Classic Whiskey Citrus Sour
A timeless whiskey sour featuring fresh lemon juice and a smooth egg white foam, delivering balance and silky texture. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup 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 190 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
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 1 large egg white
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 twist (garnish) lemon twist
- 2 dashes (garnish) Angostura bitters
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz simple syrup, and 1 large egg white into a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Step 2: Perform a dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 3: Add ice cubes filling the shaker halfway and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 5: Garnish by placing 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam surface and use a toothpick to create a marbled design, then rest a lemon twist on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Whiskey Citrus Sour take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Classic Whiskey Citrus Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover classic whiskey citrus 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 Classic Whiskey Citrus 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 Classic Whiskey Citrus 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 Classic Whiskey Citrus Sour?
Cocktails 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.
