Tangy Scotch Sour Recipe: A Zingy Twist on a Classic Cocktail

A classic scotch sour blends rich, smoky whisky with zesty citrus in a perfectly balanced cocktail.

Mixologists worldwide cherish this elegant drink for its sophisticated flavor profile.

Smooth scotch whisky creates the foundation of this timeless libation.

Tangy lemon juice and a touch of sweetener dance together, creating a harmonious sip.

Professional bartenders recommend using high-quality single malt scotch for maximum depth.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this refined beverage.

You’ll want to savor every nuanced moment of this exceptional cocktail.

Shake, strain, and experience a drink that promises pure liquid sophistication.

Scotch Sour That’s Smooth With Just the Right Kick

• Speedy Preparation: Whips up quickly in just minutes, perfect for spontaneous cocktail cravings.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only three basic ingredients, making it super easy to craft without complex shopping lists.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Elegant enough for sophisticated gatherings yet casual enough for relaxed home parties, appealing to various social settings.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Easily adjustable sweetness and strength by tweaking simple syrup and whisky proportions, catering to different taste preferences.

What Goes Into a Classic Scotch Sour Drink

• Scotch Whisky: Smoky and complex spirit that forms the cocktail's foundation, best with a medium-bodied blended or single malt Scotch.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy component that balances the whisky's intensity, always use freshly squeezed for best flavor.
• Simple Syrup: Smooth sweetener that rounds out the cocktail's sharp edges, can be homemade or store-bought.

• Lemon Twist, Cherry: Decorative elements that add aromatic notes and visual appeal, choose ripe, firm garnishes.

• Cocktail Shaker Ice: Chills and dilutes the drink for a refreshing texture.
• Rocks Glass Ice: Keeps the final cocktail cold and enhances drinking experience, use large, clear ice cubes if possible.

Scotch Sour Drink Mixing Directions

Step 1: Chill the Cocktail Shaker

Grab your cocktail shaker and fill it generously with ice cubes.

The more ice, the better the chill for your refreshing Scotch Sour.

Step 2: Combine Liquid Ingredients

• Smooth Scotch whisky
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Homemade simple syrup

Step 3: Shake with Enthusiasm

Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.

The goal is to create a perfectly blended, frosty mixture that’s cold to the core.

Step 4: Prepare the Serving Glass

Select a rocks glass and fill it with fresh ice cubes.

This ensures your drink stays wonderfully chilled from first sip to last.

Step 5: Strain and Garnish

Carefully strain the cocktail from the shaker into the prepared glass.

• A delicate lemon twist
• A classic maraschino cherry

Step 6: Final Flourish

Give the drink a gentle stir, admire its beautiful color, and get ready to savor your perfectly crafted Scotch Sour.

Cheers!

Cocktail Mixing Tips for a Smooth Scotch Sour

• Select a smooth, well-aged Scotch whisky to elevate the cocktail's flavor profile and ensure a rich, balanced taste.
• Adjust the simple syrup and lemon juice ratio to match your preferred sweetness level, creating a personalized drink experience.
• Energetically shake the cocktail for 10-15 seconds to properly chill the drink and create a perfectly integrated mixture.
• Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade simple syrup for a brighter, more vibrant Scotch Sour.
• Experiment with different garnishes like a flamed orange peel or a brandied cherry to add an elegant touch and extra flavor complexity.

Scotch Sour Cocktail Storage

• Store leftover Scotch Sour in an airtight container or glass pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the drink's freshness intact.
• If possible, store the whisky, lemon juice, and simple syrup separately to maintain optimal flavor and prevent dilution.
• When ready to enjoy, give the cocktail a quick shake with fresh ice to restore its chill and blend the flavors before serving.
• If the drink has been sitting for more than 48 hours, it's best to prepare a fresh Scotch Sour to ensure the best taste and quality.

What Goes With Scotch Sour Cocktail

• Pair with Savory Charcuterie Board: Complement the whisky's bold flavor with aged cheeses, prosciutto, and spicy salami to balance the cocktail's tartness.
• Matching Spicy Appetizers: Serve alongside jalapeño poppers or buffalo chicken wings to enhance the drink's complex whisky notes and citrusy punch.
• Smoke-Infused Cheese Plate: Select smoked gouda, blue cheese, and manchego to mirror the Scotch's smoky undertones and create a harmonious flavor experience.
• Grilled Herbed Lamb Skewers: Prepare tender lamb with rosemary and thyme to echo the whisky's robust character and provide a rich, protein-packed accompaniment.

Scotch Sour Cocktail Twists

• Low-Alcohol Version: Replace Scotch whisky with a lighter, lower-proof whisky or use half the original amount mixed with club soda for a more refreshing, less potent drink.
• Smoky Spice Variation: Add a dash of ginger liqueur or muddle fresh ginger in the shaker to introduce a warm, spicy undertone that complements the Scotch's smokiness.
• Herbal Infusion: Substitute simple syrup with lavender or rosemary-infused syrup to create a botanical and aromatic version of the classic Scotch Sour.
• Vegan Friendly: Skip the traditional egg white and use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a plant-based foaming agent to maintain the cocktail's silky texture without animal products.

FAQs

• What type of whisky works best for a Scotch Sour?

Blended Scotch whisky is ideal, as it provides a balanced flavor that complements the lemon and simple syrup without being too overpowering.

• Can I make a Scotch Sour without a cocktail shaker?

While a cocktail shaker helps chill and blend ingredients perfectly, you can use a mason jar or mix vigorously in a tall glass with ice if you don’t have a shaker.

• How strong is a typical Scotch Sour?

A standard Scotch Sour contains about 2 ounces of Scotch whisky, making it a moderately strong cocktail with approximately 15-20% alcohol by volume.

• Is a Scotch Sour similar to other sour cocktails?

Yes, it follows the classic sour cocktail formula of spirit, citrus, and sweetener, similar to whiskey sour or pisco sour, but uses Scotch whisky as its base spirit.

Scotch Sour Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Whisky enthusiasts will fall in love with this classic Scotch Sour cocktail, blending rich Scottish spirits with zesty citrus notes. Balanced layers of smoky whisky, fresh lemon juice, and sweet simple syrup create a sophisticated drink you’ll savor with every sip.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spirits and Base:

• 2 ounces (60 milliliters) scotch whisky

Citrus and Sweetener:

• 3/4 ounces (22 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounces (15 milliliters) simple syrup

Finishing Elements:

• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Chill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes to prepare for serving.
2. Add generous ice cubes into a cocktail shaker, creating a crisp mixing environment.
3. Carefully pour Scotch whisky, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and smooth simple syrup directly into the shaker.
4. Seal the cocktail shaker tightly and vigorously shake for 10-15 seconds, allowing ingredients to blend and become frosty cold.
5. Position a cocktail strainer over the shaker and smoothly strain the liquid into the prepared ice-filled rocks glass.
6. Elevate the presentation by delicately garnishing the cocktail’s surface with an elegant lemon twist or a vibrant maraschino cherry.
7. Serve immediately to preserve the drink’s optimal temperature and refreshing character.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality Scotch whisky with robust flavors like Glenfiddich or Laphroaig for a more complex cocktail profile.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a significant difference compared to bottled juice, enhancing the drink’s brightness and balance.
• Use a cocktail strainer to ensure a smooth, ice-free pour and prevent unwanted pulp or ice fragments in the final drink.
• Optional variation: Add a dash of egg white for a silky, frothy texture and a classic whisky sour presentation with a smooth foam top.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg