How to Make a Whiskey Sour
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Okay, so I’m not into super strong drinks, but on a hot day sometimes that is what hits the spot. It is supposed to hit the triple-digits here later this week so I looked up how to make a whiskey sour for my husband.
If you like fruity, refreshing, strong drinks then this one is for you! Of course, if you prefer a milder flavor you can always lessen the alcohol or add more lemon juice. It was much more to my liking after my husband stirred it up a bit more and squeezed the orange slice into it.
What Ingredients Will I Need?
- Scotch
- Lemon
- Sugar
- Orange
- Maraschino Cherries
- Ice
- Cocktail Shaker (if you have one)
Helpful Tips for How to Make a Whiskey Sour
- If the flavor is too strong, add more lemon juice.
- A travel coffee cup is a suitable alternative for a cocktail shaker because it can handle the rapid change in temperature like a cocktail shaker.
- It is helpful to put ice in the shaker as well as into the glass you are pouring into.
Variations
- Lemon juice can be used in place of a freshly squeezed lemon.
- A fresh egg white can be added to the recipe to change it to a Boston Sour.
- Use lime juice in place of lemon.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Easy Lemon Bars – simple to make and perfectly tart!
- No Bake Lemon Cheesecake – quick and easy with a yummy lemon taste!
- Lemon Gold Cake – an old fashioned lemon cake
- Easy Whiskey Lemonade – by Kelsey at Bake Me Some Sugar
- Apple Cider Margarita – by Amanda at Burrata and Bubbles
- Mango Martini – by Meagan at Mommy Travels
Final Thoughts on How to Make a Whiskey Sour
This drink was delicious but a bit strong for my liking. My husband definitely enjoyed it but he agreed it was better after squeezing the orange garnish into it. I will make it again but add more lemon juice so it’s more tame for me.
What is your favorite mixed drink?
How to Make a Whiskey Sour
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1½ Ounces rye or Scotch
- ½ Lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ½ Slice Orange
- 2 Maraschino Cherries
Instructions
- Measure Scotch, Lemon, and Sugar and pour into cocktail shaker that is ¾ filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into an old-fashioned (short) glass full of ice.
- Add a half slice of orange and Maraschino cherries for decoration.
*Adapted from The American-International Encyclopedic Cookbook by Anne London, copyright 1972
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40 Comments
ellegracedeveson
Ooo, I’ve never had a whiskey sour before but this has defiantly caught my attention! Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe with us lovely, it sounds delicious. Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Heidi Bruaw
You’re welcome! I hope you get to try it someday! 🙂
Samantha
Absolutely delicious recipe, thanks!
Heidi Bruaw
You’re welcome!
readandreviewit
Ooh I love this! I love anything fruity and refreshing (particularly on those hot summer nights) so I might give this a try – I’ll make sure to put a little more lemon in it though! Thank you so much for sharing x
Heidi Bruaw
Yes, definitely put in more lemon! But it’s a perfect summer drink. 🙂
Gen
I’ve never made this with rye whiskey before and I love it! Definitely found my new recipe – thank you!
Heidi Bruaw
I’m so glad you loved it!
Lauren
I haven’t tried this drink before, but it would be something I would try. It sounds like an easy to follow recipe! Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a great August!
Lauren x
Heidi Bruaw
It’s really easy to make, and very yummy (if you like whiskey)! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Lynn
Yum! I don’t think I’ve ever had a whiskey sour as I love the fruity and blended drinks but this sounds really good! I love citrus in my drinks. Thanks for sharing! x
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Heidi Bruaw
Thank you! If you like whiskey, you will enjoy it! 🙂
Jodie
I’ve never had a whiskey sour before but it does sound intriguing! I think I would add the extra lemon juice as well. Thank you for sharing your recipe!
Heidi Bruaw
You should definitely try it! 🙂
Meadow
Gosh this is fantastic drink! 😍
Heidi Bruaw
Thank you!
Her Digital Coffee
Great recipe! It’ll be perfect for entertaining this summer. I’ll keep in mind to use extra orange and lemon so it’s not too strong for those who want something more tame. Thank you for sharing!
Heidi Bruaw
Thank you! Yes, it’s a great summer drink. 🙂
Britt
This is so simple yet, I’ll be honest, this is a drink that I enjoy but never actually learned how to make properly myself. I’m definitely going to give it a try with these instructions… it honestly looks like anyone could pull it off regardless of how new they may be!
Heidi Bruaw
If you already like it, then you should definitely make it. It is so simple and it saves money when you make it at home! 🙂
Nancy
I love whiskey! It has been a while since I’ve had a whiskey sour but I love how it takes so little ingredients to make. I usually try to use simple syrup so I don’t need to deal with the sugar dissolving. Thanks for sharing the recipe 🙂
Nancy ✨ Cold Brew Vibes
Heidi Bruaw
Simple syrup is also a great idea! 🙂
Mummy Conquering Anxiety
This sounds like a super refreshing drink! It’s nice you made it for your husband. We love getting creative with cocktails in our house. Thanks for sharing.
Heidi Bruaw
It is fun to get creative, that’s for sure! 🙂
Jenny in Neverland
I’ve never tried this before. I think it would probably be a bit strong for me too so I’d likely dial back on the alcohol!
Heidi Bruaw
I would definitely recommend dialing it back if you don’t like strong drinks! 🙂
Kelly Diane
I’ve never tries whiskey before but there is something about this drink that makes me want to try it. Maybe it’s because it sounds so refreshing.
Heidi Bruaw
If you haven’t had whiskey before, you should try it. 🙂
Lindsay
Ooh, this one looks so yummy. I’d love to try it with some dark rum, though, with is my favourite spirit 🙂 It does sound refreshing, though 🙂
Lindsay | https://thetravelvine.blog/
Heidi Bruaw
It would be good with dark rum! That’s a great idea! 🙂
Corinne
I don’t drink much anymore but I love whiskey sours! This sounds delicious.
Corinne x
Heidi Bruaw
Thank you! 🙂
Simona
I could do with a glass of this right about now Heidi, it sounds like the perfect drink – and since i never had a whiskey sour, I am going to make this ASAP XX
Heidi Bruaw
It is so yummy and perfect for the weekend! 🙂
Kim
This was so easy and so delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Heidi Bruaw
You’re welcome!
Greta
I don’t really drink just on special occasions, but I’ll save this recipe! Looks good and yummi!
Heidi Bruaw
Thank you!
Brooke
This is the perfect recipe for me. I love the “idea” of a whiskey sour but I am not a huge fan of whiskey. Adding the extra juice is a game changer! Thanks so much for a thoughful recipe!
Heidi Bruaw
You’re welcome!