Inside: Learn how to make a perfect Whiskey Sour at home with this simple recipe. Impress guests or treat yourself to a frothy, bar-quality cocktail in minutes.
L isten, if you’ve ever ordered a Whiskey Sour at a bar and thought, Wow, I’m so classy right now, then this post is for you.
The good news? You can bring that same vibe home without the overpriced cocktail menu.
The even better news? This recipe is stupid simple but tastes like you spent hours mastering the art of mixology.
(And there’s a reason why Ina Garten uses it as her clever bar test.)
Let’s dive in.

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Table of Contents
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The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 oz bourbon (Choose your fave. I won’t judge if it’s whatever was on sale.)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice (Yes, fresh. If you’re thinking of grabbing that bottle from your fridge, put it down and walk away.)
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar and water. Easy peasy.)
- 1 egg white (Trust me on this. It’s not weird. It’s delicious.)
- Garnish: 1 dash Angostura bitters, 1 orange slice, and/or a Maraschino cherry. Go wild.
The Tools
You’ll need:
- A cocktail shaker (or a mason jar if you’re feeling scrappy)
- A strainer
- A lowball glass (but, like, your favorite coffee mug works in a pinch…no judgment)
- A jigger to measure (this is my favorite one because it has partial measurement lines INSIDE the cup)

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The Method
Alright, let’s get down to business:
- Combine your ingredients. Toss the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into your shaker. Yes, all at once. The egg white is going to give your cocktail that dreamy, frothy top—like a fancy latte, but for grown-ups.
- Shake it like your life depends on it. Add some ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Think of it as an arm workout—you’re earning this drink.
- Strain and serve. Pour your masterpiece into a lowball glass. Look at that froth. You did that. Proud of you.
- Garnish and sip. Add a dash of Angostura bitters on top of the foam (artistic swirls optional), then garnish with an orange slice, a cherry, or both if you’re feeling extra. Now take a sip and bask in your cocktail-making glory.
The recipe

Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 ratio)
- 1 egg white
- Garnish: 1 dash Angostura Bitters, 1 orange slice and/or Maraschino cherry
Instructions
- combine all ingredients except the garnish into a shaker with ice
- shake for 30 seconds
- strain into a lowball glass and garnish with a dash of Angostura bitters, an orange slice, or a Maraschino cherry (or all 3!)
Notes
To get an extra foamy layer, dry shake first:
- Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake (without ice).
- Then add ice and shake again for 30-45 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass.
You can substitute the egg white with 1 oz of aquafaba (canned chickpea liquid).
Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water.
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Why It’s Worth It
The Whiskey Sour is like the little black dress of cocktails. It’s classic, it’s versatile, and it’ll never let you down. Plus, whipping one up at home means you can enjoy it in your pajamas while bingeing your favorite show (or your favorite holiday movie). Name a better vibe. I’ll wait.
So, go ahead, impress your friends, your date, or just yourself. You’ve earned it.
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