Oh, there’s something so utterly charming about a perfectly executed classic cocktail, isn’t there? It just feels… *right*. And if you’re looking to impress with something that’s both timeless and seriously sippable, then you absolutely have to get acquainted with the Scotch Sour. Trust me, this isn’t just another drink; it’s a masterpiece of balance. The Scotch Sour cocktail recipe is all about that magical tango between the robust character of the whisky, the bright tang of fresh lemon, and a whisper of sweetness. I remember the first time I had one – it was at this little speakeasy, all dim lights and hushed conversations, and one sip just instantly transported me. It’s sophisticated, no doubt, but also incredibly approachable. It’s the kind of drink you can whip up when you want to feel a bit fancy at home.

Why You’ll Love This Scotch Sour Cocktail Recipe

Seriously, this Scotch Sour cocktail recipe is a winner for so many reasons:

It’s ridiculously easy to make – we’re talking just a few minutes from start to finish!
The flavor profile is just *chef’s kiss* – perfectly balanced between tart, sweet, and wonderfully smooth.
It feels super sophisticated, but honestly, anyone can nail it. Talk about elegant simplicity!
It’s a fantastic way to really taste the character of a good Scotch without it being overpowering.

Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Scotch Sour Cocktail

Alright, so to whip up the most amazing Scotch Sour, you really only need a handful of things. And trust me, the quality of these few ingredients makes a HUGE difference! For this little beauty, you’ll want:

2 oz Scotch whisky: This is the star, so pick a Scotch you actually like sipping on its own. A blended Scotch works perfectly, but a Speyside or Highland single malt can add some really lovely notes.
1 oz fresh lemon juice: Please, please, PLEASE use fresh lemons! Bottled juice just doesn’t have that bright, zesty punch. It’s a game-changer, I promise.
0.75 oz simple syrup: Super easy to make yourself – just equal parts sugar and hot water, stir until dissolved, and let it cool. You can totally adjust this amount if you like your drinks a little sweeter or tarlier.
1 large egg white (optional): If you’re going for that truly classic, silky texture and a beautiful foamy top, don’t skip this! It makes all the difference. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, it’s still a delicious drink without it.
Garnish: a lemon twist or a cherry: This is just for looks and a little extra aroma, but it totally completes the package!

How to Prepare the Ultimate Scotch Sour Cocktail

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making a fantastic Scotch Sour cocktail is totally achievable, and it’s more about a little care than complicated steps. First things first, grab your cocktail shaker and get it nice and frosty. Pop it in the freezer for a bit, or fill it with ice water while you get everything else ready. This simple trick means a colder, better-tasting drink! It’s crucial for that smooth texture you’re after.

Now, into that chilled shaker goes your star: the Scotch whisky. Follow that with your freshly squeezed lemon juice and your simple syrup. If you’re feeling brave and want that super silky, cloud-like texture, now’s the time to add your egg white. Don’t worry, it sounds weird, but it really transforms the drink! You can learn more about the magic egg white adds to cocktails like this. Just pour it all in.

Here’s where the magic really happens, and it involves a bit of elbow grease. You’re going to put the lid on tight and give it a good, solid shake. This vital step, which I’ll talk about more in a sec, is what chills everything down and, if you’ve got the egg white in there, starts to build that wonderful froth.

The Art of Shaking Your Scotch Sour

Okay, so for the shaking part of your Scotch Sour, listen up! If you’re using that egg white, you gotta do a little trick called a “dry shake” first. That just means shaking everything *without* ice for about 15-20 seconds. This really helps emulsify the egg white and build up that gorgeous foam later. Then, add your ice to the shaker, seal it up again, and shake it like you mean it until the shaker feels like an ice sculpture in your hands – that usually takes another good 15-20 seconds. You want it *really* cold!

Straining and Garnishing Your Scotch Sour Cocktail

Once it’s perfectly chilled and frothy, it’s time to strain your beautiful Scotch Sour. You’ll want to use a fine-mesh strainer along with the shaker’s built-in strainer to catch any little ice bits or lemon pulp. Pour it straight into your pre-chilled coupe or rocks glass. Now for the finishing touch! A simple, elegant lemon twist twirled over the drink adds a lovely aroma, or a bright red maraschino cherry looks so classic. It really just completes the whole experience, making it look as good as it tastes!

