This traditional whiskey bitter recipe is good, tart, wealthy, and refreshing. Simple to make with 4 easy components, it is one in every of our favourite whiskey cocktails.

A whiskey bitter is one in every of Jack’s favourite cocktails to order once we exit to dinner. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, easy syrup, and elective egg white, it’s brighter than most whiskey drinks, which Jack thinks makes it the right begin to a great meal. It additionally signifies that although I’m not often a whiskey drinker, I do get pleasure from a whiskey bitter. I really like its candy/tart taste, wealthy texture, and foamy prime.
Since we’re each followers of this traditional cocktail, Jack and I’ve gotten into making whiskey sours at dwelling. Seems, you don’t must be at a elaborate restaurant or bar to sip this scrumptious drink. It’s straightforward to make in a cocktail shaker, and if the egg white intimidates you, you may merely go away it out! This whiskey bitter recipe has change into a staple in our fall and winter cocktail rotation. I hope you find it irresistible too!

Whiskey Bitter Elements
Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to make this recipe:
- Bourbon – In principle, you would use any sort of whiskey right here (i.e., rye, scotch), however bourbon is a traditional alternative. Its candy, oaky notes play properly with the intense lemon. Our favourite manufacturers are Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Cody Street.
- Recent lemon juice – It most likely goes with out saying, however remember to use freshly squeezed lemon juice as an alternative of bottled. It provides this cocktail the perfect vibrant, tart taste.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s straightforward to make your personal with equal elements water and sugar. Learn the way in my easy syrup recipe.
- Egg white – It creates the distinctive layer of froth on prime of a whiskey bitter. It additionally provides it a richer, nearly creamy texture and mellows the tartness of the lemon. We prefer it on this drink, however in the event you’re squeamish about utilizing uncooked egg white (completely truthful, like all uncooked eggs, it poses a small danger of sickness), you may skip it. The cocktail will probably be even tangier and have a lighter, extra refreshing texture. I actually find it irresistible that means!
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail.
- Garnishes – We at all times prime this drink with just a few dashes of Angostura bitters, which add notes of orange peel and clove. An orange slice brings out the citrus taste much more, and a Maraschino cherry simply takes the entire thing excessive.
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Find out how to Make a Whiskey Bitter
In case you’ve made different cocktails at dwelling earlier than, you received’t have any hassle with a whiskey bitter.
It’s tremendous simple: shake, pressure, garnish, and serve.
In case you’re utilizing the egg white, the one small distinction from most shaken cocktails is that you just’ll really shake it WITHOUT ice first. That is known as a “dry shake,” and it helps incorporate the egg white into the whiskey, lemon juice, and easy syrup, giving the drink a thick texture and foamy prime. Then, add the ice and shake till chilled.
A word on ratios: The traditional ratio for a bitter cocktail is 2 elements spirit to 1 half acid to 1 half sweetener. Nevertheless, similar to in my gimlet recipe, I like to make use of a better ratio of spirit to permit the bourbon taste to return by way of. In fact, be at liberty to regulate the ratios on this recipe to discover a steadiness of flavors you’re keen on. Add extra easy syrup for a sweeter drink, or use slightly additional lemon for a brighter pop. Take pleasure in!

Extra Favourite Whiskey Cocktails
In case you love this recipe, attempt one in every of these traditional whiskey cocktails subsequent:

Whiskey Bitter
Serves 1
This whiskey bitter recipe is one in every of our favourite traditional cocktails! I am not often a whiskey drinker, and I nonetheless love its candy and tart taste. Add the egg white to provide it a foamy prime and thicker texture, or skip it for a lighter, brighter drink. Each methods are scrumptious!
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ¾ ounce contemporary lemon juice
- ½ ounce easy syrup
- ½ ounce egg white, elective
- Ice
- Angostura bitters, for garnish
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Stop your display from going darkish
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Place the bourbon, lemon juice, easy syrup, and egg white, if utilizing, in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to include the egg white, then add ice and shake till properly chilled.
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Pressure right into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with 3 to 4 drops of Angostura bitters, an orange slice, and maraschino cherry and serve.
