Whiskey Sour — Classic sour cocktail with aromatic bitters

Whiskey Sour

Classic sour cocktail with aromatic bitters

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 ozFresh Lemon Juice
    Fresh squeezed
    Substitute: Meyer lemon
  • 2 dashesAngostura Bitters
    Float on top
    Substitute: Orange bitters
  • 1 wholeEgg White
    Optional, for texture
    Substitute: Aquafaba vegan
  • 10 dropsMiraculous Foamer
    The vegan route to the same foam; a hard shake raises it
    Substitute: Egg white, unless it has to stay vegan
  • 2 ozBourbon Whiskey
    Quality bourbon
    Substitute: Rye whiskey
  • 3/4 ozSimple Syrup
    Rich simple syrup preferred
    Substitute: Rich syrup 1/2 oz

Instructions

  1. Add 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup to shaker
  2. Add egg white if using and dry shake vigorously

    Shake without ice first

  3. Add ice and shake again vigorously

    Second shake with ice

  4. Double strain into chilled coupe glass

    Use fine mesh strainer

  5. Float 2 dashes Angostura bitters on foam
  6. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry

Technique Notes

Dash the bitters on the surface after pouring. Shaken in they disappear into the drink; floated, they are the first thing on the nose.

Why the Whiskey Sour Works

Egg white turns sharp acid and warm bourbon into a single creamy texture, and Angostura is dashed on top as both garnish and aromatic gateway — the bitters reach the nose before the sour reaches the palate, which sets the palate up to read the drink as balanced rather than tart.

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Featured Bitters

Recipes with Angostura Aromatic Bitters or Ms. Better's Bitters Miraculous Foamer