DrinkMasters Collection
$2.48
cost
191
cal
18.2%
ABV
2/5
NA score
1.4
std drinks
12.1g
sugar
Whiskey Sour
The template for all sour cocktails
The Recipe
- Bourbon Whiskey60 ml
- Fresh lemon juice25 ml
- Simple syrup20 ml
- Egg white1
- Angostura bitters2 dashes
Glass
Rocks glass
Garnish
Angostura bitters art on foam, optional cherry
Difficulty
Easy
Origin
Lima, Peru (1862)
Flavor Profile
The Story
The Sour dates to at least 1862, when it appeared in Jerry Thomas's "Bartender's Guide." Its origins likely trace to British naval traditions of mixing spirits with citrus to prevent scurvy. The whiskey version quickly became the American standard and the template for countless variations.
Bartender Notes
"The egg white transforms this from a simple sour into something silky and luxurious. The dry shake is essential for proper foam. Bitters art on top is not just decorative — it adds aroma to every sip."
Preparation
- 1Add whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker.
- 2Dry shake (without ice) for 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- 3Add ice and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds.
- 4Double strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- 5Add 2-3 drops of Angostura bitters on the foam and drag through with a cocktail pick.
Notable Variations
- New York Sour (float of red wine)
- Gold Rush (honey syrup)
- Amaretto Sour (with amaretto)
Cost
Cost Breakdown
Pour cost
$2.48
Bar price
$13–$16
You save
$10.52
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| bourbon | 2 oz | $2.05 |
| lemon juice | 0.75 oz | $0.14 |
| simple syrup | 0.75 oz | $0.05 |
| egg white | 0.5 oz | $0.25 |
| Total pour cost | $2.48 | |
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Calories
191
Sugar
12.1g
ABV
18.2%
Std drinks
1.4
| Ingredient | Calories | % Total |
|---|---|---|
| bourbon whiskey | 129.8 | 68.1% |
| simple syrup | 43.3 | 22.7% |
| egg white | 8 | 4.2% |
| fresh lemon juice | 6.8 | 3.5% |
| angostura bitters | 2.7 | 1.4% |
Carbs: 12.3g
Alcohol: 19.6g
Volume: 4.6 oz
Zero-Proof
Non-Alcoholic Version
Original cost
$1.76
Zero-proof cost
$3.66
Not recommended for conversion. This recipe leans too heavily on the original spirit structure.
| Original | Replacement | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| bourbon whiskey | Seedlip Zero Proof Spirit(Seedlip) | $2.72 |
| fresh lemon juice | Kept | $0.33 |
| simple syrup | Kept | $0.04 |
| egg white | Kept | $0.49 |
| angostura bitters | Kept | $0.07 |
Flavor notes
Bitters stay at a trace level for aroma and structure rather than full proof impact.
One or more swaps are estimated. Taste and adjust citrus or sweetener to rebalance.
Pairs Well With
Common Questions
- What ingredients do I need for a Whiskey Sour?
- 2.028843390197305 oz Bourbon Whiskey, 0.8453514125822105 oz Fresh lemon juice, 0.6762811300657684 oz Simple syrup, 1 oz Egg white, 0.06 oz Angostura bitters.
- How much does a Whiskey Sour cost to make at home?
- The estimated pour cost for a Whiskey Sour is $2.48 using standard US retail bottle prices.
- How many calories are in a Whiskey Sour?
- A Whiskey Sour has approximately 191 calories, with 18.2% ABV and 12.1g of sugar.
- Can I make a non-alcoholic Whiskey Sour?
- Yes — the Whiskey Sour has a convertibility score of 2/5. The zero-proof version costs approximately $3.66.
- Where was the Whiskey Sour invented?
- The Whiskey Sour originated in Lima, Peru around 1862.