Mountain Sage Whiskey Sour
An herbal twist on the classic whiskey sour featuring fresh sage for an earthy aroma and balanced flavor. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, sage 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 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 sage simple syrup
- 1/2 oz egg white
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 leaf fresh sage leaf
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare sage simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with fresh sage leaves, then cooling and straining.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz sage simple syrup, and 1/2 oz egg white.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously without ice for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 4: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker frosts.
- Step 5: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and sage bits.
- Step 6: Garnish by gently slapping a fresh sage leaf between your hands to release its aroma and place it atop the foam.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mountain Sage Whiskey Sour take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Mountain Sage Whiskey Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover mountain sage 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 Mountain Sage 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 Mountain Sage 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 Mountain Sage 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.