What does a whiskey sour taste like?
A whiskey sour tastes tangy, smooth and a little sweet: bourbon, fresh lemon and sugar shaken together, often with egg white for a silky foam on top.
Whiskey sour
bourbon and lemon, silky foam
A whiskey sour is whiskey (usually bourbon), fresh lemon juice and sugar, shaken hard and poured over ice or served up. Many bars add egg white, which whips into a soft, creamy foam and makes the drink feel silky; it doesn't taste eggy. The lemon leads, then the bourbon comes through with caramel and vanilla, and the sugar keeps everything friendly. A few drops of bitters on the foam add a spiced smell. It's a great first whiskey cocktail, since the citrus tames the burn.
Where you’ll see it
On nearly every bar menu, on the rocks or up, often garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. A New York sour adds a float of red wine on top. Some bars offer egg white as an option.
Order it if you're curious about whiskey but want something tangy and approachable.
Quick questions
- Does a whiskey sour have egg in it?
- Often, but not always. Egg white makes the foam. Ask for it without if you prefer, and some bars use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead.
- Is a whiskey sour sweet?
- Lightly. It leans tangy, with just enough sugar to balance the lemon. Versions made with bottled sour mix are sweeter.