Cocktails
Whiskey Sour
Whiskey Sour is a balanced classic built around whiskey, citrus and a rounded sweet-sour profile. Served chilled, it works well when the occasion calls for something familiar, structured and easy to recommend.
At a Glance
Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.
These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.
On this page
How hard is it to make?
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.
Ingredients
- 2 ozBlended whiskeyBase Spirit
- Juice of 1/2LemonFruit
- 1/2 tspPowdered sugarSweetener
- 1CherryGarnish
- 1/2 sliceLemonFruit
How to Make It
- Shake with ice.Shaken
- Strain into chilled glass, garnish and serve.Strain
- If served 'On the rocks', strain ingredients into old-fashioned glass filled with ice.Strain
Why it works
Why the Whiskey Sour works
The drink works because lemon acidity balances whiskey richness and sweetness. The sour format keeps the spirit recognisable while making it brighter and easier to sip.
How to Serve
- Glass
- Old-Fashioned Glass
- Temperature
- Chilled
- Ice
- Ice
- Method
- Shaken
Taste
What does a Whiskey Sour taste like?
A Whiskey Sour is tart, lightly sweet and whiskey-led, with lemon creating a bright edge. It can feel silky if egg white or a similar texture-building ingredient is used.
Primary flavours
Supporting notes
Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.
Estimated sensory profile
- High ABV
- Bright and citrusy
- Full-bodied
Practical notes
Common mistakes
Common mistakes
Avoid making it too sweet or too thin. Shake well, use fresh citrus, and adjust the sweetener so the whiskey and lemon both remain clear.
About this drink
The Whiskey Sour belongs to the old sour family: spirit, citrus and sweetener. Sours were described in Jerry Thomas' 1862 bartending book, which makes this style part of the early written cocktail canon rather than a recent invention.
Diet & lifestyle
Compatible, based on the listed ingredients
Not compatible
Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.
Alternatives to try
Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.
Reviewed ingredient substitutions
Powdered Sugar1/2 tsp
Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.
Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.
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Last updated
Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.
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Frequently asked questions
- Can I make a Whiskey Sour at home?
- Yes. The Whiskey Sour uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.