The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that combines the bold flavors of whiskey with the tartness of lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. This refreshing drink is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or just unwinding after a long day. The garnishes of a cherry and a lemon slice add a touch of elegance to this timeless beverage.
While most of the ingredients for this Whiskey Sour are commonly found in your home bar or kitchen, you may need to pick up some fresh lemon juice and a cherry for garnish if you don't already have them. Additionally, if you don't have simple syrup on hand, you can easily make it by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat.

Ingredients For Whiskey Sour Recipe
Whiskey: The base spirit of the cocktail, providing rich and robust flavors.
Lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the drink.
Simple syrup: A sweetener made from sugar and water, essential for balancing the sourness of the lemon juice.
Cherry: Used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
Lemon: A slice used for garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a citrus aroma.
Technique Tip for Making a Whiskey Sour
When making a whiskey sour, ensure you use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled juice. Freshly squeezed juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cocktail.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
whiskey - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon is a type of whiskey that can provide a slightly sweeter and richer flavor, making it a great alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar tartness and acidity, providing a refreshing twist to the drink.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and adds a mild, honey-like flavor.
cherry - Substitute with maraschino cherry: Maraschino cherries are a classic garnish for cocktails and provide a sweet, vibrant touch.
lemon slice - Substitute with orange slice: An orange slice adds a hint of citrus sweetness and a pop of color to the drink.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store / Freeze Your Whiskey Sour
For short-term storage, pour any leftover whiskey sour into a glass bottle or mason jar with a tight-sealing lid. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will maintain its freshness and flavor.
If you plan to store the whiskey sour for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the whiskey sour cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to enjoy a chilled drink anytime by simply adding the cubes to a glass.
When ready to serve, thaw the whiskey sour cubes in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Shake or stir well before serving to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
To preserve the garnish, store cherries and lemon slices separately in the refrigerator. Place the cherries in a small airtight container and the lemon slices in a ziplock bag or wrapped in plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh and ready for use.
Avoid storing the whiskey sour in a plastic container for an extended period, as it may affect the taste and quality of the drink. Glass or stainless steel containers are preferred for maintaining the integrity of the flavors.
If you prefer a pre-mixed option, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a bottle and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply shake with ice and garnish as desired.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the whiskey sour into a small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until just warmed through. Do not let it boil.
- Alternatively, pour the whiskey sour into a microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- For a more creative twist, pour the whiskey sour into a heatproof glass and place it in a warm water bath on the stove. Heat gently until warmed through.
- Once reheated, garnish with a fresh cherry and a lemon slice to refresh the flavors.
Best Tools for Crafting a Whiskey Sour
Cocktail shaker: Used to mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice to chill and blend the ingredients.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Strainer: Used to strain the mixed cocktail into a glass, ensuring that the ice and any solid ingredients are left behind.
Glass: The vessel in which the whiskey sour is served, typically a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass.
Ice: Essential for chilling the cocktail both in the shaker and in the serving glass.
Bar spoon: Useful for stirring the drink if needed and for placing the garnishes.
Knife: Used to slice the lemon for garnish.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to slice the lemon.
How to Save Time on Making a Whiskey Sour
Pre-make simple syrup: Prepare a batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when making multiple whiskey sours.
Use fresh lemon juice: Squeeze lemon juice ahead of time and keep it in a sealed container. Fresh juice enhances flavor and speeds up the process.
Chill your glassware: Keep your glasses in the freezer. This ensures your cocktail stays cold longer without diluting it with extra ice.
Batch your drinks: If serving multiple guests, scale up the recipe and mix in a large pitcher. Pour over ice when ready to serve.

Whiskey Sour Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey Use your favorite brand
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 piece cherry For garnish
- 1 slice lemon For garnish
Instructions
- Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and a lemon slice.
Nutritional Value
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