Skip to main content

Cocktails

Whiskey Sour Recipe

rate_0.5_star
rate_1_star
rate_1.5_stars
rate_2_stars
rate_2.5_stars
rate_3_stars
rate_3.5_stars
rate_4_stars
rate_4.5_stars
rate_5_stars
5.0

Few whiskey cocktails balance familiarity and freshness quite like the whiskey sour. It’s one of the classic whiskey cocktails that works just as well for someone easing into whiskey as it does for someone who already knows their way around the category.

Fresh lemon keeps it bright, simple syrup rounds out the sharpness, egg white gives the drink its famous smooth texture and foamy finish. Paired with Jameson Black Barrel for extra smoothness and a richer edge, this classic sings in perfect harmony.

What do you need

Ingredients

  • 50 ml
    Jameson Black Barrel
  • 3 Dashes
    Angostura Bitters
  • 1
    Egg White
  • 3 ml
    Ice Cubes
  • 1 Spiral
    Lemon
  • 25 ml
    Lemon Juice
  • 15 ml
    Simple Syrup
  • 1⅔ Parts
    Jameson Black Barrel
  • 3 Dashes
    Angostura Bitters
  • 1
    Egg White
  • ⅒ Parts
    Ice Cubes
  • 1 Spiral
    Lemon
  • ⅚ Parts
    Lemon Juice
  • ½ Parts
    Simple Syrup
20 mins
1 serving
~160-180 kcal
Difficulty
Nutrition

  • Gluten
    Free

Glassware

  • Rocks Glass

Equipment

  • Shaker

  • Strainer

Step-by-step

How to make

  1. Add the Jameson Black Barrel, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a cocktail shaker.

  2. Shake well without ice to help build the foam.

  3. Add ice and shake again until well chilled.

  4. Strain into your glass over fresh ice.

  5. Finish with a few drops of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

Give it a proper shake: If you’re using egg white, shake without ice first to build the foam, then add ice and shake again to chill and dilute the drink.

Use fresh lemon: Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness, and the citrus is doing too much work here to phone it in.

Express the garnish: Give the lemon peel a twist over the finished drink to release its oils before placing it in the glass.

Keep everything cold: Plenty of ice and a chilled rocks glass help the drink stay crisp rather than watery.

Bar Manager | Jameson Distillery Bow St

Marc Leonard

With over two decades of experience in hospitality, Marc brings his unique style and creative flair to every cocktail. Known for elevating both classic and contemporary serves with unexpected flavour combinations, his approach is all about pushing boundaries while staying true to the craft.

Check more cocktail recipes by Marc Leonard.

Mark Leonard - Cocktail Expert at Jameson Distillery Bow St

About this Cocktail

Despite its refreshing taste, the whiskey sour is one of the old hands of the cocktail world. A simple mix of whiskey, citrus, and sugar, this simple whiskey cocktail has been around in recognisable form since the 19th century, when it was used by sailors to fight off scurvy.

It belongs to the wider sour family of drinks, built on the idea that a good spirit doesn’t need much around it — just enough acidity and sweetness to bring everything into line. Egg white became a popular addition over time, giving the drink the silky texture and foamy top that soon became part of the classic whiskey sour character. Plenty of variations have come and gone since, but the basic formula has held up remarkably well. Turns out whiskey, lemon and sugar had things fairly well figured out.

For more fun facts and pro tips, see our expanded Whiskey Sour FAQs here.

Return to cocktail list
Print this cocktail recipe
Head Back

Whiskey Sour Nutrition & Calories

One Jameson Whiskey Sour contains approximately:

Calories: 160–180 kcal
Sugar: 10–15g, depending on the simple syrup used
Alcohol content: approximately 14–16% ABV, depending on the final serve

To make the recipe vegan, leave out the egg white or swap it for aquafaba to keep some of that smooth texture and foamy finish.

Figures are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and proportions used. Please enjoy responsibly.

Whiskey Sour FAQs

What is a Whiskey Sour?

A Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, often shaken with egg white for a smooth texture and foamy finish.

What is in a Whiskey Sour?

A classic Whiskey Sour contains whiskey, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, with egg white and bitters commonly added for texture, aroma and extra flavour.

What is the best whiskey for a Whiskey Sour?

A smooth, full-flavoured whiskey works best in a Whiskey Sour, and Jameson Black Barrel brings enough richness and spice to stand up to the lemon without overpowering the drink.

Can you make a Whiskey Sour without egg white?

Yes, you can make a Whiskey Sour without egg white, or use aquafaba instead if you still want some of the silky texture and foam.

Why does a Whiskey Sour use egg white?

Egg white gives a Whiskey Sour its smooth mouthfeel and signature foamy top while helping soften the sharper edge of the citrus.

What is the difference between a Whiskey Sour and an Old Fashioned?

A Whiskey Sour combines whiskey with lemon juice and simple syrup, while an Old Fashioned is more spirit-forward, using whiskey, sugar and bitters with no citrus.

What is the best Whiskey Sour ratio?

A classic sour balance is generally built around more whiskey than citrus and syrup, with enough lemon for brightness and enough sweetness to keep the drink rounded rather than sharp.

Shop your kit.

SHOP COCKTAIL KIT

OK jameson cocktail kit

SHOP JAMESON BLACK BARREL

OK blackbarrel

SHOP TUMBLER GLASS

OK jameson