Crimson Whiskey Sour

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A sophisticated twist on the classic whiskey sour, featuring a vibrant red wine float and house-made grenadine for a deep, balanced finish. This recipe, ready in about 8 minutes, brings together Bourbon, Fresh lemon juice, Grenadine 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 220 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.

Prep: 8 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, fresh lemon juice, grenadine, egg white, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
  2. Step 2: Strain into a chilled coupe glass, then gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to create a distinct floating layer on top.
  3. Step 3: Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink, and serve immediately while the foam is at its peak.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crimson Whiskey 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 Crimson Whiskey Sour?

Refrigerate any leftover crimson 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 Crimson 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 Crimson 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 Crimson Whiskey 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.

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