The whiskey sour is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. Variations include using different liqueurs or adding additional ingredients. It is typically served in a small stemmed glass and has experienced a resurgence in popularity. The Pisco Sour is a similar cocktail made with pisco brandy, lime or lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and amaro.
By strict definition, a whiskey sour is a mixed drink containing whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. For many, though, a whiskey sour belongs to a family of old-fashioned cocktails reminiscent of the mid-20th century. In fact, the American Bartenders Guide singled out the citrus-flavored cocktail as a representative of the 1960-70 decade.
A standard whiskey sour recipe contains 2 ounces (59 mL) of blended whiskey, the juice of half a lemon, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of powdered sugar. Add ice and swirl to mix all ingredients. Pour into a chilled acid glass and garnish with half a lemon wedge and a cherry. Adding 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of egg white before shaking adds a frothy touch to the drink.
The sour recipe is the basis for many similar drinks. Substituting various liqueurs for whiskey, you can mix a amaretto, vodka, or tequila sour. Other drinks in the sour family include margaritas, daiquiris, and sidecars. Daiquiris contain rum, lime juice and syrup and are usually served without ice in a cocktail glass. The sidecar combines one part lemon juice, one part three seconds liqueur, and one part brandy. The margarita is created with tequila, triple sec and lemon or lime juice.
Other variations include additional ingredients such as sugar syrup, maraschino cherry juice, olive juice, an orange wedge, and/or bitters. Sour mixes are also readily available, and some recipes substitute Seven-Up in place of the sour mix. Most whiskey sour recipes use bourbon whiskey, but some suggest brandy or Tennessee whiskey as acceptable substitutes.
The suitable whiskey glass is a small stemmed glass that is widest at the top. Holding 5-8 ounces (150-240 mL), a sour glass is similar to a small champagne flute. Acid glass is also known as delmonic glass. A whiskey sour can be enjoyed from any type of glass, but other popular choices include a tall ball glass or old-fashioned tumbler.
This retro cocktail is one of many drinks that have experienced a resurgence in popularity. Its longevity is likely attributed to its simplicity in both preparation and ingredients. The taste can be compared to lemonade.
Another take on the sour cocktail is the Pisco Sour. This drink, popular in Peru and Chile, features a specific regional brandy known as pisco, lime or lemon juice, simple syrup, egg whites, and a dash of amaro.
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