Popular Citrus Whiskey Sour

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

A balanced whiskey sour combining bright citrus notes with smooth whiskey, crafted to appeal to a broad range of tastes. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice 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 210 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 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz fresh orange juice, 3/4 oz rich simple syrup, and 1 large egg white into a cocktail shaker without ice.
  2. Step 2: Dry shake vigorously for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
  3. Step 3: Add ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until frosty.
  4. Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards.
  5. Step 5: Drop 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam and use a toothpick to create a decorative swirl.
  6. Step 6: Garnish by expressing a lemon twist over the surface, twisting to release oils, then resting it on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular Citrus 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 Popular Citrus Whiskey Sour?

Refrigerate any leftover popular citrus 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 Popular Citrus 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 Popular Citrus 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 Popular Citrus 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.