This easy whiskey sour recipe is perfectly balanced and so easy to make! Garnish with an orange peel and a cocktail cherry.
This is the cocktail that started it all. Here at A Couple Cooks, we’re cocktail obsessed. We have a myriad of cocktail recipes. But the first that got us hooked on great cocktails was this whiskey sour recipe! The whiskey sour is a perfectly sweet tart, balanced whiskey drink that actually dates back to the 1870’s. This recipe uses bourbon and maple syrup: and man, is it tasty! It’s become a family favorite recipe — you’ll see it often at our family parties. Here’s the recipe and how it came to be.
Whiskey sour ingredients
The whiskey sour (aka bourbon sour) is a classic cocktail that’s on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. This means it has an official definition. Our version stays true to the original definition, with a few tweaks. The ingredients for making a whiskey sour recipe are simple! Here’s what you’ll need for this classic sour cocktail:
- Bourbon whiskey: as high quality as possible (you can use any whiskey, but we prefer the flavor of bourbon)
- Lemon juice
- Maple syrup or simple syrup
- Garnish of orange peel and cocktail cherry
Alex and I like to use maple syrup to sweeten our cocktails. It’s a natural sweetener and brings a nuanced flavor to a drink that simple syrup does not. In back to back taste tests, maple syrup always wins! Plus, we always have it on hand in our refrigerator. If you prefer the pure, straightforward taste of simple syrup, you can use that too.
More variations: Make the whiskey sour with honey syrup and becomes a Gold Rush! Or make a whiskey sour with lime or an amaretto whiskey sour.
How to make a whiskey sour
Simply shake up the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and you’re good to go! The measurements in the recipe below: in both ounces and tablespoons to make it easy for family cooking. Just shake all the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker until cold. You can also cheat and just stir them together until the syrup has dissolved. Serve over lots of ice and enjoy! Try our clear ice if you want a stunning look.
Whiskey sours are traditionally served with a slice or orange and a cocktail cherry. You can also add an egg white to get a frothy foam topping: that makes it a Boston Sour! Go to Whiskey Sour with Egg White for more. When you make this drink with bourbon, you can also call it a Bourbon Sour.
Why make this whiskey sour recipe
I wasn’t a whiskey sour fan until the drink was introduced to our family by Alex’s step-father, Joe. Joe is 1,000% passionate about this sweet tart drink. When he’s entertaining, he’ll always ask: “Want a a whiskey sour?” So of course over the years, this drink has become the standard for festive family get-togethers.
In honor of Joe’s 50th birthday, we created this an all natural whiskey sour recipe as an alternative to the store-bought mix he usually buys. This recipe uses maple syrup and fresh lemon juice, and truly makes for the very best whiskey sour recipe! Joe started serving it often, and it was a hit with cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncle alike. Now when our family gets together, you’ll see a big jug of maple syrup and a ton of lemons on the counter. Want to try out our family recipe?
Whiskey sour mix
Let’s say you’re looking for a whiskey sour mix, but you don’t want to get one of those store bought containers with lots of sugar. You can also use this recipe as a mix to make lots of drinks at once! Simply mix up a big batch of the maple and lemon juice.
Here’s how to make a whiskey sour mix for 8 drinks: Mix 1 cup lemon juice plus 3/4 cup pure maple syrup. Or, make this Homemade Sweet and Sour Mix. To make a single drink, measure out 3 1/2 tablespoons of the mix with 4 tablespoons whiskey. It’s that simple! For more, go to Whiskey Sour Mix.
Looking for more easy cocktail recipes?
Outside of this whiskey sour recipe, here are a few of our favorite cocktail recipes:
- Classic Margarita The very best classic margarita: lime, tequila and Cointreau. Perfection! And here are 10+ more ways to make a margarita.
- Best Gin and Tonic Here are the keys to the very best gin and tonic, the most refreshing 2-ingredient cocktail! A few secrets take this crisp, botanical drink over the top.
- Tom Collins Cocktail This popular sweet sour cocktail is light and bubbly! Don’t forget the cherry.
- Prosecco Mimosa Here’s the best mimosa recipe! This one’s made with Italian Prosecco, orange juice, and a dash of Cointreau for the perfect bubbly tart flavor.
- Classic Old Fashioned The oldest cocktail there is! The classic method uses a sugar cube, bitters, and bourbon whiskey for a truly timeless drink. Or browse all our best bourbon cocktails.
