What’s the Best Whisky for a Whisky Sour?

The Whisky Sour – a delicious cocktail championed for its balance of sweet, sour, and spirit.

At the heart of this drink is the whisky. Choosing the perfect spirit is key to balancing this cocktail's timeless flavour profile. Pick a heavily peated scotch, for example, and the entire balance is thrown off. The best whisky for a Whisky Sour highlights the spirit while marrying the drink's warmth, acidity, and sweetness.

If you're a budding mixologist, knowing which whisky to pick is as important as the recipe itself. In this guide, we explore what makes a great Whisky Sour, breaking down the characteristics of bourbon, rye, and scotch to help you craft the perfect cocktail. Let's dive in and discover which whisky suits your taste best.

How to Choose the Best Whisky for a Whisky Sour?

If you're not sure where to start, we recommend choosing a bourbon. The spirit's smooth and sweet flavour profile is characterised by caramel, vanilla, and often spice notes. These warm, almost gourmand flavours add a delicious depth to a Whisky Sour. The sweetness of the bourbon (especially when compared to other whiskies) balances out the tart acidity of the cocktail's fresh lemon juice.

If you prefer sugary cocktails, the sweeter the bourbon, the better. Whiskies with caramel and honey notes combat the sharpness of the lemon and, especially when combined with egg white, enhance the drink's creamy mouthfeel. The result? A well-rounded and approachable drink that is often the gateway to a wide range of whiskies.

If you prefer cocktails with a little more edge, opt for a rye whisky. The spirit often contains notes of black pepper, cinnamon, and clove. This bold and spicy profile results in a distinct peppery bite – a fun contrast to the lemon.

Spicier rye whiskies amplify the drink further, creating a sharper contrast between the sweet and sour elements. This might not be the most approachable way for beginners to enjoy a Whisky Sour, but the adventurous twist on a classic appeals to those who appreciate a more complex flavour experience.

Hear us out: scotch may not be the most traditional Whisky Sour base, but lightly smoky whiskies can bring an intriguing depth to the cocktail. Avoid anything too peaty that could overpower the drink.

Blended scotch is particularly ideal as it introduces a maltiness that balances the tart lemon and sweetness from the syrup. This variation is ideal for those who prefer a dry cocktail.

Best Types of Whisky for a Whisky Sour

As with any cocktail, the goal is to choose a base that complements – not overpowers – the other ingredients. If you love sugary cocktails, reach for a sweet bourbon. For a punchier, more complex libation, opt for rye. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a mild scotch for a fresh twist.

The Whisky Stock Recommends:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon: This bourbon tops many whisky aficionado’s "favourites" lists. Its rich, caramel-forward profile creates an approachable Whisky Sour without overpowering the citrus.

• Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey: This bourbon boasts rich notes of caramel, dark chocolate, toasted oak, vanilla, and baking spices, which balances the lemon’s tartness. Ideal if you prefer a dessert-like cocktail.

• Bulleit Rye Whiskey: Famed for its high rye content, this spirit has a bold and spicy profile that balances out a Whisky Sour. It’s also a common base for mixologists around the globe.

• Jack Daniels Bonded Rye: A suprisingly excellent choice for a cocktail. This rye whisky is bold and complex with notes of dried fruits, toffee, and caramel. It’s sweeter than Bulleit Rye, so great if you prefer a sweet drink.

• Bunnahabhain 12-Year-Old Scotch Whisky: Don’t be put off by this scotch – Bunnahabhain’s offerings are far less peaty than their other Islay counterparts. This whisky has a sherried sweetness that complements a Whisky Sour.

Or, shop The Whisky Stock's full range of whisky to find the perfect spirit for your Whisky Sour.

The Whisky Stock’s Classic Whisky Sour Recipe

Whether impressing your dinner guests or levelling up your weekend tipple, part of a Whisky Sour's charm is that it's so easy to throw together. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a drink that packs a real punch. Below you'll find our favourite recipe – it never misses.

Ingredients:

• 60 ml whisky (we prefer bourbon)

• 22 ml fresh lemon juice

• 15 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)

• Ice

• Optional: 15 ml egg white (for a silky texture)

• Lemon rind, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Add your whisky of choice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker.

2. Dry Shake: If you opt for egg white, shake without ice for about 15 seconds to create a frothy texture.

3. Shake with Ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 15 seconds.

4. Strain: Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice (or into a coupe glass if serving up).

5. Add your garnish: We love a lemon rind but other popular options include cherries and orange wheels.

Pro Tip: Adjust the sweetness and intensity by adding more or less simple syrup to suit your taste.

Cheers!