This whiskey sour cocktail blends smooth whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness for a bright, balanced drink that’s refreshing, classic, and incredibly easy to make. Serve it over ice with a citrus garnish for the perfect cocktail-hour sip any day of the week.
Cap your shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Pour contents of shaker in glass, including the ice. Add maraschino cherries.
2 maraschino cherries
Sip, smile, and enjoy.
Notes
Even though you see two cocktails, this is just for one cocktail. Double it to make two!
Helpful tips
Choose the best whiskey that fits your budget. My mom always loved Crown Royal, but I’ve also made this cocktail with Jameson Irish whiskey, and it works beautifully.
Whiskey has a strong presence, so instead of the usual 2:1 sweet-to-sour ratio, I recommend keeping this one closer to 1:1 for better balance.
If you use maraschino cherries, rinse off the syrup before adding them to the drink.
Try both the vibrant red and the darker maraschino cherries. I prefer Luxardo, but whichever you choose, give them a quick rinse.
Some versions of this cocktail include egg white, but I prefer it without. Egg white adds creaminess, but since there’s still a risk with raw eggs, I skip it.
Always wash citrus thoroughly before juicing or using it as a garnish.
I like serving this drink in a double old-fashioned glass, but a standard rocks glass works too.
If you're a whiskey sour fan, try the New York Sour sometime. It uses bourbon and has a float of red wine on top for a beautiful layered effect.