12 Classic Whiskey Sours Variations

Ready to shake up your cocktail game? The Whiskey Sour, with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirit, is a timeless classic that’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious newcomer, our roundup of 12 Classic Whiskey Sour Variations will inspire you to explore new flavors and techniques. Dive in and discover your next favorite twist on this beloved drink!

Traditional Whiskey Sour

Craving a cocktail that packs a punch with a wink? The Traditional Whiskey Sour is your boozy best friend, blending the boldness of whiskey with the tart kiss of citrus and the sweet whisper of sugar. It’s like a high-five for your taste buds, served in a glass.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white (from pasture-raised eggs)
• Angostura bitters, for garnish
• Maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, and egg white. Secure the lid tightly.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white, creating a silky texture.
3. Add ice to the shaker, filling it halfway. Shake again for 10 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, using a fine mesh strainer for a smooth finish.
5. Gently dash 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters on top of the foam for aromatic depth.
6. Skewer a maraschino cherry and rest it on the rim of the glass for a playful touch.

Unleash this velvety elixir upon your senses, where the frothy top meets the zesty, sweet, and smoky layers beneath. Serve it up at your next brunch to turn avocado toast enthusiasts into whiskey sour aficionados overnight.

Boston Sour

Get ready to shake up your cocktail game with a drink that’s as bold as it is smooth—the Boston Sour. This classic twist on the whiskey sour adds a frothy egg white for a silky texture that’ll make you feel like a mixology pro with just one sip.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz pasteurized egg white
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and pasteurized egg white.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
3. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds to chill the mixture thoroughly.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice, ensuring the frothy egg white layer sits beautifully on top.
5. Gently dash the Angostura bitters over the foam for a aromatic finish and a hint of complexity.

Delight in the Boston Sour’s velvety texture and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spirit. Serve it up at your next gathering with a twist of lemon peel for an extra touch of elegance, and watch as your guests marvel at your bartending prowess.

New York Sour

Kick off your evening with a New York Sour, the cocktail that’s like a little black dress—timeless, sophisticated, and with just the right amount of flair. This whiskey-based wonder gets a cheeky upgrade with a float of red wine, making it the perfect conversation starter at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
• 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio)
• 1/2 oz dry red wine, preferably Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon
• 1 large egg white (optional, for froth)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white if using. Secure the lid and shake vigorously without ice for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
2. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Shake again for 10-12 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
4. Gently pour the red wine over the back of a spoon held just above the drink’s surface, allowing it to float on top for a striking layered effect.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it on the rim.

Every sip of this New York Sour is a delightful dance of bold bourbon and tart lemon, smoothed out by the velvety red wine float. Serve it at your next dinner party to impress, or enjoy it solo as a reward for adulting like a boss.

Amaretto Whiskey Sour

Daring to dive into the world of cocktails? Let’s shake things up with an Amaretto Whiskey Sour that’s as bold in flavor as it is in spirit. This twist on the classic sour will have your taste buds dancing between sweet, tangy, and downright delightful.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz amaretto liqueur
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water)
• 1 large egg white (from pasture-raised eggs)
• Ice cubes (for shaking)
• Garnish: Luxardo cherry and a twist of lemon peel

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, amaretto liqueur, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Tip: Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white, creating a silky texture.
2. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. Tip: The double shake method ensures a perfectly frothy top.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, using a fine mesh strainer for an ultra-smooth finish. Tip: Chilling the glass beforehand keeps your cocktail at the ideal sipping temperature longer.
4. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry and a twist of lemon peel for a touch of elegance and a hint of citrus aroma.

Every sip of this Amaretto Whiskey Sour is a harmonious blend of nutty sweetness, sharp citrus, and velvety smoothness. Serve it as a sophisticated nightcap or the star of your next brunch—either way, it’s sure to impress.

Maple Whiskey Sour

So, you’ve decided to shake up your cocktail game with something that packs a punch and a sweet kiss all in one glass? The Maple Whiskey Sour is your golden ticket to boozy bliss, blending the warmth of whiskey with the sweet, earthy notes of maple syrup—because why should pancakes have all the fun?

