of approximately 26.0%. That's approximately 1.13 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 127 calories, 2.6g sugar, 4.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Scotch Sour typically served?
- Scotch Sour is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Scotch Sour?
- If you enjoy Scotch Sour, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Scotch Sour at home?
- Yes. The Scotch Sour uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Whiskey Sour Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Scotch Sour with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.