If You Only Know How to Make One Cocktail, Make It the Delicious Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It is believed to have originated from British sailors who mixed their daily rations of spirits with lemon juice to prevent scurvy.

• The first recorded mention of the Whiskey Sour was in an 1870 Wisconsin newspaper.
• It gained popularity in the United States during Prohibition, as the sourness helped mask the taste of poor-quality whiskey.
• The Whiskey Sour is a member of the 'sour' family of cocktails, which also includes the Daiquiri and the Margarita.

The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.

• The Whiskey Sour is often served with a cherry and an orange slice as garnish, which adds a touch of sweetness and color to the drink.
• Some variations of the Whiskey Sour include the Boston Sour (with egg white) and the New York Sour (with a red wine float).
• The Whiskey Sour is traditionally made with bourbon, but other types of whiskey can be used for different flavor profiles.

1. Combine ingredients
   • In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
2. Dry shake
   • Shake the mixture without ice to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
3. Add ice
   • Fill the shaker with ice and shake again until well-chilled.
4. Strain
   • Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish
   • Add a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam, and garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.

• Use fresh lemon juice
  • Bottled lemon juice can have a bitter taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice will give your Whiskey Sour a bright, fresh flavor.
• Shake well
  • The key to a great Whiskey Sour is a good shake. This not only chills the drink but also helps to properly mix the ingredients and create a nice froth from the egg white.
• Choose your whiskey wisely
  • The type of whiskey you use can greatly affect the taste of your Whiskey Sour. Bourbon is traditional, but rye whiskey can add a spicy twist.

Food Pairings

• Grilled or Barbecued Meats: Whiskey Sours provide a refreshing counterbalance to the rich flavors and smokiness of grilled meats.
• Crispy Fried Foods: The acidic nature of the cocktail cuts through the greasiness, cleansing your palate.
• Heavy Appetizers or Cheese Plates: The drink's sweetness pairs well with cheeses and hearty finger foods.

Drink Pairings

• Non-alcoholic Ginger Beer: For a non-alcoholic option that complements the whiskey sour, ginger beer adds a nice spicy contrast.

• Whiskey - If you don't have bourbon, you can use rye whiskey or even Scotch for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon juice - If you're out of lemons, you can use lime juice instead. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Simple syrup - If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving sugar in equal parts hot water.

New York Sour

• Red Wine Float: After shaking and straining, gently pour a float of red wine over the back of a spoon on top of the drink. It adds a fruity depth that'll have your taste buds singing in the Big Apple.

Bourbon Maple Sour

• Maple Syrup: Swap the simple syrup for maple syrup and watch this whiskey sour transform into a fall classic. The deep, rich sweetness will make you want to jump into a pile of leaves.

Amaretto Sour

• Amaretto: Use amaretto in place of whiskey for a sweeter twist with an almond kick. It's like a whiskey sour that went to Italy and came back wearing a designer suit.