Learn how to make a Classic Whiskey Sour for your year-round entertaining needs. Perfect for happy hour during any season, this 5-ingredient, whiskey-based cocktail uses bar cart basics and it’s simple enough for the novice mixologist to master!
What’s your favorite classic cocktail?
I love a good whiskey-based cocktail, and this Classic Whiskey Sour is absolute perfection. It’s perfect for whiskey drinkers and those still on the fence.
The Whiskey Sour was invented in 1872 and has been a favorite classic cocktail ever since.
I would almost describe the taste as a brisk lemonade, as it has a sweet lemon flavor with the whiskey giving a gentle edge to the drink. It’s not harsh or sour, it’s pleasant and a great drink to experiment with if you’re a novice mixologist or serving to guests who are new to whiskey.
A whiskey sour using bar cart basics is one of the classic cocktail recipes that any good host should have in their repertoire – and today, we have you covered!
After you master the Classic Whiskey Sour, there are so many fun variations of the drink that you can try:
- Add strawberry for a Strawberry Whiskey Mash.
- Muddle your maraschino cherries for a Cherry Whiskey Sour.
- Swap out the simple syrup for maple syrup or honey.
- Use orange juice instead of lemon juice.
Learn to master the Classic Whiskey Sour:
Whiskey Sour Ingredients:
- 3 oz whiskey
- 1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 cherries, stem in preferably
- Lemon wedges or slices
- Ice
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful:
- Cocktail shaker
- Ice maker
- Liquid measure
How to Make a Whiskey Sour:
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add your whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake for at least one minute to mix the flavors and chill the drink. Pour into two glasses filled with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wedge and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.
Print the Full Recipe Below:
Ingredients
- 3 oz whiskey
- 1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 cherries, stem in preferably, for garnish
- Lemon wedges or slices, for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add your whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake for at least one minute to mix the flavors and chill the drink.
- Pour into two glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Home Chef Tip: You can prepare a pitcher of these in advance, just wait until serving to add the ice.

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We hope you love this Classic Whiskey Sour recipe from SoFabFood Home Chef, Jennifer from Sugar, Spice, and Glitter, as much as we do. If you love this classic drink, stop by our cocktails section to find more like it. For daily recipe inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Pinterest. Enjoy!
This message is intended for our readers 21+ years of age. Please drink responsibly!
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