This whiskey sour recipe is…
Vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, naturally sweet, and refined sugar free.
PrintBest Whiskey Sour Recipe (Family Favorite)
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
This easy whiskey sour recipe is perfectly balanced and so easy to make! Garnish with an orange peel and a cocktail cherry.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) bourbon whiskey*
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce (1 1/2 tablespoons) pure maple syrup (or simple syrup)
- Garnish: Orange peel and a cocktail cherry
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Add the bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until very cold.
- Strain the drink into a lowball or Old Fashioned glass. Serve with ice, an orange peel and a cocktail cherry.
Notes
*You can use any variety of whiskey, but we prefer it with the sweeter flavor of bourbon.
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: whiskey sour, whiskey sour recipe, how to make a whiskey sour, bourbon sour
Looking for other drink recipes?
And a few more popular drink recipes over here:
- How to Use a Chemex to Make Coffee
- How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
- How to Make Kombucha
- Infused waters: Lemon Herb Cucumber, Fruit Infused, Lemon, Mint, Cucumber Lemon , Mint Lime
Last updated: April 2020
41 Comments
Kathryn
June 7, 2012 at 4:55 amWow, that first shot is stunning! Really stopped me in my tracks (and made me crave a whiskey sour…)
Love the natural ingredients in this.
Alex
June 7, 2012 at 8:06 amThanks! I figured there had to be some way they made whiskey sours before HFCS was invented…
Melissa // thefauxmartha
June 7, 2012 at 7:54 amOh my beautiful! Awesome shot!
Erin
June 7, 2012 at 7:59 amDefinitely your best photo of all time :) I think Ben might even need a print of that one for his office…
Alex
June 7, 2012 at 8:07 amHaha! Thanks. I think winkflash is having a canvas sale this week… :)
Joe
June 7, 2012 at 10:14 amAlex, oh Alex.
How long have you know me? I had hair then, so it’s been a while. I hate to publically correct you, but son, you have NEVER been more wrong.
Have you seen my glass? THIS WILL ONLY MAKE 1 drink–NOT 2!!
I can’t wait to taste the Alex/Sonja version of my favorite drink. You better double the recipe if I have to share. Thank you!
Joe ” regarding Marilyn, once a H%+, always a H%+” the evil stepfather.
Alex
June 7, 2012 at 10:23 amHaha! I was worried that if I made the portions Joe-sized, the readers would start acting like you…
p.s. Tastes best with Preble Twp’s own Rekeweg Honey.
Kris Mullen @munchin with munchkin
June 7, 2012 at 10:35 amIncredible shot! This recipe reminds me of a cold hot toddy. I love that you used natural ingredients to sweeten it!
Sonja
June 23, 2012 at 4:47 pmThank you! And, I love the thought of a cold hot toddy – haha! If that’s not already a drink, someone should bring that back :)
Devon
June 7, 2012 at 10:39 amLove that you used honey to sweeten the whiskey sour! Great idea :)
Cousin Dan
June 7, 2012 at 12:49 pmHoly cow…that photo is amazing. Looks like it is right out of a magazine add! Way to go. Drink looks tasty, too. Think I might have to pick up some honey on the way home.
Aunt Wendy
June 8, 2012 at 2:21 pmWhat an amazing photo!! You two are simply awesome :) Joe may need some more honey and less whiskey though…….
Farmer's City Wife
June 7, 2012 at 1:46 pmI’m not much of a whiskey fan (except with Coke) but had to see the recipe just to get a closer look at the picture. It’s awesome!
I think I’ll be plunking glasses of lemonade on our table to get a similar shot :).
RussianMomCooks
June 7, 2012 at 3:59 pmThe shot is stunning! Almost want to try whiskey! Meaah…
Julia
June 7, 2012 at 5:39 pmWhat an amazing picture!!!!! And I love this updated classic recipe!
Julia {The Roasted Root}
June 7, 2012 at 5:41 pmWhisky sour has always been one of my favorite drinks! Love that your version is zesty and naturally sweetened. Great flavor and your pictures are gorgeous!
Alexandra
June 7, 2012 at 5:46 pmUm, to repeat: Amazing photo! I agree with Joe even though I’ve never seen his glass!
Yay for me having everything I need for one of these in my kitchen and at 5:30 I’m going to concoct one! Thanks!
