Scotch Sour Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Scotch
Alcohol 28%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 3 minutes

Imagine you’re at a party, and you want to impress your friends with a super cool drink. That’s where the Scotch Sour comes in! It’s a tangy and sweet cocktail with a little bit of whisky zing, and we’ll explore all the secrets that make it so special, from its history to the perfect way to serve it. Ready to become a Scotch Sour expert? Let’s dive in! ⬇️

History

The Scotch Sour is a timeless cocktail with roots stretching back over a century. It’s part of the sour family, known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. This drink has been enjoyed by many generations, leaving a legacy of good taste.

• The “sour” in Scotch Sour comes from the practice of adding lemon or lime juice to spirits.
• It was originally served in a small bar glass, which was the style at the time.
• The cocktail gained popularity during the 19th century, alongside other classic sours.

The taste of a Scotch Sour?

A Scotch Sour? Oh, it’s like a little dance on your tongue! The whisky gives it a smoky hug while the lemon juice adds a bright, zesty high-five. And the sugar? That’s like a peppy cheerleader adding just the right amount of sweetness.

I find that Scotch Sours are like a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly evening – they have that comforting whisky flavor but with a zippy, lemony twist!

Interesting facts about Scotch Sour

• Did you know that a well-made Scotch Sour should have a frothy top? That’s from shaking it up good!
• Some folks like to add a dash of egg white to their Scotch Sour for extra silkiness.
• Long ago, sailors drank something similar to prevent scurvy, but I bet it wasn’t this tasty!

Ingredients

• Scotch whisky: 2 oz (60ml)
• Lemon juice: 3/4 oz (22ml)
• Simple syrup: 1/2 oz (15ml)
• Ice cubes: Enough to fill the shaker
• Egg white (optional): 1 (for frothiness)

A Scotch Sour is traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass. The wide brim lets you get up close and personal with the zesty aroma, enhancing your sipping adventure! If you don’t have one, a rocks glass works nicely too.

Recipe. How to make Scotch Sour

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Pour in 2 oz of Scotch whisky, 3/4 oz of lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup.
3. If you’re feeling fancy, add an egg white.
4. Shake everything until it’s as cold as a snowman’s handshake.
5. Strain it into your glass and enjoy the magic!

Scotch Sours are delish, but they do have sugar and booze. If you want to be a bit healthier, you could use honey or agave instead of the syrup. Remember, too much of a good thing isn’t always good, even with something as yummy as this!

Food Pairings

When you’ve got a Scotch Sour in hand, you’ll want something to munch that’s just as awesome. Here are some top-notch food buddies for your drink.

Smoked Salmon

The smoky taste of the salmon swims along perfectly with the whisky in the Scotch Sour. It’s like they were made to party together!

Barbecue Ribs

Imagine this: a bite of sweet, sticky ribs followed by a sip of your sour. The flavors will do a little tango in your mouth!

Dark Chocolate

After all the tangy and smoky flavors, a piece of dark chocolate will make your taste buds say “thank you” with every sip and bite.

I think Scotch Sours are the bee’s knees because they’re a bit like drinking a zingy lemonade with a grown-up twist.

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Bartender Advice

• Chill your glass first to keep your drink cool and refreshing.
• Always use fresh lemon juice to get that perfect tangy kick.
• Practice your shaking technique to get the best froth from the egg white.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Scotch Sour, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Scotch Sour

• Swap out the simple syrup for maple syrup for a richer, autumnal flavor.
• Experiment with different types of bitters for a unique twist.
• Add a splash of soda water for a fizzy version of the classic.

Scotch Sour Variations

Smoky Scotch Sour

• Ingredients: Add a peaty Islay Scotch for a smokier profile.
• Recipe: Follow the standard recipe but garnish with a twist of orange peel.

Spiced Scotch Sour

• Ingredients: Include a cinnamon stick and a few cloves.
• Recipe: Muddle the spices with the syrup before shaking.

Herbal Scotch Sour

• Ingredients: Infuse the simple syrup with thyme or rosemary.
• Recipe: Use the herbal syrup in place of the regular one for an earthy note.

For a non-alcoholic treat, mix lemon juice and simple syrup with a dash of ginger ale. It’s a zesty Scotch Sour without the scotch!

Q&A

What’s the best scotch for a Scotch Sour?

You want a scotch that’s bold but not too peaty. A blended scotch usually hits the spot just right.

Can I make a big batch for a party?

Sure thing! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Remember to add the egg white last, right before you’re ready to serve.

Is there a vegan alternative to egg white?

Absolutely! Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, works wonders as a vegan froth-maker.

How long should I shake a Scotch Sour for?

Shake it till you make it—or at least for about 15 seconds to get it properly chilled and mixed.

Can I store leftover Scotch Sour in the fridge?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for a day. Just give it a good stir before serving again.

What’s the calorie count in a Scotch Sour?

It’s roughly around 200 calories, but if you’re cutting down, use less syrup or a sugar-free alternative.