Do I have to use bourbon whiskey for Whiskey Sour?

Bourbon (or rye whiskey) is traditional and widely preferred because its warmth and character complement the citrus. You could experiment with other whiskies, but the taste profile will shift.

Do I really have to use egg white for Whiskey Sour?

You do not have to use it. The drink will still taste good without it. However, the texture will be much thinner. If you are vegan or allergic, you can use aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It creates the same foam without the egg.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice for the Whiskey Sour?

Please do not do that. Bottled lemon juice tastes flat, bitter, and full of artificial preservatives compared to fresh-squeezed juice. Fresh lemons are inexpensive and widely available, and squeezing them takes only a minute. Your cocktail will taste exponentially better with fresh juice.

Why do some Whiskey Sour recipes call for simple syrup and others for sugar?

Both work, but simple syrup dissolves much more easily in cold liquid, ensuring even sweetness throughout the drink. Using granulated sugar requires more vigorous shaking and may not fully dissolve, potentially leaving gritty texture at the bottom of your glass. Simple syrup is worth the minimal extra effort to prepare, and you can use it in coffee, iced tea, and countless other cocktails.

How do I make simple syrup?

Making simple syrup is incredibly easy. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan (for example, one cup of each). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator in a clean bottle or jar. It will keep for about a month. For a richer syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.

Is it safe to drink raw egg whites?

The risk of salmonella from raw eggs is very low, especially if you use fresh, refrigerated eggs from a reputable source. That said, pregnant women, young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems should avoid raw eggs. If you're concerned, you can use pasteurized egg whites (available in cartons) or substitute aquafaba.

Can I batch Whiskey Sour cocktails for a party?

Yes. Multiply your recipe by the number of servings you need and combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a large container. Keep it refrigerated. When guests arrive, simply pour the batched mixture over ice in a shaker (with egg white if using), shake, and strain.

Why do we shake it without ice first?

This is called a "dry shake". It allows the proteins in the egg to unravel and aerate without the ice diluting the drink too quickly. It is the secret to a thick foam.

What's the difference between a Whiskey Sour and a Whiskey Smash?

A Whiskey Smash is similar to a Whiskey Sour but includes muddled mint leaves, making it more refreshing and herbaceous. Both belong to the sour family of cocktails, but the Whiskey Smash has a lighter, more summery character thanks to the mint.