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz pure maple syrup, Grade A dark amber
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 large egg white (from pasture-raised eggs)
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Ice cubes, for shaking
• Lemon twist or cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, pure maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and egg white. Secure the lid tightly.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white, creating a silky texture.
3. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Shake again for 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, using a fine mesh strainer for a smoother finish.
5. Gently add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters on top of the foam for a visually appealing effect and an extra layer of flavor.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry on the rim of the glass for a touch of elegance.

Perfectly balanced, this Maple Whiskey Sour dances between sweet and tart, with the egg white lending a luxuriously creamy mouthfeel. Serve it as a sophisticated nightcap or as the star of your next brunch—because who says you can’t have whiskey with pancakes?

Ginger Whiskey Sour

Kick off your evening with a Ginger Whiskey Sour, the cocktail that’s like a hug from your favorite aunt—warm, spicy, and just strong enough to make you forget about your inbox. Perfect for those who like their drinks with a side of sass and a kick of ginger.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
• 1/2 oz homemade ginger syrup (simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup peeled, thinly sliced fresh ginger for 20 minutes, then strain and cool)
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1 large pasture-raised egg white
• Angostura bitters, for garnish
• Candied ginger, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, ginger syrup, maple syrup, and egg white. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
2. Fill the shaker with ice to the top. Shake again for 30 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, using a fine-mesh strainer for a silky texture.
4. Let the cocktail sit for 10 seconds to allow the foam to settle.
5. Garnish with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters on the foam and a piece of candied ginger on the rim.

This Ginger Whiskey Sour is a symphony of flavors—spicy, sweet, and tart, with a velvety texture that dances on the palate. Serve it as the star of your next dinner party or enjoy it solo as a bold nightcap.

Honey Whiskey Sour

Get ready to shake up your cocktail game with a drink that’s as bold as your uncle’s political opinions at Thanksgiving—smooth, sweet, and with just the right kick to keep things interesting. This Honey Whiskey Sour is the perfect blend of sophistication and sass, guaranteed to elevate your happy hour from meh to magnificent.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
• 1/2 oz raw honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water, stirred until dissolved)
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg white (from pasture-raised eggs)
• Angostura bitters, for garnish
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, raw honey syrup, pure maple syrup, and egg white.
2. Secure the lid on the shaker and dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
3. Add ice to the shaker, filling it three-quarters full, then shake again for 20 seconds to chill the mixture thoroughly.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a silky smooth texture.
5. Gently drop 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam for a visually striking garnish.
6. Twist a piece of lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it in for an aromatic finish.

Outstanding in both presentation and palate, this Honey Whiskey Sour boasts a velvety texture that dances between the richness of the egg white and the sharpness of the lemon. Serve it in a vintage glass to your most discerning friends, or keep it all to yourself—we won’t judge.

Cherry Whiskey Sour

Get ready to shake up your cocktail game with a twist that’ll have your taste buds dancing—introducing the Cherry Whiskey Sour, where classic meets cheeky in a glass. This isn’t just any old drink; it’s a vibrant, boozy hug that whispers sweet nothings of cherry and a tangy wink of citrus, all wrapped up in whiskey’s warm embrace.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
• 0.75 oz rich simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio)
• 0.5 oz luxardo cherry liqueur
• 1 large pasture-raised egg white
• 3 luxardo cherries, for garnish
• Ice cubes, for shaking

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, rich simple syrup, luxardo cherry liqueur, and the egg white.
2. Secure the lid on the shaker and dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
3. Add a generous handful of ice cubes to the shaker, secure the lid again, and shake vigorously for an additional 20 seconds to chill the mixture thoroughly.
4. Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth, silky texture.
5. Garnish with 3 luxardo cherries skewered on a cocktail pick, resting on the rim of the glass for a touch of elegance.

Oh, the sheer delight of this Cherry Whiskey Sour—its velvety texture glides over the palate, while the harmonious blend of tart, sweet, and boozy notes makes each sip a revelation. Serve it at your next gathering as the star of the show, or enjoy it solo as a bold nightcap that promises sweet dreams.

