It ’s difficult to make aWhiskey Sourturn heads . you’re able to top it withbittersor rock it with an orchis white for a creamy cultivation , but at the end of the day , it ’s still a basic blend of whiskey , novel lemon juice and sugar — or is it ?

While the maize juice and sugar are non - negotiable , there ’s a lot of playfulness to be had when it comes to choosing the whiskey . Here , the best whiskies to translate your Whiskey Sour .

If you want a classic Whiskey Sour…

The traditional Whiskey Sour call for an 80 - proof Bourbon dynasty as the base , which adds a touch of vanilla extract and oak without overpowering the sweet vs. sour tug - of - warfare going on in the glass . We made our classic Whiskey Sour withBasil Hayden’s , but any mid - range , 80 - proof Bourbon dynasty will do .

If you want a powerful Whiskey Sour…

If you really want to try out the booze in your cocktail , opt for an overproof Bourbon dynasty . Wild Turkey 101or any other 100 - plus proof bourbon generate the boozing a full flavor that wo n’t leave you wondering if you got your money ’s worth of liquor .

If you want a luxe Whiskey Sour…

We would n’t ordinarily use a 12 - year - old whiskey in a glowering , but in the spirit of invention , we tried it anyway . We repent nothing . It turns out that Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey is the key to the Whiskey Sour of our dreams . It lends a little spice and smokiness to the seraphic - tart blend . The whisky is finished in three dissimilar casks — Americanbourbon , Spanishsherryand Spanish Malaga casks — which ease up the cocktail a deep , nutty finishing .

If you want a smoky Whiskey Sour…

Scotch is the obvious choice for a smoky Whiskey Sour . But you in all likelihood do n’t require to part with two precious oz. of your favourite exclusive malted milk . Go for a blended Scotch whisky or else . Famous Grouse — usually less than $ 20 — is a great option . While it does n’t approach the same level of intensity as an Islay undivided malt liquor , it still give the drink a smoky punch .

If you want a spicy Whiskey Sour…

While the classic Whiskey Sour ’s bourbon radix blends into the drink , rye whisky cuts its room through the center of attention , give the drinker a tongue - tingle treat . George Dickel Ryeis a solid substructure , but if you really want to feel a savoury pang , tryBulleit90 - proof rye . Made from 95 percent rye grain with a higher - than - ordinary ABV , it ’s sure to get your Whiskey Sour attention in all the right ways .

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