Drink More Bourbon recipe
Whiskey Sour
A bright, balanced bourbon sour with fresh lemon and an optional silky foam.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white, optional
- Lemon twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white, if using, to a shaker.
- If using egg white, shake without ice first. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon twist.
Best bourbon style
A 90- to 100-proof bourbon keeps its character after shaking and balances the lemon.
Tips and substitutions
Aquafaba can replace egg white. Always use fresh lemon juice for the cleanest flavor.
About this cocktail
The Whiskey Sour is one of the clearest ways to show how well bourbon, citrus, and sweetness can work together. Fresh lemon brings brightness and snap, simple syrup rounds the edges, and bourbon adds body, vanilla, oak, spice, and warmth. When the proportions are right, the drink should taste lively but not sharp, rich but not heavy, and smooth without becoming sweet. The optional egg white gives the cocktail a silky texture and soft foam, making it feel a little more polished while leaving the core flavor intact. It is a great choice before dinner, with snacks, or anytime you want something classic that still feels refreshing. Because the recipe is simple, each ingredient matters: fresh lemon juice keeps it clean, and a bourbon with enough proof keeps the whiskey from disappearing after shaking.
Choosing your bourbon
A 90- to 100-proof bourbon is a smart choice for a Whiskey Sour because it holds up to lemon juice, syrup, ice, and shaking. Lower-proof bourbons can work, but the drink may taste softer and more citrus-forward. For a rounder, sweeter sour, choose a bourbon with prominent caramel, vanilla, honey, or baked-corn notes. If you like a drier, spicier finish, a higher-rye bourbon brings pepper, cinnamon, and structure that can make the cocktail feel extra crisp. Wheated bourbons tend to make a softer, smoother version with less spice. You do not need a rare or expensive bottle here; choose a flavorful bourbon you enjoy neat, with enough character to remain present in a shaken drink.
Make it your own
Small adjustments can personalize a Whiskey Sour without turning it into a different cocktail. For a silkier texture without egg white, use aquafaba in the same role. If you prefer a brighter drink, use a slightly lighter hand with the simple syrup; for a softer sour, add just a touch more syrup. Rich simple syrup can make the drink fuller and rounder, while a honey syrup adds floral depth that still plays well with lemon and bourbon. A few dashes of aromatic bitters on top of the foam can add spice and aroma. You can also serve it up in a coupe instead of over ice for a more concentrated, elegant presentation.
Serving tips
Use plenty of ice when shaking so the drink chills quickly and dilutes evenly. If serving over ice, strain onto fresh ice rather than the spent shaker ice for a cleaner presentation and better texture. A rocks glass is classic and practical, especially with one large cube that melts slowly. Express the lemon twist over the drink before garnishing to add bright citrus aroma. For batching, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time, then shake individual portions with ice and egg white or aquafaba if using.
