Whiskey Sour
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Want to make a classic Whiskey Sour? This classic cocktail comes from the family of sour drinks. The tartness is balanced out with the sweetness of whiskey and maple or simple syrup. It’s the perfect drink to mix for happy hour, party or just because.

Looking for an easy cocktail to try? A whiskey sour is a great one to add to your list! It’s a little sour, a little sweet, and really easy to make.
It’s so fun to experiment with drinks, but sometimes the classics are the best! A whiskey sour is always a good choice – you only need a few ingredients to make it and it’s great for happy hour.
Why This Recipe Works
- You guys know I am all about keeping things simple and this cocktail is no exception. You don’t need any fancy mixers or unusual ingredients to make it.
- This is a whiskey sour without egg white. It used to be a common ingredient in this drink, but many modern versions skip it and I like it without!
- This is the perfect drink to mix up for one or two people after work or if you want a drink to sip on for the weekend. It takes minutes to make and has that classic sweet and sour flavor with a punch of bourbon.
Pair this up with an Amaretto Sour to offer your guest options and grab some snacks like some ranch pretzels or Chex mix! You are going to love it.
Ingredients
The actual drink only has three ingredients with two garnishes!
- Lemon juice – it’s best to squeeze it fresh for the best flavor. You don’t need a lot!
- Maple syrup – this adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the lemon so your drink isn’t too tart.
- Bourbon – the best whiskey for a whiskey sour is one that has flavor notes that you enjoy. There are all kinds of bourbon to choose from, so pick one that you enjoy the flavor of when you taste it on its own.
- Garnishes – maraschino cherries and orange peel are the perfect garnshes for this drink. They make it look like a fancy one you’d get at the bar!
Products Needed
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, I highly recommend buying one. There are so many drinks you can make with one – we use ours all the time to make this drink and others like spicy margaritas, Alabama slammers, and amaretto sours.
How to Make It
For the orange peel garnish, peel off a strip of the orange peel with a vegetable peeler or paring knife. Trim it into a thin strip and set it aside while you make the drink.
Pour the whiskey, lemon juice, and maple syrup into the cocktail shaker.
Fill it up with ice and then secure the lid. Shake it until it’s very cold.
Place ice cubes in the glass and pour the drink over the ice. Garnish with the orange peel and a maraschino cherry.
Pro Tips
Whiskey Tip: Once you try this drink, it’s fun to experiment with different kinds of whiskey to add subtle changes to the flavor.
Party Tip: You can scale this recipe up to serve a crowd! Combine the lemon juice, syrup, and bourbon in a large pitcher and refrigerate it ahead for a few hours. To serve, just pour over ice in glasses and add the garnishes.
Syrup Tip: You can skip the maple syrup and use simple syrup instead!
Give this easy drink a try for your next happy hour! It’s simple, delicious, and a classic for a reason – enjoy!
More Whiskey Drinks
Want more ideas for that bottle of whiskey? Here are other drinks well love to make!
- Another classic cocktail is an Old Fashioned. It’s easy but impressive – great for parties and happy hours!
- A Hot Toddy is a warm drink that is a mix of whiskey, lemon juice, hot water and honey. It’s great for a cold night or if you want to soothe a cough, cold or sore throat.
- Irish Coffee is a the perfect after dinner drink. It’s cozy and warm!
- A Pickleback is one of the most popular shots and it’s really easy to make at home!
- Cool off with a Whiskey Lemonade! It’s an easy drink that’s so refreshing.
Did you try this recipe and love it? Rate it, please!!!? A five-star rating below will make my day!
If you snap a photo, please be sure to tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your amazing drinks!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Whiskey Sour
Video
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz pure maple syrup or simply syrup
- Garnish: Orange peel and a maraschino cherry
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake until very cold.
- Strain drink into either a lowball or Old Fashion glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with orange peel and maraschino cherry.
Marilyn says
Very good blend of flavors. Enjoyed it and will keep it in my list of favorites.
Brooke Kill says
I’m glad to hear that Marilyn!
Renate C Cawthern says
absolute worst drink EVER!
WHAT THE…..
CHB says
We love these drinks! So easy and delicious too!
Courtney says
Great to hear!
Ale Salazar says
We loved it! It’s right next in my favs list of margarita, mojito, caipirinha and pizco sour…
Julie Evink says
Great to hear! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Malinda says
One of my favorites to order when I am out! Loved your recipe!
Danielle says
My brother loves Whisky Sours so when I showed him this recipe he didnt waste any time making these.
Alison LaFortune says
Loved the lemon flavor and maple syrup together- yum! A new favorite.