Cocktail Recipes

Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

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Looking for a cocktail that’s perfectly balanced—sweet, sour, and just strong enough? The Whiskey Sour cocktail is one of the go-to classic whiskey cocktails. Whether you’re mixing it up for happy hour or just craving something fresh and citrusy, the Jameson Whiskey Sour delivers smooth flavor with a vibrant kick.

This whiskey sour drink has been a bar staple for over a century, and with Jameson Black Barrel, it takes on a smooth, slightly spicy character you’ll love. Whether you like yours shaken with egg white for a creamy finish or just straight up, this whiskey sour cocktail recipe is easy and always satisfying.

What do you need

Ingredients for Classic Whiskey Sour

  • 50 Ice Cubes
  • 50 ml Jameson Black Barrel
  • 25 ml Lemon Juice
  • 15 ml Simple Syrup
  • 1 Egg White
  • 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 Lemon Twist
  • 50 Ice Cubes
  • 1⅔ Parts Jameson Black Barrel
  • ⅚ Parts Lemon Juice
  • ½ Parts Simple Syrup
  • Part Egg White
  • 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 Lemon Twist
10
1
~180-200 cals
Step-by-step

How to make Classic Whiskey Sour

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.

  2. Add Jameson Black Barrel, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and Angostura bitters.

  3. Shake until the shaker feels cold (about 20 seconds) and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

  4. Want it extra foamy? Use a reverse dry shake (shake with ice first, then again without).

Pro Tips

Use fresh lemon juice—bottled just won’t cut it. Shake hard to get that creamy texture if using egg white. Use a cocktail strainer to get a smooth pour. Want a variation? Try maple syrup instead of simple syrup. Chill your glass beforehand for a refreshing finish.

Mixologist | 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 flavor 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

About this Cocktail

What makes the whiskey sour a classic? We think it’s the perfect combination of flavors. A sour is a type of cocktail that includes an acid (like lemon or lime juice) along with something sweet – flavors that, when added to a complex whiskey, balance each other perfectly.
Smooth Jameson Black Barrel, with its rich, intense flavor, provides the perfect base for this creamy, frothy drink. You can adjust the levels of sweetness, acidity, and whiskey to suit your taste. The bitters add spice and the egg white creates a creamy texture and the signature foam on top. If you don’t want egg white in your whiskey sour, feel free to omit it or substitute with the same amount of aquafaba (chickpea water). We recommend serving without ice so you can enjoy every sip.
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Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail Nutritional Information

Disclaimer: Please drink responsibly. The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and proportions used in your drink.

 

CALORIES:  

Approximately 180-200 calories.  

This is based on 1.7 fl. oz of Jameson Black Barrel (approx. 110 calories), 0.8 fl. oz. of lemon juice (approx. 6 calories), and 0.5 fl. oz. of simple syrup (approx. 60-70 calories). Egg white adds minimal calories (approx. 15 calories). 

*Per 1.5 fl. oz. Jameson Black Barrel – Calories 97.2; Sugar, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat all 0 grams. 

CARBOHYDRATES, PROTEIN, AND FAT:

Approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates, 1-2 grams of protein (if using egg white), and zero grams of fat.  

Since Jameson Black Barrel contains zero grams of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, the carbohydrates primarily come from the simple syrup and lemon juice. 

*Per 1.5 fl. oz. Jameson Black Barrel – Calories 97.2; Sugar, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat all 0 grams. 

SUGAR:  

Approximately 15-18g.  

The sugar content largely depends on the simple syrup used. 

*Per 1.5 fl. oz. Jameson Black Barrel – Calories 97.2; Sugar, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat all 0 grams. 

ALCOHOL CONTENT:  

~20-25% ABV, depending on ratio and dilution. 

GLUTEN:  

Although Jameson is made from cereals, any allergenic proteins, such as gluten, are removed in the triple distillation process. Most lemon juice, simple syrups, and bitters are gluten-free,  but please confirm separately for the specific ones you use. However, if you have dietary restrictions, we recommend you consult your physician. 

Whiskey Sour FAQs

What is a 3-2-1 Whiskey Sour?

It’s a simplified ratio: 3 parts whiskey, 2 parts lemon juice, 1 part simple syrup. Tweak to taste!

What is an Old Fashioned vs. Whiskey Sour?

An Old Fashioned is richer and spirit-forward with sugar and bitters, while a whiskey sour is citrusy, lighter, and shaken.

What is the formula for a sour cocktail?

The classic formula for a sour cocktail is a 2:1:1 ratio—2 parts spirit, 1 part sour, and 1 part sweet. For a Jameson Whiskey Sour, that looks like 1⅔ parts Jameson Black Barrel, ⅚ parts fresh lemon juice, and ½ part simple syrup. Add 1 part egg white for a smooth, frothy texture, 3 dashes of Angostura bitters for depth, and garnish with a lemon twist. Shake it all with plenty of ice, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced whiskey sour cocktail.

How to prepare a whiskey sour cocktail?

Combine Jameson, lemon juice, and syrup in a shaker. Shake with (or without) egg white, strain into a glass, garnish, and enjoy.

 

How to shake a whiskey sour?

Use a dry shake if using egg white, then shake with ice. For best results, shake hard to emulsify the egg.

Should I add a raw egg white?

It’s optional! Egg white adds texture and a frothy top, but if you’re concerned, use pasteurized egg whites or skip it.

What kind of whiskey should I use?

Jameson Black Barrel is perfect for a smooth, balanced flavor. You can also try bourbons or rye for a stronger edge.

What’s a sour cocktail?

It’s a family of drinks that includes spirit, citrus juice, and sweetener—whiskey sour is one of the most iconic.

How many calories in a whiskey sour?

A standard whiskey sour has about 160–190 calories, depending on sugar and whether you include egg white.

What does a whiskey sour taste like?

It’s a smooth mix of sweet and tart with the warmth of whiskey and, if added, a creamy frothy finish from egg white.

Does the Classic Whiskey Sour cocktail have sugar in it?

Yes, it does. Most of the sugar comes from the simple syrup. On average, the Classic Whiskey Sour sugar content is around 15-18 grams per serving, depending on your recipe and the sweetness of your simple syrup.

*Per 1.5 fl. oz. Jameson Black Barrel – Calories 97.2; Sugar, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat all 0 grams.

How many calories are in a Classic Whiskey Sour cocktail?

On average, there are 180 to 200 calories per serving, depending on your pour and the exact recipe for your simple syrup.

*Per 1.5 fl. oz. Jameson Black Barrel – Calories 97.2; Sugar, Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat all 0 grams.

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