I love a whiskey sour, you love a whiskey sour, and we all love a deliciously crafted whiskey sour! Let’s look at the origin of the whiskey sour and how we changed the recipe to match the needs of our taste buds.
What is a Whiskey Sour?
The Whiskey Sour is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for well over a century. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. The basic recipe for a Whiskey Sour consists of whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and sometimes egg white. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing and tangy beverage.
The use of citrus and sugar in cocktails dates back centuries, but the specific combination of whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar in the Whiskey Sour gained popularity in the United States during the mid-19th century. At that time, cocktails were often made with ingredients that were readily available, and whiskey was a familiar spirit in America.
It may interest you to learn that the incorporation of egg white into a Whiskey Sour can result in a velvety and foamy consistency. This particular adaptation gained popularity during the late 1800s and early 1900s when mixologists began including raw egg whites in their mixed drinks.
The Whiskey Sour gained significant popularity during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933). The quality of bootleg whiskey during that time was often poor, and mixing it with citrus juice and sugar helped mask the harsh taste of the spirit.
Over the years, the Whiskey Sour has remained a beloved cocktail and has seen various adaptations and interpretations. Bartenders have experimented with different whiskey varieties, added bitters for complexity, and even incorporated other fruits or herbs to put their unique twist on the classic recipe.
The Whiskey Sour, a classic cocktail, continues to hold its ground in the world of mixology even in modern times. Its timeless appeal has earned it a place in the hearts of whiskey lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike, who appreciate its harmonious blend of flavors. This drink has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice in cocktail bars across the globe.
The Whiskey Sour with Lavender and Honey
We are once again using our lavender smoke dust to smoke and make a simple syrup! If you haven’t gotten your hands on it yet, now is the time- we are running very low on Lavender and it won’t be back for a few months! Find it here!
I have recently been obsessed with making lavender simple syrup using our lavender smoke dust! It’s so quick and easy to do and can be added to just about anything- I have even been using it for my lattes!
To make lavender simple syrup, combine 1 cup of lavender with 1 cup of water and about a tablespoon of lavender flowers over medium-high heat. Stir until combined, strain into a heat-safe container.
Now, since this is a sour, we of course need the lemon!
Combining lavender and lemon creates a delightful flavor combination that balances floral and citrus notes. Here’s a description of the flavor profile you can expect:
Lavender: Lavender has a distinct floral and herbaceous flavor with hints of sweetness. Its taste is often described as aromatic, slightly earthy, and reminiscent of fresh flowers and herbs. Lavender can contribute a calming and soothing quality to culinary creations.
Lemon: Lemon, on the other hand, brings a bright and zesty citrus flavor to the mix. It is tangy, refreshing, and often associated with a pleasant acidity. Lemon adds a burst of acidity and a vibrant, invigorating character to dishes and beverages.
Combined Flavor: When lavender and lemon are combined, the result is a unique fusion of floral and citrus elements. The floral notes from the lavender complement the zesty, tangy flavors of the lemon, creating a well-balanced and refreshing taste experience.
The lavender adds a subtle, floral undertone that enhances the citrusy brightness of the lemon. It softens the sharpness of the lemon’s acidity while adding a touch of elegance and complexity. The combination can evoke a sense of relaxation and a touch of sophistication.
Overall, the lavender and lemon combination is a delightful balance of floral and citrus flavors, offering a refreshing and aromatic taste experience. It is often used in culinary applications, such as desserts, beverages, and cocktails, to add a unique and fragrant twist to traditional recipes.
Combining the Smoke Dusts for your Whiskey Sour
We also did something we haven’t done so far, combined smoke dusts! I couldn’t decide between the lavender smoke dust and lemon peel, so i did just a little bit of both to make the perfect combination for this cocktail!
If you’d like to see this cocktail in action, check out our Youtube version of it here:
Honey Lavender Whiskey Sour
Equipment
- 1 pot for simple syrup
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Smokeshow Cocktail Smoker
- 1 Butane Torch
Ingredients
Cocktail
- 2 oz Honey Whiskey
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 oz lavender simple syrup
Garnish & Smoke
- 1 slice Lemon
- 1/2 pinch Lemon Peel Smoke Dust
- 1/2 pinch Lavender Smoke Dust
Lavender Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lavender Smoke Dust
Instructions
Lavender Simple Syrup
- Combine all ingredients in pot over medium-high heat. Stir for about 10 minutes and strain into a heat-safe container with a lid.1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon Lavender Smoke Dust, 1 cup water
Cocktail
- Combine all ingredutnes into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass!2 oz Honey Whiskey, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz lavender simple syrup
Garnish & Smoke
- Place a small amount of each dust into the basket- no need to mix around! Torch, garnish, and enjoy!1 slice Lemon, 1/2 pinch Lemon Peel Smoke Dust, 1/2 pinch Lavender Smoke Dust