Tips for Mastering Your Scotch Sour Cocktail Recipe

Alright, you’ve got the basic recipe down, but here’s where we can really kick your Scotch Sour up a notch and make it truly unforgettable. My biggest tip? Use the best darn ingredients you can find. Seriously, for a drink with so few components, quality matters SO much. Grab a Scotch you actually enjoy sipping – maybe something a little peaty or something super smooth, whatever tickles your fancy. And that fresh lemon juice? It’s non-negotiable, trust me on this one. If you’re going for that silky foam with the egg white, don’t skimp on the shaking. That dry shake followed by a good ice shake is your best friend for texture. And honestly, don’t be afraid to tweak that simple syrup! Taste as you go. Maybe you like it a bit tarter, maybe a bit sweeter. This is *your* Scotch Sour cocktail recipe, after all! It’s also fun to think about other whisky cocktails, like this awesome Penicillin cocktail, to see how different flavors play with whisky.

Variations on the Classic Scotch Sour

Once you’ve absolutely mastered the classic Scotch Sour, why not play around a little? It’s so much fun to see how tiny tweaks can create a whole new vibe! For something a little richer, try adding a splash of Amaretto – it brings this lovely almond sweetness that plays surprisingly well with the Scotch. Or, for a really fragrant twist, muddle a few fresh raspberries or a sprig of rosemary in the shaker before you add your liquids. It adds a beautiful fruity or herbaceous note! And if you love the classic Whiskey Sour, you might enjoy seeing how this Whiskey Sour Charm cocktail adds its own unique spin.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Scotch Sour

Got questions about making the perfect Scotch Sour? I totally get it! It’s a classic for a reason, and knowing a few little things can make all the difference. Here are some things folks often ask when they’re diving into this lovely drink:

What’s the best kind of Scotch to use for a Scotch Sour?

Honestly, you can use pretty much any Scotch you enjoy! A good blended Scotch is usually a safe bet and works beautifully – it’s got great character without being too overpowering. If you want to get fancy, a Speyside single malt can bring some fruity notes, or a Highland malt might add a bit more depth. Just pick something you wouldn’t mind sipping straight up, and you’ll be golden. You can find some great ideas on making other Scotch cocktails too!

Is the egg white really that important for a Scotch Sour?

Oh, the egg white! It’s totally optional, but if you’re aiming for that super traditional, velvety-smooth texture and a beautiful, stable foam on top, then yes, it’s pretty fantastic. It doesn’t really add much flavor, but it gives the drink this luxurious mouthfeel that’s just divine. If you’re not keen on using raw egg white, or you’re just in a hurry, it’ll still be a delicious sour without it! Just shake it extra well to get it nice and chilled.

How do I make simple syrup for my Scotch Sour?

Making simple syrup is ridiculously easy, it’s practically a kitchen miracle! Just grab equal parts granulated sugar and water – so, like, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat them up in a small saucepan (don’t boil it, just warm it enough to dissolve the sugar) and stir until all the sugar is gone. Let it cool down completely before using it in your cocktail. Keep a little jar of it in the fridge, and you’ll always be ready to whip up a drink!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, this is a rough estimate, okay? All those wonderful ingredients can add up a bit! A standard Scotch Sour cocktail, made with the ingredients listed, generally clocks in around 250 calories. You’re looking at about 18g of carbohydrates, mostly from the simple syrup and a little from the Scotch itself, with around 15g of that being sugar. Fat and protein are pretty minimal here, usually less than 1g each. But hey, it’s a delicious treat, and the taste is totally worth it, right?

Scotch Sour Cocktail

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Scotch Sour cocktail recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

2 oz Scotch whisky
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.75 oz simple syrup
1 egg white (optional)
Garnish: lemon twist or cherry

Instructions

Combine Scotch, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) in a cocktail shaker.
Add ice and shake well until thoroughly chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.

Notes

For a frothy top, dry shake (without ice) first, then add ice and shake again.
Adjust simple syrup to your sweetness preference.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cocktail
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Scotch Sour, Cocktail, Whisky, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Classic Cocktail