Difficulty
Easy
Whiskey Sour
The perfect balance of whiskey warmth and citrus brightness. With or without egg white — one of the most satisfying cocktails ever devised.
01 Ingredients
02 Method
If using egg white, add all ingredients to shaker WITHOUT ice and dry shake for 15 seconds.
Add ice and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice or a coupe glass straight up.
Dash bitters on the foam in a decorative pattern.
Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
The Whiskey Sour: A Timeless Formula
The Whiskey Sour dates to 1870 and follows the fundamental cocktail formula: spirit + sweet + sour. Understanding this template unlocks every sour-style cocktail.
The Egg White Debate
Adding egg white creates a silky, luxurious foam. Omit it for a crisper, more direct drink. Either way is correct — it’s a stylistic choice.
Available in
Related Recipes
Bourbon Sour
5mA balanced Bourbon Sour recipe with lemon, syrup, and bitters, including optional egg white and troubleshooting.
Explore →Bourbon Sour with Egg White
6mA silky Bourbon Sour with egg white, including dry-shake method, foam control, and safety notes.
Explore →Jerry Thomas' Own Apricot Sour
5mDiscover the classic taste of Jerry Thomas' Own Apricot Sour, a timeless cocktail that marries the flavors of apricot with a refreshing sour twist.
Explore →Pisco Fizz
5mExperience the refreshing taste of the Pisco Fizz, a classic cocktail that revitalizes any gathering.
Explore →Pisco Sour
6mSouth America's most beloved cocktail. Peruvian pisco, fresh citrus, and egg white create a silky, complex drink with an iconic foam top.
Explore →Tom Collins
4mA classic Tom Collins recipe with a clean gin-lemon balance and a lively soda top. Includes the ratio, garnish, and the technique that prevents a watery finish.
Explore →Perfect your craft.
The bartender is only as good as their tools. Discover our curated selection of premium shakers, jiggers, and glassware.
Explore Bar Tools