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.
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
Why do you add egg white to cocktails?
Egg white contains proteins that emulsify when it’s shaken up. This traps little pockets of air, which gives a drink like the Whiskey 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! It’s no wonder this classic drink features on the IBA’s list of official cocktails.
Learn more: Your Guide to Making Egg White Cocktails the Easy Way
How to handle raw eggs safely
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 cocktail-making skills: 22 Sour Cocktail Recipes | Simple Syrup Recipe
How to make it vegan
Keen to try the Whiskey Sour but not too sure about the egg whites? No problem – there is a vegan version you can try! First things first, you’re going to need a tin of chickpeas. The liquid it comes in has been infused with the proteins from the chickpeas and goes frothy when whipped – just like egg whites. It’s called aquafaba (‘bean water’), and you can use between 45 – 60ml of this liquid in the place of a single egg white. Just chill it well beforehand.
More tips for vegan drinks: Your Guide to Making Creamy Vegan Cocktails
When to serve a Whiskey Sour with egg whites
This easy Whiskey Sour recipe with egg white is super versatile. However, if we have to pinpoint a few occasions on which it is likely to steal the show, we’d recommend serving it as:
After-dinner cocktails
The delightfully creamy texture of this drink makes it an excellent choice as an after-dinner cocktail, especially if you weren’t planning on serving something sweet. Instead, you can invite your guests to relax in the lounge while you whip up a few drinks. Quite debonair!
More drinks like this: Best After Dinner Drinks to Delight Your Guests
Autumn cocktails
With its compelling notes of caramel and vanilla, slight lemony sourness, and perfectly sweet finish, the classic Whiskey Sour recipe with egg white is one of our favourite autumn cocktails. It provides a lovely counterpoint to the heavier dishes we tend to serve in cooler seasons but still has the warm and inviting flavour profile we crave when the leaves start to turn.
Sound good? Snuggle Up with These 10 Irresistible Autumn Cocktails
What is the best type of whiskey for a Whiskey Sour?
When it comes to choosing the best type of whiskey for a Whiskey Sour, you’ll want to consider certain characteristics to ensure a balanced and delicious cocktail. The following are some general guidelines:
Bourbon or rye whiskey. These are the most commonly used types of whiskey for a Whiskey Sour. Bourbon tends to be slightly sweeter and smoother, while rye whiskey offers a spicier and more robust flavour profile.
Quality and flavour. Opt for a mid-range to high-quality whiskey with a well-rounded flavour. Whiskey with a good balance of sweetness and complexity can elevate the taste of your Whiskey Sour.
Personal preference. Choose a whiskey that aligns with your personal taste preferences. If you enjoy the sweeter notes, go for a bourbon; if you prefer more spice and complexity, opt for rye.
Cask strength vs. standard. Cask-strength whiskeys have a higher alcohol content, which can significantly impact the cocktail’s overall taste. If using a cask-strength whiskey, consider adjusting the amount of whiskey or sweet and sour components to achieve the desired balance.
Experimentation. Don’t hesitate to try different types of whiskey to find the one that best suits your taste buds. The Whiskey Sour is a versatile cocktail that can work well with various whiskey styles.
Remember, the ideal whiskey for a Whiskey Sour ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the flavour profile you desire. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different whiskeys to discover the perfect one for your taste.
More of our favourite cocktails with egg whites
Tickled by the idea of making frothy drinks with a silken mouth feel? Here are a few more of our favourite cocktails with egg whites to try:
Clover Club Cocktail
Pisco Sour
Amaretto Sour
Gin Sour
Tequila Sour
More Whiskey Sour variations
Pickle Juice Whiskey Sour
New York Sour
Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour
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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.
