The classic cocktail is a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and sour.

Although whiskey is in the name, a traditional whiskey sour is made with bourbon or even rye whiskey.

Use your favorite 90-proof bourbon.

whiskey sours with garnishes of maraschino cherries and oranges

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What Is a Whiskey Sour?

A whiskey sour is a bang out of cocktail known as a sour.

Many beloved cocktails build on this formula, including aClassic Margarita,Paloma, and theFrench 75.

Southern Living Whiskey Sour Ingredients

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The term “sour cocktail” does not mean the drink is sour.

In fact, the hallmark of these drinks is how perfectly balanced they are.

Whiskey Sour Ingredients

A classic whiskey sour is a quick and easy cocktail to make.

a whiskey sour without garnish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It requires just three ingredients, with optional garnishes.

The traditional whiskey sour was made with egg white for a smooth and creamy texture.

Most whiskey sours today are made without an egg white, however.

Southern Living Whiskey Sour filling a rocks glass with ice

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Then shake it with the ice to chill the drink.

What’s the Best Whiskey for a Whiskey Sour?

We’re partial to bourbon in our whiskey sour.

Southern Living Whiskey Sour filling the shaker with ice

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The corn-based whiskey is sweeter and blends nicely with the other ingredients.

Some people prefer a rye whiskey for a spicier edge.

But the correct answer to the question is: any whiskey you like.

Southern Living Whiskey Sour adding the liquor to the shaker

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The full recipe is below, but here’s a brief recap.

Want something a little more fun for entertaining?

Try aWhiskey Sour Slush.

Southern Living Whiskey Sour cocktail in shaker

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

)bourbon whiskey

2Tbsp.

)fresh lemon juice

2Tbsp.

Shake cocktail:

Fill a cocktail shaker 1/2 to 3/4 full of ice cubes.

Southern Living Whiskey Sour straining the cocktail into a glass

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Add the bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup.

shut the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until thoroughly chilled.

Strain cocktail, and serve:

Strain the cocktail into the rocks glass.

Southern Living Whiskey Sour garnished with an orange slice and cherry

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Garnish with orange and maraschino cherry.

An egg white adds a luxurious, creamy texture.

Today, however, most whiskey sours are served without the egg white.

Both a whiskey sour and anold-fashioned cocktailare made with whiskeyand that’s the only similarity really.

With a 90-proof whiskey and the other ingredients, a whiskey sour is relatively mild.

It’s similar to sipping on a glass of wine.

Most people, however, serve it strained over fresh ice for a refreshing drink.