Pucker Up: Creative Whiskey Sour Cocktails to toast that vibrant flavor

While it seems almost any day has a cocktail associated with it, National Whiskey Sour Day can be a reason for some people to put down their signature cocktail for another option. Whether it is the love of a good pucker, the burst of brightness, or just wanting something different, these Whiskey Sour Cocktails are waiting to be enjoyed.

A whiskey sour starts with three ingredients, whiskey, citrus, and a simple syrup. While those three items can be joined with a variety of flavors, the basic concept needs to be in balance. The liquor cannot be the only note. The zesty citrus needs that hint of sweetness. When everything comes together in a single sip, the libation is a success.

Although a few RTD cocktails have ventured into this concept, making a fresh whiskey sour cocktail is always preferred. If at-home cocktail enthusiasts need some help, grabbing a Fresh Victor Cocktail mixer is always a smart choice. With that base, it simplifies the whole process.

Thirsty for some Whiskey Sour Cocktails?

For the person who loves the combination of lemon and pepper on the plate, this cocktail celebrates that flavor pairing. If you haven’t used peppercorn in a cocktail, it is time to give it a try.

Single Fix

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz The Singleton 12 Year Old
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz Black Peppercorn Syrup

Preparation:

• Add all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish.

Sometimes a whiskey sour cocktail does not have to be just lemon. This cocktail from Buchanan’s gets a burst of juiciness from the blackberries.

James Blackberry

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Buchanan’s Deluxe
• 4-5 Blackberries, muddled
• 0.75 Honey Syrup (2 parts honey, 1 part water)
• 0.5 oz Chambord
• 0.75 oz Lemon Juice

Preparation:

• Lightly muddle 4-5 blackberries in a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients and shake over ice. Double strain so seeds of the blackberries don’t leak through. Pour over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Garnish cocktail with mint bouquet and lemon zest.

Lemon can be delightful with a touch of spice. This cocktail with ginger syrup brings the sweet and heat.

Old Parr Golden

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Old Parr Aged 12 Years
• 1 oz Ginger Syrup
• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
• Top with Premium Club Soda

Preparation:

• Combine the syrup and lemon juice with Old Parr Aged 12 Years. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Top with premium club soda and garnish with an orange wedge.

Wine lovers can join the cocktail conversation, too. This libation is definitely one to contemplate.

Cab Cask Sour

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz I.W. HARPER Cabernet Cask Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 75 oz Simple Syrup
• 75 oz Lemon Juice
• 25 oz California Cabernet

Preparation:

• Add I.W. Harper Cabernet Cask Reserve, simple syrup and lemon juice into a shaker with ice, shake until chilled. Pour over a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes. Top the cocktail with the wine. Garnish with a slice of orange and cherry.

Sometimes sweet and tart can be a winning combination. The cranberry bitters add another layer that is quite enjoyable.

Dewar’s 12 Perthshire Sour

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Dewar’s 12 Year Old
• .75 oz Simple Syrup
• .75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 4 Drops: Fee Brother Cranberry Bitters
• .75 oz Red Wine Float

Method:

• Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Float red wine. Garnish with fresh orange slice.