Citrus Best Sour
A vibrant cocktail balancing zesty lemon and orange with a smooth whiskey base, topped with a frothy egg white foam. This cocktails & drinks-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water)
- 0.5 oz egg white
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz fresh orange juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, and 0.5 oz egg white into a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Step 2: Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and mix ingredients.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake again for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth, foamy texture.
- Step 5: Garnish with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters dotted over the foam and use a toothpick to create a swirl pattern.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus Best Sour take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus Best Sour?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bourbon whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Best Sour?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus Best Sour for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus Best Sour?
Cocktails & Drinks quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
