Best Bourbons For Whiskey Sour
The whiskey sour is a classic cocktail with a long and storied history. Though its exact origins are unknown, the drink is thought to date back to the 19th century. It gained popularity during Prohibition, when whiskey was one of the few alcoholic beverages still available.
The whiskey sour became even more popular after World War II, when American servicemen returning from overseas introduced the drink to the mainland. Today, the whiskey sour is enjoyed by cocktail lovers all over the world. Though it has undergone many changes over the years, the essential ingredients remain the same: whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. So whether you like your whiskey sour with a twist or straight up, you can enjoy a delicious taste of history in every sip.
To Make this Bourbon Sour you will need:
- 2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce Pure Maple Syrup (or simple syrup)
- Garnish: Orange peel and/or a cocktail cherry
- Ice for serving
In the world of whiskey, there are few drinks more classic or delicious than the whiskey sour. This delicious cocktail is made with just a few simple ingredients: whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and optionally, an egg white. And while any type of whiskey can be used to make a whiskey sour, we think that bourbon makes the best version of this drink. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to the best bourbons for whiskey sour.
Why Does Bourbon Make The Best Whiskey Sour?
There are a few reasons why bourbon makes the best whiskey sour. First, bourbon is made with at least 51% corn, which gives it a unique sweetness that other types of whiskey don't have. This sweetness pairs perfectly with the tartness of the lemon juice and the sugar in the drink. Second, bourbon is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a distinct flavor that adds depth and complexity to the drink. And finally, most bourbons are made in Kentucky, which has a long tradition of making high-quality spirits.
So now that we've talked about why bourbon makes the best whiskey sour, let's talk about which bourbons you should use to make this delicious cocktail.
Our Top Picks for Best Bourbon for Whiskey Sour
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#1- Bulleit Bourbon
This small-batch bourbon is made with water from the Kentucky River and a blend of rye, wheat, and corn. It's aged for at least 6 years in charred oak barrels, which gives it a deep amber color and a complex flavor profile with hints of vanilla and oak. -
#2- Maker's Mark Bourbon
: One of the most well-known bourbons in the world, Maker's Mark is made with 70% red winter wheat (which gives it a sweeter flavor) and 30% corn. It's aged for around 6 years in oak barrels that are hand-selected by the distiller. -
#3- Knob Creek Bourbon
: This 9-year-old bourbon is made with a blend of corn, rye, and barley malt and aged in new American white oak barrels. It has a rich flavor with notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla. -
#4- Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
: This 12-year-old bourbon is made with 76% corn, 12% rye, and 12% malt and aged in new charred oak barrels. It has a smooth flavor with hints of caramel, chocolate, and spice. -
#5 - Woodford Reserve Bourbon
: This small-batch bourbon is made with 72% corn, 18% rye ,10% malt ,and distilled using limestone-filtered water from Woodford Reserve Distillery . It's then aged for at least 6 years in new American oak barrels before being bottled . The result is a smooth ,malty flavor with hints of dried fruit , chocolate ,and spice .
There you have it! Our comprehensive guide to the best bourbons for whiskey sour . We hope you found this guide helpful and that you'll use one of our top picks the next time you're looking to make this classic cocktail . Cheers!
What Are Some Other Great Bourbon Drinks?
There are many other bourbons just as good as the Whiskey Sour, try some of our favorites below:
How To Make A New York Sour
The Big Apple comes to Kentucky in this terrific Sour,. Use Bourbon whiskey: as high quality as possible (like Makers Mark or Bulleit Bourbon) You can use regular whiskey but I always prefer the sweetness of Bourbon.
How To Make A Whiskey Smash
The Whiskey Smash is actually quite easy to make, and a very refreshing take on bourbon. Great for sipping outside on nice autumn day. This is also one of my favourite fireside drinks!
How To Make A Bourbon Watermelon Fizz
Looking for a delicious summertime drink? Try a watermelon fizz! This refreshing cocktail is perfect for sipping on a hot day. Plus, it's easy to make. Simply combine bourbon, watermelon cubes, peach schnapps and lime juice in a glass.
How To Make A Kentucky Mule
The Kentucky Mule is a bourbon-based spin on the Moscow Mule, an OG classic cokctail from the 40's. The Mule is part of a family of drinks which use ginger-ale or ginger-beer.