Peach Whiskey Sour

Every now and then, a cocktail comes along that shakes up your usual drink rotation like a Polaroid picture—welcome to the Peach Whiskey Sour, your new summer fling that’s equal parts sweet, sassy, and strong.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz fresh peach puree (from about 1 medium, ripe peach, peeled and pitted)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water, dissolved)
• 1 large egg white (from a pasture-raised egg)
• Ice cubes (for shaking)
• Garnish: 1 thin peach slice and a sprig of fresh mint

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, fresh peach puree, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Secure the lid.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white, creating a silky texture.
3. Add ice cubes to the shaker, filling it halfway. Shake again for 10 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth finish.
5. Garnish with a thin peach slice and a sprig of fresh mint on the rim of the glass.

Mmm, the first sip is a velvet punch of peachy keen vibes with a whiskey backbone that doesn’t quit. Serve this stunner at your next brunch for instant legend status, or enjoy solo with a side of sunset—no judgment here.

Spiced Whiskey Sour

Craving a cocktail that packs a punch with a spicy twist? Look no further than our Spiced Whiskey Sour, a daring dance of bold flavors that’ll have your taste buds tangoing in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/4 oz homemade spiced syrup (infused with cinnamon, clove, and star anise)
• 1 large pasture-raised egg white
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Ice cubes, for shaking
• Thin lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, and homemade spiced syrup.
2. Add the egg white to the shaker. Tip: Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white, creating a silky texture.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake again for 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth finish. Tip: Chilling the glass beforehand ensures your cocktail stays refreshingly cold longer.
5. Gently add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters on top of the foam. Tip: Use the back of a spoon to float the bitters for a visually striking effect.
6. Garnish with a thin lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick for an aromatic finish.

Kick back and savor the symphony of flavors in this Spiced Whiskey Sour, where the warmth of bourbon meets the zing of lemon and the subtle heat of spices. Perfect for sipping by the fire or as a bold finale to your dinner party.

Earl Grey Whiskey Sour

So, you’ve decided to elevate your cocktail game with a twist that’s as bold as your personality—introducing the Earl Grey Whiskey Sour. This isn’t just any whiskey sour; it’s a sophisticated dance of flavors where the citrusy punch meets the aromatic depth of Earl Grey, creating a concoction that’s as intriguing as your last Tinder date.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 0.75 oz Earl Grey tea syrup (recipe follows)
• 1 large pasture-raised egg white
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
• Ice cubes, for shaking
• Lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. Begin by chilling a coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to ensure your cocktail stays refreshingly cold.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Earl Grey tea syrup, and egg white. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white, creating a silky texture.
3. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for another 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass, using a fine mesh strainer to catch any ice shards or unincorporated egg white.
5. Gently add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters on top of the foam for a visually striking finish.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink for an extra burst of citrus aroma.

Oh, the magic of this cocktail lies in its velvety texture and the harmonious blend of smoky bourbon with the floral notes of Earl Grey. Serve it at your next brunch to impress or enjoy it solo as a reward for adulting—you’ve earned it.

Smoky Whiskey Sour

Buckle up, cocktail enthusiasts! We’re diving into the world of mixology with a twist that’ll knock your socks off—introducing a drink that’s as bold as your uncle’s barbecue skills and as smooth as your best pickup line. The Smoky Whiskey Sour is here to elevate your happy hour from mundane to magnificent.

Ingredients

• 2 oz high-quality bourbon whiskey
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, strained
• 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
• 1/2 oz egg white (from pasture-raised eggs)
• 1 dash aromatic bitters
• 1 small piece of smoked cedar wood, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, and egg white.
2. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white, creating a silky texture.
3. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker and shake again for 20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass, ensuring a smooth pour to maintain the frothy top.
5. Gently place a small piece of smoked cedar wood on top of the drink as a garnish, allowing the smoky aroma to infuse subtly.
6. Add a dash of aromatic bitters on the foam for a visually appealing finish and an extra layer of flavor.

Masterpiece alert! This Smoky Whiskey Sour boasts a velvety texture with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and smoky notes. Serve it at your next dinner party and watch as your guests marvel at the sophisticated yet approachable flavors. Just don’t blame us if they start calling you the mixologist of the year.

Conclusion

Ready to shake up your cocktail game? Our roundup of 12 Classic Whiskey Sours Variations offers a delightful twist on the timeless favorite, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a curious newbie, there’s a recipe here to tantalize your taste buds. Don’t forget to try them out, share your favorites in the comments, and pin your go-to concoction on Pinterest. Cheers to your next delicious adventure!