Jameson Whiskey Sour

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With Jameson whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and an egg white, this Jameson whiskey sour is a refreshingly tart simple cocktail.

close-up of Jameson whiskey sour in old fashioned glass with cherries and orange slice

I'm a huge fan of the classic cocktails. I mean they are classic for a reason. But I also like to change an ingredient or two to mix it up - from a chocolate old fashioned to a black mojito to a vodka sunrise to a Baileys espresso martini to a Tajín margarita.

But the only real difference with this cocktail is using Irish whiskey instead of the American bourbon. It actually might be a better pairing as Irish whiskey is typically smoother and fruitier.

Oh and if you are in the Irish spirit, an Irish mule is another great option.

Why This Cocktail Works

It is a spin on a whiskey sour.
It strikes perfect balance between tartness and refreshment, thanks to the interplay between the lemon juice's tanginess and the simple syrup's subtle sweetness.
Uses just 4 ingredients, so it is quick to prepare.

Jump to:

Why This Cocktail Works
Ingredient Notes
Step-by-Step Photos
FAQs
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
Other Cocktails
Jameson Whiskey Sour

Ingredient Notes

Jameson whiskey - the well-known Irish whiskey has light citrus, sweet herbal notes and delicate spicy tones.
Lemon juice - this sour cocktail gets its tartness from the lemon, but you could also substitute lime juice or even orange juice for a different flavor profile.
Simple syrup - adds a slight sweetness and mellows out the tartness of the lemon juice. You can buy or make your own, which means boiling equal parts sugar and water and then letting cool.
Egg white - while the addition of an egg white can enhance the drink's texture - adding frothiness, viscosity, and mouthfeel, it is not a crucial ingredient. If you have concerns about using raw eggs, you can skip it altogether.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions for this cocktail can be found in recipe card below.

process shots of shaking cocktail ingredients in shaker and pouring in old fashioned glass

Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice and shake for 30 seconds. Next, add ice and shake for an additional 30 seconds.

Finally, strain the mixture into an old fashioned glass and garnish with an orange slice and cherry on top.

FAQs

What is a Sour?

A sour cocktail is a mixed alcoholic beverage that typically contains a base liquor, citrus juice, sweetener, and occasionally egg whites. The world of sours includes a broad range of variations and flavors.

Are there Whiskey Substitutes?

If you want a more traditional sour cocktail, just use the same amount of bourbon.

Do I Have to Use Egg White?

No. In terms of taste, egg whites have minimal impact on the cocktail's flavor. Instead, they primarily contribute to a pleasing, creamy foam texture. Ultimately, whether or not to use egg whites in a cocktail is a matter of personal preference.

If you want some foam but are concerned about raw egg, you can try Ms. Better's Bitters. It is vegan and actually works in creating foam!

What is the Best Glass to Serve?

I personally like using an old fashioned whiskey glass, but a coupe glass works as well.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice just isn't as good.
You can replace the lemon juice with orange juice if you prefer.
Do a dry shake first before adding the ice which cools the drink but strengthens the foam
Chill the glass so it remains cold for longer.

old fashioned glass of Jameson whiskey sour with cherries and orange slice as garnish

Other Cocktails

If you’ve tried this Jameson whiskey sour or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! This smoked old fashioned is also worth a try. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.