The Best Whiskey for a Great Whiskey Sour
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Updated May 2025
The Whiskey Sour stands as a timeless testament to the art of mixology, blending spirits, citrus, and sugar in perfect harmony. An amazing way to drink and enjoy whiskey.
Its roots reach back over one and a half centuries, possibly originating during Abraham Lincoln's time. The earliest documented recipe appears in Jerry Thomas's iconic book, The Bar-Tenders Guide, dating back to around 1862.
To honor this classic, we're sharing a tried-and-true Whiskey Sour recipe.
Plus, we'll highlight our top whiskey picks from our bottle shop, ensuring you choose the ideal whiskey to elevate your cocktail experience.
Recipe for Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour stands as a timeless testament to the art of mixology, blending spirits, citrus, and sugar in perfect harmony. Its roots reach back over one and a half centuries, possibly originating during Abraham Lincoln's time. The earliest documented recipe appears in Jerry Thomas's iconic book, The Bar-Tenders Guide, dating back to around 1862. To honor this classic, we're sharing a tried-and-true Whiskey Sour recipe. Plus, we'll highlight our top whiskey picks from our bottle shop, ensuring you choose the ideal whiskey to elevate your cocktail experience this Spring.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Whiskey
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
- Ice
- Garnish: Lemon Wedge and Cherry
Directions
- In a shaker, combine the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge and a cherry.
- Enjoy your delicious whiskey sour!
Top 10 Whiskey for an Amazing Whiskey Sour
1. Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 is a bold, iconic bourbon crafted in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It’s made from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley, then aged in deeply charred American oak barrels. All overseen by master distiller Eddie Russelll.
Why it pairs well: This whiskey’s bold character makes it perfect for a Whiskey Sour. Its vanilla, caramel, and oak notes add warmth and the rye's spice balances the lemon's tang. So, you end up with a smooth and flavorful cocktail.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.50% | 750ml
Purchase Wild Turkey 101
2. Old Grand-Dad 114
Old Grand-Dad 114 is a high-proof bourbon that’s crafted meticulously with a mash of corn, rye, and malted barley. This whiskey undergoes a traditional distillation and aging process for a full-bodied bourbon. It's then aged in charred oak barrels for a beautiful flavor.
Why it pairs well: With its high proof and bold flavor, the Old Grand-Dad 114 cuts through the citrus in a Whiskey Sour to add depth and complexity to your cocktail.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.0% | 750ml
Purchase Old Grand-Dad 114
3. Bulleit Rye
Bulleit Rye is a staple for those who enjoy a rye whiskey. It’s expertly crafted with a 95% rye mash bill which sets it apart from other bottles that typically use lower rye percentages. This award-winning whiskey involves a meticulous aging process in charred American oak barrels for its signature and dry profile.
Why it pairs well: The spicy and dry notes of Bulleit Rye balances the tangy-sweet flavors of a classic Whiskey Sour. The clean finish keeps it smooth and well-rounded.
Region: Indiana, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Bulleit Rye
4. Rittenhouse Rye
This whiskey is a tribute to the classic rye whiskeys of pre-Prohibition America. Rittenhouse Rye is produced by Heaven Hill and it carries its bottled-in-bond certification. This bottle is aged at least 4 years and bottled at 100 proof for consistent quality.
Why it pairs well: Its rye-forward mash bill provides bold spice balanced with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and pepper. Making it a beautiful choice for cocktails and sipping.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Rittenhouse Rye
5. Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Woodford Reserve, crafted in the heart of Kentucky with a legacy dating back to 1812. It’s crafted using a meticulous process that includes copper pot stills and unique triple distillation. This bottle is then aged in charred oak barrels.
Why it pairs well: The rich layers of citrus and spice in Woodford Reserve enhance the tangy-sweet balance of a Whiskey Sour. The smooth finish creates an elevated yet approachable cocktail experience.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.20% | 750ml
Purchase Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
6. Compass Box Artist Blend
Compass Box Artist Blend is a tribute to the creativity of Edinburgh’s artistic heritage. This blended Scotch combines single malt and single grain whiskies sourced from the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Aged in a mix of American oak barrels for complexity.
Why it pairs well: The creamy, malty sweetness and slight spice of Compass Box Artist Blend builds the flavors of this cocktail, adding depth without overpowering.
Region: Highland and Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml
Purchase Compass Box Artist Blend
7. TINCUP American Whiskey
TINCUP is a bold whiskey that blends high rye bourbon with a small amount of single malt whiskey. Both distilled and aged in American white oak barrels before being cut with pure Rocky Mountain water.
Why it pairs well: The spicy rye and caramel sweetness make TINCUP an ideal addition to a Whiskey Sour for a smooth cocktail.
