The Whiskey Sour Cocktail is a cocktail that never goes out of style—because it hits every note: strong, sour, sweet, and smooth. Built on whiskey, fresh lemon juice, and sugar (with the optional silky upgrade of egg white), it’s as versatile as Los Angeles itself.
From gritty-chic bars in Silver Lake to breezy brunches in Santa Monica, the Whiskey Sour Cocktail remains one of LA’s most requested—and respected—cocktails.
Ingredients For The Whiskey Sour Cocktail (One Serving)
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- Optional: ½ oz Egg White
- Garnish: Angostura Bitters (for foam art), lemon wheel, or cherry
- Ice
- Old Fashioned glass or coupe (egg white version)
LA Local Tip: Looking for a modern twist? Ask Party Shakers for a smoked sour with torched rosemary or a bourbon-barrel-aged version using local spirits from Broken Barrel or Lost Spirits.
How to Make the Perfect Whiskey Sour Cocktail
1. Dry shake if using egg white.
Combine whiskey, lemon, syrup, and egg white in a shaker with no ice. Shake hard for 10 seconds. This is why The Whiskey Sour Cocktail is so great.
- Add ice and shake again.
Shake again for another 15 seconds until frothy and cold. - Double strain into your glass.
Use a fine mesh strainer for the smoothest texture. Serve over a big rock in an Old Fashioned glass, or neat in a coupe if you’re going the egg-white route. - Garnish to impress.
Bitters art, candied lemon peel, dehydrated citrus—LA loves a good visual.
Why LA Keeps Coming Back
It’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation-starter, and an easy gateway for whiskey skeptics. LA venues love it for:
- Rooftop happy hours in Downtown LA
- Summer pop-ups in Venice
- Whiskey tasting nights in Sherman Oaks
- Wedding cocktail hours in Calabasas
Whether you want it classic or creative, the Whiskey Sour delivers.
FAQs
Do I need the egg white?
No—but it elevates the drink. Party Shakers always uses pasteurized eggs and can make it with or without.
Can I use rye instead of bourbon?
Yes—rye gives it a spicier edge. We offer both, including local California rye for a regional flair.
Can it be made in batches?
Definitely. We prep Whiskey Sour bases in advance and shake them fresh at your event for maximum flavor and foam.
Book the Drink That Never Misses – Whiskey Sour in LA
Smooth, sour, and totally customizable—the Whiskey Sour is the cocktail that makes everyone feel welcome while keeping it elevated. Let Party Shakers shake it to perfection.
✅ Available across LA County: Burbank, Long Beach, Westwood, Highland Park
✅ Choose bourbon, rye, or infused whiskey (smoke, cherry, spiced)
✅ Optional foam art bar for VIP events
✅ Served by mixologists who know how to balance boldness and beauty