Classic Whiskey Sour Recipe
Celebrate the holidays with a classic Whiskey Sour made with bourbon, fresh lemon, honey syrup, and egg white—simple, silky, and perfectly festive.
How to Make the Best Classic Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a timeless cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century, and for good reason. This classic whiskey sour combines the warmth of bourbon with the brightness of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of honey syrup, all topped with a silky egg white foam that makes every sip feel luxurious.
What sets this recipe apart is the addition of egg white, which transforms an already great drink into something truly special. The egg white creates that beautiful, pillowy foam on top and gives the cocktail a smooth, velvety texture that’s hard to resist. Don’t skip the dry shake—it’s the secret to achieving that perfect frothy layer.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, this whiskey sour delivers classic cocktail perfection. Serve it in a coupe glass with a Luxardo cherry and a twist of lemon peel for a presentation that’s as impressive as the flavor.
Classic Whiskey Sour
Celebrate the holidays with a classic Whiskey Sour made with bourbon, fresh lemon, honey syrup, and egg white—simple, silky, and perfectly festive.
Ingredients
Cocktail
Garnish
Instructions
Making the Cocktail
- Place bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, honey simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously without ice (this is called a dry shake) to emulsify the egg white.
- Add 1 cup of ice to the shaker and shake hard for a full minute. This creates the signature frothy, silky texture.
- Strain into a coupe glass, aiming for a nice layer of froth on top.
- Garnish with a skewered Luxardo cherry and a twist of lemon peel.
Notes
- For the honey simple syrup, combine equal parts honey and warm water, stirring until dissolved. Let cool before using.
- Using a fresh, pasteurized egg is important for both safety and flavor—make sure it smells good before using.
- The dry shake (shaking without ice first) is essential for creating that beautiful foam layer.
