Vegan Whiskey Sour

The Classic Whiskey Sour

The traditional Whiskey Sour is a beloved cocktail that dates back to the mid-19th century. It’s known for its perfect balance of flavors—sweet, sour, and strong. The original recipe typically includes whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white, the latter of which gives the drink its signature frothy texture. However, as more people adopt plant-based diets, the need for a vegan alternative has grown. Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective way to make a Vegan Whiskey Sour that’s just as rich and velvety as the original.

The Key Ingredient: Aquafaba

The secret to creating a frothy Vegan Whiskey Sour lies in an unexpected ingredient: aquafaba. For those unfamiliar, aquafaba is the liquid you find in a can of chickpeas. While it may seem unusual to use in a cocktail, aquafaba has properties similar to egg whites, making it an excellent substitute in recipes that require froth or foam. Best of all, it’s completely flavorless, so it won’t alter the taste of your drink.

Ingredients for a Vegan Whiskey Sour

Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Vegan Whiskey Sour:

• 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey: Choose a quality whiskey that you enjoy. Bourbon will add a sweeter, smoother flavor, while rye will give your cocktail a spicier kick.

• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for that bright, tangy flavor.

• 1/2 oz simple syrup: Simple syrup adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.

• 2 tbsp aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas): This is your egg white substitute, which will create the frothy top layer.

• Ice: For chilling the drink.

• Lemon twist or cherry for garnish: Optional, but adds a nice touch for presentation.

How to Make a Vegan Whiskey Sour

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—mixing up your Vegan Whiskey Sour!

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you haven’t made simple syrup before, it’s easy—just combine equal parts sugar and water, heat until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool.

2. Shake with Aquafaba: In a cocktail shaker, add the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and aquafaba. Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 15-20 seconds. This step helps the aquafaba create that beautiful frothy texture.

3. Add Ice and Shake Again: Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake again, this time for another 15-20 seconds. This chills the cocktail and further integrates all the ingredients.

4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice. You’ll notice a nice, thick layer of foam on top.

5. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry for a classic touch, and enjoy your Vegan Whiskey Sour!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Whiskey Sour

This vegan version of the Whiskey Sour is a game-changer. The aquafaba creates a silky, foamy layer that’s just as satisfying as the egg-white version, and it does so without compromising on flavor. The combination of whiskey, lemon, and simple syrup is timeless, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong.

Final Thoughts

This proves that classic cocktails can be easily adapted to suit modern dietary preferences without losing any of their charm. So next time you’re in the mood for a Whiskey Sour, give this vegan version a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to cocktail.

For more cocktail recipes, tips, and stories from the world of mixology, be sure to check out the rest of my blog here at Cocktail A to Z.