Regardless of how often you drink whiskey, you should know how to order a whiskey sour. This classic cocktail is perfect for any occasion. To order one, you must tell the bartender what spirits you would like in your drink and how you want it mixed.
There is no need to be too specific, but how do you order a whiskey sour?
The most important thing to ordering a whiskey sour is to specify the type of whiskey you want. The three most common types of whiskey are bourbon, rye, and scotch. You should also decide if you want your cocktail shaken or stirred. Once you have decided on these elements, you are ready to order.
So to lessen any confusion, we’ll look into what’s in a whiskey sour and how you can order it. Depending on your preferences, we have also concocted a list of Whiskey Sour cocktails you should consider ordering.
What Is in a Whiskey Sour?
A whiskey sour is a cocktail made with whiskey, citrus juice, and sugar. This cocktail’s most common citrus juice is lemon juice, but you can also use lime juice. The sugar is used to sweeten the sour flavors of the citrus juice.
Whiskey sour cocktails can be made with a variety of different whiskeys. This cocktail’s three most common types of whiskey are bourbon, rye, and scotch. Each type of whiskey will produce a slightly different-tasting cocktail.
Bourbon
Bourbon is the most common type of whiskey used in a sour. It is made with at least 51% corn and is aged in new charred oak barrels. This gives the bourbon a sweeter flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Rye
Rye is a type of whiskey made with at least 51% rye. This gives rye a spicier flavor with notes of pepper and citrus.
Scotch
Scotch is a type of whiskey made in Scotland with malted barley. This gives scotch a smoky flavor with notes of peat and oak.
How To Order a Whiskey Sour
Whiskey sour has been a popular cocktail for over 150 years. The drink was created in the 1860s and has been a staple of American culture. Ordering a whiskey sour is not complicated.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to order a whiskey sour:
1. Specify the Type of Whiskey You Would Like
The most critical thing to remember is to specify the type of whiskey you want when ordering a whiskey sour.
Whiskey comes in three main varieties: bourbon, rye, and scotch. A cocktail made with a particular whiskey will have a slightly different flavor.
For instance, bourbon will result in a cocktail that tastes sweeter, whereas rye will produce a cocktail that tastes spicier.
2. Tell the Bartender How You Want It Mixed
Once you have decided on the type of whiskey you want, you need to tell the bartender how you want your cocktail mixed.
The two most common ways to mix a whiskey sour are shaken or stirred. Shaken cocktails are usually more diluted, while stirred cocktails are less diluted.
3. Decide How You Want Your Cocktail Served
Whiskey is a type of liquor typically served neat, meaning without ice. However, there are various ways you can order your whiskey sour. The three most common ways to serve a whiskey sour are;
On the rocks: Your cocktail will be served over ice.
Up: There won’t be any ice in your cocktail.
Neat: Your cocktail will be served with a little bit of water.
4. Give Your Order to the Bartender
Getting your drink order to the bartender is the easy part. All you need to do is tell the bartender the type of whiskey you would like, how you want it mixed, and how you would like it.
5. Garnishing Your Cocktail
To enjoy your whiskey sour, you should garnish your cocktail with the most common garnish, a cherry. Other common garnishes include an orange slice, lemon, or lime slice. This will give your cocktail a refreshing flavor and smell.
Other bartenders may also add an egg white to your cocktail. This will give your cocktail a foamy texture and a richer flavor while making your cocktail look more appealing.
The Different Types of Whiskey Sours You Need To Try
While the classic whiskey sour is always a good choice, there are various whiskey sour cocktails you can order. The other most common is the Kentucky sour and the New York sour.
The Classic
The classic whiskey sour is made with bourbon, lemon juice, sugar, and egg whites. This cocktail is shaken or stirred and then served over ice.
Kentucky Sour
Rye whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and mint are the ingredients in the Kentucky sour. This cocktail should be poured over ice for maximum enjoyment.
New York Sour
Scotch, red wine, lemon juice, sugar, and other ingredients make the New York sour. Afterward, it is poured over ice after being shaken or stirred.
Takeaway
The whiskey sour is a delicious and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a drink to enjoy at happy hour or a drink to enjoy at a party, a whiskey sour is a great choice.
When ordering a whiskey sour, specify the type of whiskey you would like and how you would like your cocktail mixed. You can also garnish your cocktail with a cherry, orange, or lemon slice.
You can order various whiskey sour cocktails, but the three most common are the classic whiskey sour, the Kentucky sour, and the New York sour.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the alcohol content of a whiskey sour can vary depending on the recipe, it is typically around 20% ABV.
The main difference between a whiskey sour and a bourbon sour is the type of whiskey used. A whiskey sour is made with any whiskey, while a bourbon sour is made specifically with bourbon.
