Citrus-Smoked Whiskey Sour
A smoky twist on the classic whiskey sour, combining bright citrus with a subtle smoked aroma for a balanced sip. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Bourbon whiskey, Fresh lemon juice, Rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water) for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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
- 3/4 oz Rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water)
- 1 pinch Smoked paprika
- 1 small Egg white
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz rich simple syrup, 1 small egg white, and a pinch of smoked paprika into a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Step 2: Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and paprika.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake hard for another 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and paprika granules.
- Step 5: Dot 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam surface and use a toothpick to swirl a decorative pattern.
- Step 6: Garnish with a thin lemon twist expressed over the surface, then rested on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Smoked Whiskey Sour take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Smoked Whiskey Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-smoked whiskey sour in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Smoked Whiskey 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-Smoked Whiskey 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-Smoked Whiskey Sour?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks 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.
