An American Standard; the Whiskey Sour

The Whiskey Sour

I cannot lie and confess that as I attempt to write about the whiskey sour I feel somewhat underwhelmed. For as cocktails go this old American standard has had every bit of information, possible variation or play upon it presented, debated, hashed out and experimented with so many times one feels as if there is nothing left to say. From the upscale mixologist to the neighborhood working man’s pub owner everyone has an opinion on not only what makes a good whiskey sour but also how to present it, up or rocks? Egg or no? Fresh, or mix, or fresh mix? If it can be debated it already has, ad infinitum.

So what can I add that has not already been said?

Nothing but this, 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.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference.

  Ingredients:

2 ounces of bourbon (nothing too expensive); Jim Beam and Wild Turkey 80 both work well
3 ounce 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)

Now to mix:
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).

 

Traditionally served in a cocktail glass I prefer mine on the rocks.

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.  

 

If the Sour was a woman it would be Angie Dickenson.

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 Manhattan at her lips but of something real and truly American.

Cheers
AL