Learning how to pull off a Whiskey Sour recipe with egg white should be a rite of passage for every newbie cocktail maker. This sweet, slightly tart drink is an absolute classic with its retro foam topping, and a real game-changer in terms of mouthfeel and texture. Ready to give it a go? Here’s our simplified Whiskey Sour recipe for beginners.
Discover the Classic Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Combine the whiskey, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white a cocktail shaker (without ice) and shake for 15 seconds
02
Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake for another 30 seconds
03
Strain the drink into a glass on fresh ice (optional); the foam will collect at the top
04
Garnish with an orange peel and a cocktail cherry, and serve
With or without egg white?
When you add egg white to a cocktail, the proteins it contains emulsify when it’s shaken up. This traps little pockets of air, which gives a drink like the Whisky Sour a very silky meringue-like texture that adds some lovely body to a cocktail without changing the taste thereof. In sour drinks, it balances the mouthfeel with added texture, plus the creamy head looks very fancy!
However, if you are vegan, or simply prefer not to make a drink with egg white in it, there is another version you can try. The liquid that comes in a tin with tinned chickpeas is called aquafaba (‘bean water’) and goes frothy when whipped, just like egg whites. You can use between 1.5 and 2 ounces of this liquid in place of a single egg white. Just chill it well beforehand.
Safety tips when handling raw eggs
When using egg whites in cocktails, it’s very important to keep your workstation and utensils hygienic and clean. Start by washing your hands with warm, soapy water and drying them properly. Then do the same with your equipment, and also take care to wipe down your work surface with a warm, soapy cloth before drying it well.
Repeat the process after you’ve made your classic Whiskey Sour cocktail with egg white to leave things nice and hygienic.
Learn more: Your Guide to Making Egg White Cocktails the Easy Way
The best whiskey for a Whiskey Sour
The whiskey you use in your Whiskey Sour will have a big impact on its taste. Here are a few we can recommend:
Glen Grant Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
This elegant single malt dances on the palate with gentle notes of orchard fruits and butterscotch. The finish is satisfyingly long and complex.
Wild Turkey Bourbon
This smooth bourbon comes to the party with an explosion of vanilla and caramel notes on the first taste, teasing with hints of honey and orange, and ultimately finishing on soft oak with notes of dried fruit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Store-bought liquid egg whites tend to be pasteurised, which you can absolutely use. However, it does tend to lose some volume. In short, you may just need to use a bit more liquid egg whites to create the volume you need.
Although adding egg white to cocktails may seem strange at first, you will see how it can tone down the sharpness of a cocktail like a Whiskey Sour or a Gin Fizz. It softens the acidity of the drink, giving it a lovely luxurious texture and mouthfeel without altering the flavour.
If you do not have an allergy to egg whites, raw egg white is completely safe to use in a cocktail. We recommend using organic eggs from a sustainable source, and to ensure that the egg is nice and fresh.
