The Scotch Sour is a sophisticated twist on the classic whiskey sour, made with Scotch whisky. This cocktail blends the smoky, rich flavor of Scotch with the tangy freshness of lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup, creating a well-balanced and refreshing drink. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the unique depth of Scotch and want a sour with an edge.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Scotch whisky (blended or single malt)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or twist (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 oz egg white (for a creamy texture)
- Angostura bitters (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Shake the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the Scotch, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. If using egg white for a frothy texture, add it now.
- Dry Shake (if using egg white): Shake the mixture without ice for about 10 seconds to create foam if you’re using egg white.
- Add Ice & Shake: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker and shake well for another 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain & Serve: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice or into a chilled coupe glass if you prefer it straight up.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist. For a classic touch, add a dash or two of Angostura bitters on top for extra depth of flavor.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 Scotch Sour
Variations
- Honey Scotch Sour: Swap the simple syrup for honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part hot water) for a richer, deeper sweetness.
- Smoky Twist: Use an Islay Scotch for a more intense, smoky flavor.
- Herbal Scotch Sour: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme as a garnish for an aromatic touch.
FAQs
What type of Scotch should I use?
Blended Scotch works well for a balanced flavor, but you can also use a single malt Scotch for more complexity. For a smokier version, try using an Islay Scotch.
Can I skip the egg white?
Yes, the egg white is optional and mainly added for texture. If you prefer a non-foamy drink, you can skip it.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the simple syrup to 3/4 oz. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup for added depth.
The Scotch Sour is a refined, refreshing cocktail perfect for those who want to enjoy the bold flavors of Scotch in a bright, tangy format. Ideal for both casual sipping and special occasions!
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Scotch Sour
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Scotch Sour is a refreshing twist on the classic whiskey sour, made with Scotch whisky. It has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, with the smoky and rich notes of Scotch adding depth. This cocktail is easy to make and a great way to enjoy Scotch in a lighter, citrus-forward drink.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Scotch whisky
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour the Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the drink into an ice-filled rocks glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup based on your taste.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- A smoky or peaty Scotch adds extra depth to the cocktail, but any Scotch whisky will work well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg