Whiskey Sour Mix

This homemade whiskey sour mix recipe is better than any bottle from the store! It’s quick and easy, and makes the best cocktails.

When it comes to entertaining, our top choice of cocktail? The Whiskey Sour. It’s classic, it’s refreshingly sweet tart, and it pleases almost anyone no matter the occasion (even non-whiskey fans). So the best thing when you’re whipping them up for a crowd? This tasty Whiskey Sour Mix! This is the best mix that distills our classic whiskey sour drink into a simple preparation. Ready to get started?

What’s in whiskey sour mix?

The whiskey sour is an iconic drink that goes back centuries: the earliest mention of the drink was in the 1870’s! It’s on the list of International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, meaning it has an official definition. When you’re making whiskey sour mix, you’ll use exactly the same ingredients but in larger quantities. Here’s what’s in this whiskey sour mix recipe:

• Fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Simple syrup (or maple syrup or honey)
• Whiskey of any type

All you have to do is mix the lemon and simple syrup together: it’s as simple as that! (Skip to the recipe for quantities.) Then, we’ve got two serving options…keep reading!

Whiskey sour mix in a pitcher

Want the easiest way to serve whiskey sour mix? In a pitcher! Whip up the recipe below, which makes 8 servings. Here’s the important part: add it to a pitcher with 2 handfuls of ice. The ice doesn’t just chill the drink: it dilutes it a bit to the desired consistency and flavor. This way, you don’t have to worry about shaking up separate drinks in a cocktail shaker!

Or, mix up single drinks!

You can also use the standard cocktail shaker method with this whiskey sour mix recipe. Place the sour mix and whiskey into the cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake! This is nice if you’re planning to store the mix and just get it out for single drinks on different occasions. Bonus: you can also add an egg white to the whiskey sour using that method to get the classic retro foam topping.

How long does homemade whiskey sour mix last?

This homemade whiskey sour mix recipe has no preservatives or additives. This means that it lasts a little less time than a store-bought mix: but the flavor is so great, it’s worth it! Homemade whiskey sour mix lasts up to 1 week refrigerated. The flavor is best right away, so we suggest drinking it within the first few days. (As if you needed any encouragement!)

Best whiskey for a sour

You can use whatever whiskey you like for a sour, but we have some favorite types. Here’s what we’d recommend adding to the sour mix:

• Bourbon: Our top pick! The sweet flavor of bourbon whiskey is ideal
• Jameson Irish whiskey: Jameson is very mild and has less of a whiskey burn
• Rye whiskey: Rye whiskey has a spicy burn on the finish

Whiskey sour variations

There are lots of variations on the classic whiskey sour! You can use this sour mix as a template for making the following drink variations:

• Boston sour: Add an egg white and make it a Boston Sour!
• Lemon lime sour: Try it with our standard Sweet and Sour Mix to add lime
• Lime sour: Or, make a Whiskey Sour with Lime
• Jameson whiskey sour: Use Irish whiskey for a Jameson whiskey sour
• Amaretto whiskey sour: Add equal parts whiskey and amaretto for an Amaretto Whiskey Sour

More great whiskey mixers? Go to What to Mix with Whiskey.

Print

More whiskey drinks

There are so many famous drinks starring this liquor! Here are some of the top whiskey cocktails to try:

• Try refreshingly minty Whiskey Smash or Classic Mint Julep
• Pour up an easy Whiskey Highball or Irish Mule
• Go classic with a Classic Old Fashioned
• Opt for a sophisticated Manhattan or Boulevardier
• Try modern classics Paper Plane or Gold Rush