What Is A Whiskey Sour

What Is A Whiskey Sour?

The whiskey sour is a traditional American cocktail. Whiskey or bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar are the classic ingredients in…

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Andrew Ansley
August 1, 2023

The whiskey sour is a traditional American cocktail. Whiskey or bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar are the classic ingredients in a whiskey sour. But the whiskey sour has changed over time, and now there are many versions of this classic drink. Whiskey or bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white are the standard ingredients in a whiskey sour. It’s perfect for sipping in the evening, and it’s best served chilled.

What Are The Variations Of The Whiskey Sour?

There are many variations of the whiskey sour, but some of the most popular include the blackberry whiskey sour, the spiced whiskey sour, the sweet whiskey sour, and the fruity whiskey sour. There are also herb-flavored whiskeys that can be used to make a whiskey sour, such as rosemary or mint. 

How Do You Make A Whiskey Sour?

  1. In a shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  2. Add egg white and shake without ice until frothy.
  3. Add ice and shake again until well chilled. 
  4. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry.

What Are The Ingredients In A Whiskey Sour?

The required ingredients are bourbon, simple syrup, lemon juice, and an orange wheel. 

How Do You Make Simple Syrup?

Bring a mixture of water and sugar to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool completely. Put it in a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. 

What Is An Egg White?

Egg white is the clear liquid inside an egg. It is composed of water, protein, and minerals. Egg whites are a source of high-quality protein and have many health benefits. 

Can You Make A Vegan Whiskey Sour?

Yes, you can make a vegan whiskey sour! The ingredients you will need include aquafaba, whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and maraschino cherries for garnish. 

Why Is A Whiskey Sour Such An Iconic Cocktail?

The whiskey sour is iconic because it is a classic cocktail that has withstood the test of time. It is a simple drink made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar, but it is delicious and refreshing. The egg white gives it a nice foamy head, and the cherries and orange slices add a touch of sweetness and color. 

Who Made The First Whiskey Sour And When?

The first mention of the whiskey sour was in 1862 in the bartender’s guide by Jerry Thomas. However, it’s likely that people were drinking whiskey sours well before this. The most accepted story is that Elliott Stubb created the whiskey sour in Iquique in 1872. 

How Do You Drink A Whiskey Sour – Neat, On The Rocks, Or Mixed In Another Drink?

There are many ways to enjoy a whiskey sour, depending on your mood and the occasion. A neat whiskey sour is perfect for a relaxing evening at home, while one on the rocks is ideal for a more casual gathering. If you’re looking for a festive drink to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, try a whiskey sour mixed with beer. 

How Many Ounces Of Each Ingredient Should You Use To Make A Typical Whiskey Sour Cocktail?

To make a whiskey sour cocktail, you will need 1.5 ounces of bourbon, 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice, 0.75 ounces of simple syrup, and 1 egg white. Add all of the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Serve with an orange wheel or a maraschino cherry. 

What Is A Whiskey Sour

History of Whiskey Sour Cocktail

Jerry Thomas published The Bartender’s Guide in 1862. In it, he gave the first known recipe for a whiskey sour. A sour can be made with any kind of liquor, but it’s safe to assume they’ve been around for a long time before that because they were such a staple on naval ships. Sailors were at high risk of starvation and scurvy because of the long months they spent at sea.

Scurvy is a disease that happens when you don’t get enough vitamin C. It can cause anemia, fatigue, and bleeding on its own, which can lead to infection and death. Because the symptoms were so painful, sailors wanted to find a way to avoid getting the disease using only the few things they had on board.

Many ships left port with rations of lemons, limes, or oranges to keep sailors from getting scurvy, a disease that had been found, forgotten, and found again and again. Since there was no way to keep drinks cool, sailors would pack rum, whiskey, or gin in their carry-ons to enjoy while at sea. To combat thirst and scurvy, sailors have long since combined citrus (often lemon) with spirit and water.

Sailing seamen brought the Whiskey Sour ashore, where it quickly gained popularity and earned a place in Thomas’s drink recipe book. The basic Whiskey Sour recipe calls for just three ingredients: whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. While gin or brandy are common in the United Kingdom, the whiskey sour gets its name from its traditional use in the United States.

Conclusion

A whiskey sour is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 1800s. It is made with bourbon or whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and egg whites. The original recipe called for just those ingredients, but it has evolved over time. These days, you can also find variations that include ingredients like orange juice or grenadine. The whiskey sour is a popular drink for good reason. It’s tasty and refreshing, with a tart lemon flavor that’s balanced by the sugar’s sweetness. The egg white gives it a nice, creamy texture, and the bourbon or whiskey provides a strong alcoholic backbone. Whether you’re enjoying a classic whiskey sour or one of the variations, this drink is sure to please.