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Cocktails

Whiskey Sour

Served in a Old-Fashioned Glass

Reviewed by , Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic29% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
164 cal29% ABV1.50 US std2.7g sugar4.5g carbsAbout these numbers

Difficulty

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Best for: BBQ, Steak, Seafood Dinner

Ingredients & Tools

BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
  • 2 ozBlended WhiskeyBase
  • Juice of 1/2LemonCitrus
  • 1/2 tspPowdered SugarSweetener
  • 1CherryGarnish
  • 1/2 sliceLemonCitrus
Tools:shaker

How to Make It

ShakeStrain
  1. Shake with ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
  2. Strain into chilled glass, garnish and serve.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
  3. If served 'On the rocks', strain ingredients into old-fashioned glass filled with ice.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.

Best For

Seafood Dinner

Food Pairings

BBQSteak

Diet & Lifestyle

Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian

Make it your way

Adjust this drink

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.Make it simplerTry drinks with three ingredients or fewer.

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.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.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.

Explore next

Cocktail recipesMocktail alternativesFood pairingsFlavors

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Whiskey Sour?
The Whiskey Sour is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 29.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 164 calories.
What does a Whiskey Sour taste like?
Whiskey Sour has a flavour profile featuring Lemon, Citrus, Tart, Sugar. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Whiskey Sour?
Whiskey Sour pairs well with BBQ, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Whiskey Sour?
The Whiskey Sour has an ABV of approximately 29.0%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 164 calories, 2.7g sugar, 4.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
When is a Whiskey Sour typically served?
Whiskey 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 Whiskey Sour?
If you enjoy Whiskey 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 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.
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 Whiskey 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.