Whiskey Sour
Ingredients:
Method:
1. Fill a shaker with ice. 2. Add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. 3. Shake vigorously until the cocktail is chilled and foamy. 4. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. 5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry.
Description:
The Whiskey Sour is one of the benchmark sour cocktails and an official International Bartenders Association cocktail in the Unforgettables category. Its importance in cocktail culture comes from balance: the strength of the whiskey, citrus acidity, and sweetness should be felt together rather than separately. The cocktail has been documented since at least the 19th century: one early printed mention appeared in the American newspaper Waukesha Plain Dealer in 1870. Thanks to its simple, clear formula, the Whiskey Sour became the foundation for many related drinks. In character, it is a soft, sweet-tart, aromatic cocktail, not simply whiskey with lemon. A good version leaves room for the whiskey's flavor while smoothing it with citrus and sweetness. Egg white is often used in modern service for a silky texture and a firm foam. The International Bartenders Association lists it as optional, so a version without egg white is also correct.