Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe With Fresh Lemon Juice And Syrup

If you’ve ever needed a drink that makes life feel a little more together than it actually is, the Whiskey Sour totally gets you.

It’s got that sweet spot, warm from the whiskey, bright from the lemon, just enough sugar to keep things in check. One sip and everything hits softer. The lights feel warmer, the playlist gets better and that random Tuesday suddenly feels a little more weekend.

It’s the kind of cocktail that works wherever you are… home alone in sweats, dressed up at dinner or just trying to make leftovers feel fancy. No drama, no ten-ingredient chaos. Just shake, pour and let the vibe catch up.

The Whiskey Sour shows up chill but never boring, and yeah, it’s still got it.

Where the Whiskey Sour Came From and Why It’s Still a Go-To

The Whiskey Sour has been doing its thing since the 1800s. Sailors used to mix liquor with citrus to stay kinda healthy at sea… basically an old-school life hack.

That combo of spirit, lemon and sugar became the blueprint for what bartenders call a “sour,” and the Whiskey Sour is the one that stuck.

It hit real popularity in the late 1800s and hasn’t dipped since. Why? Because it’s easy to make, easy to tweak and somehow always feels like the right call.

Not too sweet, not too strong, just this perfect middle ground that works every time.

Some people add egg white for that velvety top and a little drama in the glass. Totally optional. The classic version keeps it simple, whiskey, lemon, syrup, ice and that one sip that makes you go yeah… that’s nice.

How to Make a Perfect Whiskey Sour At Home

The Whiskey Sour is one of those cocktails that proves you don’t need much to make something really good. You just need the right balance and a solid shake.

• Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled lemon? No thanks. Fresh keeps it bright and crisp.
• Pick a whiskey you’d sip straight: Bourbon is smooth and sweet, rye is spicier, both hit different.
• Get the syrup right: Start with half an ounce and adjust based on how tart your lemons are.
• Shake it like you mean it: You want everything ice cold and fully mixed. Go hard for about 15 seconds.
• Strain into a glass with ice: Rocks glass is classic. Keep it simple and clean.
• Garnish if you’re feeling fancy: A lemon wheel or a cherry on top is all it takes to make it look sharp.

That’s it. No fuss, no fancy tricks. Just a straight-up good cocktail that shows up every time you need it to.

Foods To Pair With a Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour brings that citrusy brightness and smooth whiskey heat so the best bites are either rich salty or just straight-up snackable. Nothing too fussy… just stuff that holds its own next to that sweet-tart balance.

Fried chicken or crispy wings: Crunchy salty and bold enough to match the drink’s vibe.

Mini sliders or grilled cheese: Comfort food that plays off the lemon without clashing.

Charcuterie board with sharp cheese and cured meats: The savory cuts through the sweet like a charm.

Candied nuts or spiced popcorn: Sweet and salty combos that match the cocktail’s energy.

Dark chocolate or chocolate-covered pretzels: The whiskey brings out all those deep cocoa notes.

Think cozy snack plate not a whole meal. The Whiskey Sour knows how to carry the moment—you’re just setting the scene.

The Perfect Whiskey Sour Recipe

This classic Whiskey Sour features a harmonious blend of smooth whiskey, tangy lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. It’s a well-rounded drink that tastes both refreshing and invigorating, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

Some use an egg white to add a creamy texture to the drink, but we leave it out in this basic recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Whiskey (Bourbon, Rye – or Irish or Scotch)
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slice or cherry for garnish

Zero-proof version: Use non-alcoholic whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup; still tastes sharp just skips the buzz.

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
4. Garnish: Add a lemon wheel or a cherry on top for garnish.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Whiskey Sour Variations to Keep on Repeat

Once you’ve nailed the classic Whiskey Sour it’s easy to switch things up. A few tweaks here and there and you’ve got a whole new drink without losing the vibe.

Add an egg white: Shake it first without ice (dry shake) then with ice for a creamy texture and foamy top.

Maple Whiskey Sour: Swap the simple syrup for maple syrup for a cozy slightly earthy twist.

Rye Whiskey Sour: Use rye instead of bourbon for a spicier more grown-up feel.

Smoky Sour: Try it with a splash of Scotch or mezcal if you want that campfire edge.

Whiskey Smash: Muddle fresh mint and lemon for a cooler herbier version.

No matter how you mix it the Whiskey Sour keeps things smooth balanced and just the right kind of bold.

Want to try some other Whiskey cocktails? Why not try a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned?

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Yield: 1

Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

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Smooth, tangy, and perfectly balanced, this Classic Whiskey Sour is a cocktail staple. Mix whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and some sweetness for a tasty cocktail

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml Whiskey (Bourbon, Rye - or Irish or Scotch)
• 22 ml Fresh lemon juice
• 15 ml Simple syrup
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slice or cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes.
4. Garnish: Add a lemon wheel or a cherry on top for garnish.

Notes

Zero-proof version: Use non-alcoholic whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup; still tastes sharp just skips the buzz.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.