Citrus-Spiced Rye Sour

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and balanced rye whiskey sour elevated with warm spices and fresh citrus, perfect for a cozy evening. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs rye whiskey, fresh lemon juice, cinnamon syrup 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz cinnamon syrup, and 1 egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice.
  2. Step 2: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
  3. Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim, then shake again vigorously for 12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
  4. Step 4: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and achieve a smooth pour.
  5. Step 5: Garnish by dropping 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam and using a toothpick to create a marbled pattern.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Spiced Rye 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-Spiced Rye 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 rye whiskey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Rye 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-Spiced Rye 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-Spiced Rye Sour?

Cocktails 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.