My wicked good whiskey sour cocktail recipe is a fresh take on the classic cocktail, beloved by many for over a hundred years. This delicious whiskey drink has only three ingredients which makes it perfect to serve at your next dinner party.
This is a repost of my recipe from 2016 because the whiskey sour made the list of top 5 cocktails of 2017. But I’m not surprised because it’s a classic.
As the title says, this is a “wicked good”. Even Christopher – who is not a fan of whiskey – loves it.
Say what? Who is that man standing before me, masquerading as my husband? Pod person, anyone?
So, what makes this recipe so yummy and so much better than any other whiskey sour cocktail I’ve tasted? The sour mix. It is homemade and better than sour mix from the store because you can control the quantity and quality of the ingredients.
Massachusetts sayings
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m from Massachusetts so the title of this post is appropriate for me. I’ve said “wicked good” many, many times in my life. It cracks me up to hear characters in movies or television shows about people from Boston say “wicked.” They always sound funny and they don’t always use it correctly.
I just shake my head and say, “They got that wicked wrong.”
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Helpful tips
- Use a premium whiskey. Whiskey is an acquired taste and you don’t want to turn off your guests with less than the best. I use Crown Royal because that is what my mom used but I have also used and recommend Jameson. There are many other premium brands to choose from
- Usually, I like a 2:1 ratio of sweet and sour but in this recipe, I recommend a ratio of 1:1 because whiskey is a potent spirit
- If you garnish with maraschino cherries, RINSE them before putting them in your cocktail to remove the syrup
- Try black maraschino cherries instead of red, but you will still need to rinse the syrup off them. I use and recommend Luxardo brand.
How to make the whiskey sour cocktail
Pre-step
Fill a cocktail shaker half way with ice. After you measure out each ingredient below, pour it into the shaker. Also spear cherries on a martini pick.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup. (A)
Step two
Measure 2 ounces whiskey. (B)
Step three
Measure 1 ounce simple syrup. (C)
Step four
Measure 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice. I use this contraption. (D)
Step five
Add fresh ice to the glasses. Cap shaker and shake for 20 seconds before pouring everything, including the ice cubes, into a double old fashioned glass.
Step six
Place prepared garnish on the side of the glass.
That’s it. Easy peasy and ready to imbibe.
And another photo, just because.
Other popular whiskey cocktails
I hope you enjoy this whiskey sour cocktail recipe and you make it at your next party.
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!
Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey I used Crown Royal
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce lemon freshly squeezed
Garnish
- 2 maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a shaker half way with ice
- Add whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup
- Cap your shaker and shake for 30 seconds
- Pour contents of shaker in glass, including the ice
- Grab the maraschino cherries and either skewer them or plop it on top
- Lift glass
- Sip
- Enjoy
- Smile
Notes
- Use a premium whiskey, I have a palate for most alcohols and where I like whiskey, I don’t love it. I used crown royal because that is what my mom used but I have since used Jameson and I’m sure there are better, but I have to build my taste
- Usually, I like a 2:1 ratio of sweet and sour but in this case, I like 1:1 – I’m sure you will agree
- Both of the maraschino cherries I used are sweet so, RINSE them before putting them in your cocktail – the bright red cherry is so different to the black ones – which do I prefer? The black ones, because you can taste the premium brand instead of the ‘sickly sweet’ red ones
Joyce
This was my mother’s favorite drink. Brings back memories!
Elaine
My mother enjoyed this cocktail too! Thank you Joyce.
Annemarie
I love how simple this recipe is! It looks super refreshing.
Elaine
Thanks Annemarie, it really is!
Tara
Yum! So perfect for summer. I had no idea it was in the top 5 either. I just love that aerial shot!
Elaine
Thanks Tara!! It is perfect for summer! I’m so glad it’s making a comeback because is a lovely cocktail!
Sara
You can’t go wrong with a whisky sour! I have all the ingredients and you make it look so appealing that I must make these to go with dinner tonight!
Elaine
Mmm. Yes!! Thanks Sara!!
Jessica Randhawa
Wow, 3 ingredients?! I am totally making this for my next dinner party. Can’t wait to try this one and it’s super easy! Thanks!
Elaine
Thank you Jessica!! 🙂
Nathan Wyper
Being Scottish I love anything whiskey and for summer this looks so refreshing!
Elaine
Yay!! Thanks so much Nathan! It’s perfect for the summer, that’s for sure!
Christopher
Fresh, lovely photos for a long-time favorite, classic cocktail. Well done!
Elaine
Thanks Christopher!