Whiskey Sour cocktail illustration

Whiskey · COCKTAIL GUIDE

Whiskey Sour

Citrus acidity comes first in a Whiskey Sour, then whiskey, sweetness and a softening silky texture. It has enough structure to satisfy a whiskey drinker without feeling as forceful as an Old Fashioned. This is an accessible bridge into brown-spirit cocktails, especially with fried food; a New York Sour adds a fruitier wine layer.

SourSilkyCitrus
APPROX. ABV
18%
STRENGTH
3/5
DRINKABILITY
4/5

TASTE PROFILE

How it is likely to feel

Sweetness3
Bitterness1
Sourness4
Strength3
Body3
Drinkability4
Fruity2
Herbal0
Smoky0

CLASSIC STRUCTURE

What is usually in it

50 ml Whiskey

20 ml Modifier

Aromatic bitters

Method
Shake with ice and strain.
Glass
Highball or Coupe
Garnish
Citrus twist
Recipes and serving sizes vary by bar. ABV is an approximate guide.

PAIRING DIRECTIONS

Useful places to start

01Fried food
02Pork
03Cheddar

Pairing suggestions are directions, not fixed rules. Sauce, seasoning and serving temperature can change the result.

UNDERSTAND THE STYLE

Read the guide, then compare the drink

Cocktail basicsHow to choose a cocktail when the menu tells you almost nothing→Cocktail basicsCocktail families, made useful rather than complicated→TasteSweet, sour, bitter and strong are not the same question→

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