Chez Us
June 7, 2012 at 6:16 pmGreat photo! We, too, love a good whiskey sour and nothing compares to making your own sour mix. We started making it last year, after a friend reintroduced us to the drink. Will never go back. Cheers!
Krissy's Creations
June 7, 2012 at 7:17 pmWhat a wonderful photo! You should sell it! I know I definitely would like that up on my wall :)
Sonja
June 23, 2012 at 4:45 pmHaha, well now you’ve got us thinking! We’ll let you know :)
TastefullyJulie
June 7, 2012 at 10:16 pmI was JUST thinking on my way to work today (don’t ask) that I would like to try a whiskey sour that isn’t made with nasty sour mix from a bottle. Yum. Thanks!
Jennifer (Delicieux)
June 7, 2012 at 10:21 pmThat first image is amazing!!! I also love your update to this classic recipe. My fiance is a huge fan of whiskey sours, so I will have to try your updated version on him.
Shawn @ I Wash...You Dry
June 7, 2012 at 11:58 pmI’m not a drinker, but that first picture is sure amazing! I saw it on FoodGawker, and had to come check it out! Very nice!
milena
June 8, 2012 at 8:01 amThat is a damn good shot!
Tammy D
June 10, 2012 at 6:00 pmYou want to talk pretty drinks with a hint of nature, check this out: http://blondegourmand.com/lavender-vodka-tonic/#
Alex
June 10, 2012 at 6:33 pmLooks awesome, and I have some lavender blooming in the garden right now!
Rosabel
June 10, 2012 at 6:14 pmWow! First of, I LOVE the pictures! I also like the idea of using honey to sweeten the cocktail. Another option (all natural and tasty) would be to use Organic Maple Syrup (which I ofter use as a sweetener: it is healthier and gives a delicious taste to recipes). (I not it is hard to find but I get mine online with Rouge Maple)
Sonja
June 23, 2012 at 4:41 pmThanks! Sounds like a great idea – I’ve never thought of adding maple syrup. Thanks for the idea!
Annie
June 11, 2012 at 8:39 pmI reeeeallly love these photos. Awesome job.
Miranda @ Biting Life
June 15, 2012 at 6:00 pmWow, that photo is AMAZING! One of the best blog photos I’ve ever seen (probably THE best!).
Sonja
June 19, 2012 at 3:58 pmWow, thank you! Makes all those times of dropping the ice cube worth it :)
laura
June 17, 2012 at 9:37 pmJust repeating everyone else, but WOW what amazing photos!
Alex
June 17, 2012 at 9:53 pmHaha, thank you! And thanks everyone else!
Racheal
November 5, 2015 at 10:54 pmSO,I doubt you’ve heard this before but, “how ’bout that shot’?? Sweet.!Made the recipe, I prefer shaken to stirred but makes difficult with ice…drinking anyhow!
Beth
April 3, 2020 at 7:06 pmDelicious and easy recipe! Thanks! Enjoying one (okay, maybe 2) while making dinner for the fam on a cold night in Minneapolis. Hope all are well in Indiana!
KT
April 12, 2020 at 2:47 pmHave made this 4 times in the last week, my husband enjoyed it so much he went out and bought a dozen lemons so that we don’t run out :) thank you for a simple and delicious cocktail! We are excited to try the New York Sour next!
Anonymous
May 8, 2020 at 8:21 pmOMG I’m drinking my dinner tonight. Sooo yummy.
Jessica Brantner
August 20, 2020 at 8:04 pmOmg! This truly is the easiest, most wonderful sour I’ve enjoyed. Hands down, the maple syrup beats simple syrup by far and IS ON HAND. I love a whiskey sour, but do not want to stand around making simple syrup and don’t drink often enough to batch make it.
I used half lemon juice and half key lime. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
Alex Overhiser
August 20, 2020 at 9:17 pmSo glad you enjoyed it!
Dr. Ted
September 5, 2020 at 7:12 pmSomeone on my favorite TV show always drinks whiskey sours (I know, I’m impressionable…) so when I was at a bar a few months back I tried one and it was awful. I guess it was made with sweet and sour mix or something. Well that, plus I don’t like mixed drinks ~ I’m a straight bourbon guy, period. But I found your recipe and decided to give it a try this afternoon, and wow! This is one cocktail I’m going to be drinking when Saturday afternoon rolls around. I’ve already shared this blog with our daughter who actually DOES like cocktails.
Alex Overhiser
September 7, 2020 at 10:53 amHaha! So glad you loved it :)