THE HISTORY OF THE WHISKEY SOUR COCKTAIL

The Whiskey Sour is one of the most iconic and enduring cocktails in the world of mixed drinks. Its roots go back to the 19th century, when sours became a foundational family of cocktails defined by a simple formula: spirit, citrus, and sugar.

The first known written mention of the Whiskey Sour appeared in 1862 in Jerry Thomas‘ Bartender’s Guide, where it was presented as a straightforward mix of Bourbon Whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar. Its purpose? A perfectly balanced cocktail that would be refreshing, bracing, and deeply satisfying without being overly complex.

But the tradition of mixing citrus with spirits predates even that. Sailors in the British Navy often mixed citrus juice with their rations of spirits (like rum or whiskey) to fight off scurvy. This practical solution laid the groundwork for the sour family of drinks.

Over time, bartenders began refining the Whiskey Sour, adding egg white for a silky texture, or bitters for a touch of complexity. While purists may prefer it simple, the addition of egg white has become a modern classic variation known as the Boston Sour.

The Whiskey Sour remains popular for good reason—it’s endlessly adaptable, easy to make, and universally loved. Its refreshing profile and smooth balance between sweet and tart make it a must-have for every home bartender.

THE BOURBON WHISKEY FOR THE WHISKEY SOUR

The base spirit is everything in a Whiskey Sour, and while there are many great Bourbon Whiskeys on the market, my favorite for this cocktail is Maker’s Mark Bourbon.

Maker’s Mark brings exactly what this drink needs: a warm, slightly spicy profile with soft vanilla and caramel notes that blend beautifully with lemon and sugar. It’s a bourbon, which gives it a smooth, rounded mouthfeel—perfect for sours where you want the whiskey to stand out without being aggressive.

While other bourbons like Bulleit or Wild Turkey offer bolder, spicier options, I find Maker’s Mark ideal when I want a Whiskey Sour that’s clean, balanced, and crowd-pleasing. Once you try it, you may never go back.

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