If you’re a fan of whiskey sours, you know that the key ingredient to a perfect cocktail is the bourbon. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best bourbons for whiskey sour to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
What Makes a Bourbon Great for Whiskey Sours
If you’re looking to make a delicious whiskey sour, choosing the right bourbon is crucial. Here are some key characteristics to consider when selecting a bourbon for your cocktail.
Key Characteristics of Bourbon for Cocktails
- Flavor Profile: A good bourbon for a whiskey sour should have a well-balanced flavor profile. It should be sweet enough to complement the sour mix, but not so sweet that it overpowers the other flavors. Look for bourbons with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
- Smoothness: A smooth bourbon is essential for a whiskey sour. You don’t want a bourbon that’s too harsh or overpowering, as it can throw off the balance of the cocktail. Look for bourbons that have a smooth finish and are easy to drink.
- Mixability: Not all bourbons are created equal when it comes to mixing cocktails. Some bourbons can be too bold or complex, while others may not have enough flavor to stand up to the sour mix. Look for bourbons that are well-suited for mixing and have a balanced flavor profile.
Top 10 Best Bourbons for Whiskey Sour
If you’re looking to make a delicious whiskey sour, choosing the right bourbon is key. Here are the top 10 best bourbons for whiskey sour that will surely impress your taste buds.
1. Buffalo Trace
photo credit: www.buffalotrace.com
Buffalo Trace is a great choice for a whiskey sour. It’s smooth, with a hint of sweetness and spice. This bourbon is also affordable, making it a great option for those who don’t want to break the bank.
2. Woodford Reserve
photo credit: www.woodfordreserve.com
Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of honey, spice, and butterscotch. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
3. Maker’s Mark
photo credit: www.makersmark.com
Maker’s Mark is a wheated bourbon that is perfect for those who prefer a sweeter whiskey sour. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a hint of vanilla and oak. This bourbon is also great for mixing with other cocktails, making it a versatile addition to any bar.
4. Bulleit Bourbon
photo credit: www.bulleit.com
Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a spicy kick that pairs well with the tartness of the lemon juice. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
5. Elijah Craig Small Batch
photo credit: elijahcraig.com
Elijah Craig Small Batch is a classic bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
6. Four Roses Single Barrel
photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com
Four Roses Single Barrel is a premium bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of spice, fruit, and caramel. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
7. Wild Turkey 101
photo credit: www.wildturkeybourbon.com
Wild Turkey 101 is a high-proof bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a bold, spicy flavor that pairs well with the tartness of the lemon juice. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
8. Knob Creek
photo credit: www.knobcreek.com
Knob Creek is a premium bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of honey, caramel, and spice. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
9. Angel’s Envy
photo credit: cloudfront.net
Angel’s Envy is a premium bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and fruit. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
10. Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style
photo credit: www.oldforester.com
Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style is a premium bourbon that is perfect for a whiskey sour. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of spice, fruit, and caramel. This bourbon is also great for sipping on its own, making it a versatile addition to any liquor cabinet.
How to Mix the Perfect Whiskey Sour
Essential Ingredients
To make the perfect whiskey sour, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll need a high-quality bourbon. Look for a bourbon that has a smooth and complex flavor profile, as this will help to balance out the tartness of the lemon juice.
Next, you’ll need fresh lemon juice. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it can have a bitter taste and won’t give you the same fresh flavor as using fresh lemons. You’ll also need simple syrup, which is a mixture of sugar and water that is used to sweeten the cocktail.
Finally, you’ll need ice and garnishes. A whiskey sour is typically garnished with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. You can also add a dash of bitters if you like.
Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 2 ounces of bourbon, 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 10 seconds to mix the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish the cocktail with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice.
- Serve and enjoy!
Remember, the key to a great whiskey sour is using high-quality ingredients and mixing the cocktail properly. With a little practice, you’ll be able to mix the perfect whiskey sour every time.
Conclusion
Finding the best bourbon for your whiskey sour is all about personal preference. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a bourbon.
First, consider the flavor profile you’re looking for. If you want a spicy sour, Wild Turkey Rye 101 is a great option. If you prefer a sweeter sour, Maker’s Mark or Four Roses Single Barrel might be more your style.
Second, think about the price point. While some of the more expensive bourbons like Blanton’s or Pappy Van Winkle may be tempting, they might not be the best option for a cocktail.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different bourbons and find the one that works best for you. Whether you prefer a classic sour or a twist on the traditional recipe, there’s a bourbon out there that will make your whiskey sour shine.
Related Posts
If you’re a bourbon enthusiast, you might be interested in exploring other whiskey-related topics. Here are some articles that you might find helpful:
- Discover the Top 10 Colorado Bourbon Whiskey You Need to Try: Colorado has become a hub for craft distilleries, and this article highlights some of the best bourbon whiskey brands from the state. If you’re looking for something new and exciting to try, this is a great place to start.
- 6 Best Jim Beam Honey Recipe Drinks for Your Next Get-Together: If you’re a fan of honey-flavored cocktails, this article is for you. It features six different recipes that use Jim Beam Honey, a popular bourbon whiskey that has a sweet and smooth flavor.
- Top 7 Friendly Sour Mash Whiskey Brands for Your Next Sip: Sour mash whiskey is a popular type of bourbon that has a distinctive flavor. This article highlights seven different brands that are known for their quality and taste.
- Top 7 Bourbons for the Perfect Kentucky Mule Cocktail: If you’re a fan of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail, you might want to try a Kentucky Mule, which uses bourbon instead of vodka. This article features seven different bourbons that are perfect for making this refreshing drink.
- 10 Cheap Whiskey Brands to Avoid – A Friendly Guide to Bad Booze: If you’re on a budget, you might be tempted to try some of the cheaper whiskey brands on the market. However, not all cheap whiskey is created equal. This article provides a helpful guide to some of the worst offenders, so you can avoid wasting your money on bad booze.
