Chef John's Whiskey Sour

Day drinking is the best drinking, and if that day happens to be a very sunny, hot day, there's no better cocktail to enjoy than a classic whiskey sour. I'm very excited to show you my favorite formula for this incredibly refreshing, super simple, absolutely delicious drink. Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a Luxardo cherry.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 555 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 large egg white
• ice cubes as needed
• 2 fluid ounces 100-proof bourbon whiskey
• 1 fluid ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 drops orange bitters, or more to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring sugar and water to a simmer in a small pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat, transfer to a bowl, and let syrup cool completely before using, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2

Pour 3/4 fluid ounce simple syrup, bourbon, lemon juice, bitters, and egg white into a large cocktail shaker. Cover with a smaller cocktail shaker, or top, and give the cocktail a "dry shake" without ice, about 30 seconds.

Step 3

Add 3 ice cubes to the mixture, cover, and shake vigorously until the shaker is very cold and the outside is frosty, about 45 seconds. Uncover and strain into a rocks glass containing one large ice cube. Serve immediately.