The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that’s guaranteed to make a whiskey lover out of anyone.

Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s balanced, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. This recipe puts a slight spin on the original by adding a splash of orange juice, which gives it an extra kick of delicious flavor. It’s hands down our FAVORITE bourbon cocktail… and it’s SO easy to make!

If you’re looking for a new go to drink that’s always in season and never goes out of style, look no further. This is it!

Throughout my life, I’ve always been more of a vodka girl. But recently? I’ve found myself looking for something different. I’m not sure if it’s the cold weather or a change in my taste buds… but either way, I’ve definitely been more and more drawn to bourbon. And whiskey sours are my new favorite!

Made with just a few ingredients – namely bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup – it’s an easy to make classic cocktail that always seems to hit the spot.

I added orange juice to my recipe for a little something different, and after having it this way, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. You can feel free to customize yours any way you like it, and I even offer some specific ideas below.

Whether you’re a long time whiskey lover or new to the game (like me) this is one drink recipe you MUST make!

🍹 What is a Whiskey Sour?

A mixed drink made with whiskey (often bourbon), lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s prepared in a cocktail shaker with ice and served on the rocks, and traditionally garnished with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

🍋 Ingredients

• 2 oz. bourbon
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. orange juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

🧾 Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step 2: Cover cocktail shaker with lid and shake well.

Step 3: Strain cocktail into a glass filled with ice.

Step 4: Garnish with an orange slice & maraschino cherry.

🥃 Bourbon vs. whiskey?

To put it simply, bourbon is a type of whiskey. It gets its name from Bourbon County, Kentucky, where it originated. It tends to be amber-colored and a little sweeter and heavier in texture than other whiskeys. Most whiskey sour recipes call for bourbon, but rye or scotch can be used as well. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of personal preference.

🍊 Recipe variations

• Boston Sour: add an egg white to the traditional mix of bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup (*be sure to shake extra well to ensure the drink gets properly mixed)
• New York Sour: add a few bar spoons of full-bodied red wine on top
• Ward 8: use grenadine syrup in place of simple syrup
• Frisco Sour: use Benedictine in place of sweetener and add both lemon and lime juice
• John Collins: add 2 oz. club soda
• Personalize it:
  • use honey, agave, or maple syrup in place of simple syrup
  • make it with grapefruit juice, orange juice, or yuzu in place of the lemon juice
  • use a flavored simple syrup
  • add fresh herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary

⚓️ History of the Whiskey Sour

The first written recipe appeared in 1862, when it was published in Jerry Thomas’ The Bartender’s Guide. However, it is likely that the drink had existed long before that, as sours were popular drinks among sailors on naval ships. Since they spent long periods of time at sea, the sailors ran a major risk of malnutrition and, in particular, scurvy.

Scurvy is a disease linked to a deficiency in vitamin C that can eventually lead to infection and death. Given the high risk of developing it, sailors began searching for a way to prevent it with whatever they had on board.

Since eating citrus was known as an effective way boost vitamin C, ships often left port with rations of lemons, limes, or oranges for sailors to eat. And since refrigeration was not available, sailors would take liquor on board with them to have something safe to drink.

Over time, the citrus (usually lemon) was mixed with liquor and water to create a drink that would both quench thirst and help prevent the onset of scurvy. And that drink is now known as the Whiskey Sour. nbvc

🍸 Related Recipes

• Grapefruit Vodka Press
• Irish Mule
• Vodka Cranberry
• Blueberry Mojito
• Ginger Orange Vodka Press
• Orange Moscow Mule
• Pineapple Paloma
• Brandy Slush

📋 Recipe

📖 Recipe

Yield: 1

Whiskey Sour

Print

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 oz. bourbon
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. orange juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 163 Total Fat: 0g Saturated Fat: 0g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 5mg Carbohydrates: 9g Net Carbohydrates: 0g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 8g Sugar Alcohols: 0g Protein: 0g

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that’s guaranteed to make a whiskey lover out of anyone. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s balanced, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. This recipe puts a slight spin on the original by adding a splash of orange juice, which gives it an extra kick of delicious flavor.