Region: Colorado, USA | ABV: 42.0% | 750ml
Purchase TINCUP American Whiskey
8. Crown Royal Deluxe
Crown Royal Deluxe is a Canadian whisky that was originally created as a gift for the royal visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Canada. It’s crafted from a blend of 50 carefully selected whiskies. This great bottle goes through a robust distillation and aging process in charred oak barrels.
Why it pairs well: Crown Royal Deluxes provides smooth and slightly sweet notes, combined with its gentle oak finish. Which delivers a unique and easy balance to your drink.
Region: Ontario, Canada | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Crown Royal Deluxe
9. Jameson Black Barrel
Jameson Black Barrel is a great whiskey that’s expertly crafted from a blend of small-batch grain and pot still whiskeys. Then aged in double-charred American oak barrels. This bottle showcases Jameson’s dedication to innovation and tradition.
Why it pairs well: The bold and toasty sweetness of Jameson Black Barrel fully enhances the bright citrus and subtle sweetness of a whiskey sour. Perfect for beginners.
Region: County Cork, Ireland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Jameson Black Barrel
10. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is a classic for any cocktail as a top-selling American whiskey, globally. It’s made using a charcoal mellowing process, known as the Lincoln County Process, which filters the whiskey through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. Then, it’s aged in handcrafted barrels.
Why it pairs well: Jack Daniel’s caramel and oak notes add sweetness and body to your whiskey sour. The smokey notes enhance the finish.
Region: Tennessee, USA | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml
Purchase Jack Daniel’s Tennessee WhiskeyDiscover Whiskey Like an Expert
Finding the right whiskey that perfectly suits that special someone in your life or even your own palate, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. One fantastic way to explore whiskey is by joining the Whiskey Subscription Club from Taster's Club.
This subscription service introduces members to an incredible variety of whiskies, ranging from timeless classics to rare and unique expressions.
Each month, club members receive a carefully curated bottle, accompanied by detailed tasting notes and insights into the distillery's history and production techniques.
Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or looking for a stand-out gift, the Membership Club empowers you to explore different styles and flavor profiles at your own pace.
Whisky Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected whiskies you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Whisky Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected whiskies you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is Rye or Bourbon Better for a Whiskey Sour?
If you’re choosing between rye and bourbon for your Whiskey Sour, it’s all about your vibe! Bourbon brings the smooth and sweet with delicate notes of vanilla and caramel. Rye is the bold one in the room—spicy, dry, and full of personality. With hints of pepper, baking spices, and oak.
Craving a rich, dessert-like sip? Bourbon’s your go-to. Feel daring and want a kick of complexity? Rye’s your choice.
Do You Need an Egg for a Whiskey Sour?
Adding egg white to a Whiskey Sour is optional but highly recommended if you want that classic and creamy texture. It creates a rich foam on top and softens the drink, giving it a luxurious ambiance.
To use egg white, start by dry shaking (shaking without ice) all the ingredients. This helps emulsify the egg white and create the foam. Then, add ice and shake again to chill the drink. It's simple to do and makes a big difference in both texture and presentation!
Where Does the Whiskey Sour Come From?
The origins of the Whiskey Sour date back to the mid-1800s when early mixologists were pursuing balanced cocktails with spirits, sugar, and citrus. The drink was officially documented in Jerry Thomas’s "The Bar-Tenders Guide" in 1862, making it one of the oldest surviving cocktail recipes.
Its popularity quickly spread, making it a timeless choice for whiskey enthusiasts everywhere.
How to Elevate Your Whiskey Cocktail Experience
Use Fresh Ingredients: We recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for that added flavor and boldness. The same goes for simple syrup; if possible, homemade is best for a perfectly balanced cocktail.
Experiment with Garnishes: Level up your Whiskey Sour by swapping the usual lemon wedge for an orange peel. This will present a sweeter citrus aroma. Or go for a sprig of rosemary to add an earthy touch.
Chill Your Glass: For a truly relaxing Whiskey Sour, chill your glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes beforehand.
Upgrade Your Whiskey: Experiment with different premium whiskeys, like a smooth bourbon or a spicy rye, to explore unique flavor profiles.
Pro tip: Join the Whiskey Club and get new bottles each month to make awesome cocktails.
Discover Other Cocktails
Make Every Month a Whiskey Adventure
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, check out our extensive bottle shop, or if you want a more personalized whiskey experience, join our Whiskey Club!
Make Every Month a Whisky Adventure with The Whisky Club
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, and our list of the best whiskey will surely guide you toward your next favorite bottle. If you want a more personalized whiskey experience, join our Whiskey Club!
