Ingredients:
2 oz. Bourbon (nothing too expensive); Jim Beam and Wild Turkey 80 both work well
3 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice (or a 2-1 ratio of lemon and lime)
1 teaspoon Simple Syrup (or to taste; some folks will prefer 2 or more I used .5 oz.)
1 maraschino cherry garnish and Orange wheel (optional)
Method:
1. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker that is half filled with ice. Shake well for 30 seconds.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass. (I like mine on the rocks in a tumbler) Garnish with a cherry and an Orange Wheel (optional).
2 oz. Bourbon (nothing too expensive); Jim Beam and Wild Turkey 80 both work well
3 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice (or a 2-1 ratio of lemon and lime)
1 teaspoon Simple Syrup (or to taste; some folks will prefer 2 or more I used .5 oz.)
1 maraschino cherry garnish and Orange wheel (optional)
Method:
1. Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker that is half filled with ice. Shake well for 30 seconds.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass. (I like mine on the rocks in a tumbler) Garnish with a cherry and an Orange Wheel (optional).
The Whiskey Sour cocktail has a long and storied history here in the United States. It is one of the original drinks in the iconic Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide from 1862 which I have not read, and it was/is the official drink of the one hundred and eighty eight year old Jefferson Literary Debating Society at the University of Virginia. It seems our forebears of the nineteenth century knew a good thing when they saw one or more to the point, tasted one.
Nothing like arguing common interests over a wee drink, hmmm that sounds familiar.
There is a reason this old drink is still available in one form or another at almost any pub/bar here in the Americas and it rests within the simplicity of the thirst-quencher itself. All you need is a base alcohol, lemon/lime juice, and a sweetener. That’s it! This is the great grandfather of all “sour” Cocktails. Margaritas, Southsides, Daiquiris, and Sidecars, all owe their popularity and existence to the humble whiskey sour.
Nothing like arguing common interests over a wee drink, hmmm that sounds familiar.
There is a reason this old drink is still available in one form or another at almost any pub/bar here in the Americas and it rests within the simplicity of the thirst-quencher itself. All you need is a base alcohol, lemon/lime juice, and a sweetener. That’s it! This is the great grandfather of all “sour” Cocktails. Margaritas, Southsides, Daiquiris, and Sidecars, all owe their popularity and existence to the humble whiskey sour.
This simple underrated cocktail is a sure to please most any of your guests, well except perhaps “High society snobs” who will sneer in contempt at it and order a Grey Goose Martini. However as we of lesser gods are not plagued by such cocktail elitists, we can enjoy this tart refreshing American Standard on game day as we see fit.
Lastly I think if the Whiskey sour was a woman it would be Angie Dickenson from the 1970's, a bit older but with a wee, tart, glint in her eye that promises of something more to come. Not the false promise of a socialite with a Cosmopolitan at her lips, but of something real and truly American.
Cheers
AL
Cheers
AL