Barsys
Whiskey Sour
About
The whiskey sour is a true original—simple in appearance, but layered in character. It’s the kind of cocktail that doesn't beg for attention but wins you over from the very first sip. Bright lemon, rich whiskey, and a touch of sweetness—shaken into perfect balance.
Its roots go way back to the 1800s when sailors mixed whiskey and lemon for “health.” Add a bit of sugar and finesse, and it became what we know today: a timeless cocktail that bridges the gap between bold and approachable.
And then there's the egg white—optional, but transformative. Shake it in and you get that silky foam top that turns a solid cocktail into a silky, sippable experience.
The whiskey sour isn’t flashy. It doesn’t need to be. It just works—any time, any place.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken, absolutely. Especially if you’re using egg white—you want that velvety froth. Start with a dry shake (no ice), then shake again with ice to chill and blend it into smooth, citrusy perfection.
What You'll Need
For one Whiskey Sour cocktail:
- 60ml whiskey (Bourbon for sweet, Rye for spice)
- 30ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup (or swap in maple or honey syrup for variation)
- 1 egg white (optional, for foam)
- Ice
Optional garnish: Lemon slice and maraschino cherry
Pro tip: Try using honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a smoother, floral note—it plays beautifully with whiskey's depth.
How to Make It
- Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker (no ice yet).
- Shake hard for about 10 seconds (dry shake) to create foam.
- Add ice and shake again for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
The whiskey sour is all about getting the ratio just right. A heavy hand on the citrus or sweetener can throw it off. With Barsys, you lock in the balance every single time – no need to second-guess your pour.
Let Barsys handle the precision. You just bring the shake.
Sip Setting
This cocktail fits wherever you want something classic that still feels fresh. After-work wind-down? Whiskey Sour. Weekend dinner party starter? Still Whiskey Sour. It’s versatile, bold, and always delivers.
Garnish Game
Go traditional with a lemon wheel and cherry. Feeling creative? Try a dehydrated citrus wheel or a sprig of thyme to bring a little something extra to the glass.
You may also like
FAQs
What is a whiskey sour?
A whiskey sour is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup—often enhanced with egg white for a smooth, foamy finish.
Do I have to use egg white?
No, it’s optional. But adding egg white gives the drink a silky texture and that signature foamy top.
What kind of whiskey works best?
Bourbon brings a sweeter, rounder flavor. Rye gives you a spicier, drier edge. Both work—it’s all about your mood.
Can I batch it for a party?
Yes. Mix the whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup ahead of time. Shake individual servings with ice (and egg white, if using) just before serving.
Does Barsys work with this drink?
Absolutely. Load in the whiskey and syrup, and let Barsys measure each pour perfectly. Just add lemon juice and shake—bar-quality balance made easy.