If you asked me what my go-to mixed drink of choice would be, it would definitely be a sour. This blackberry whiskey sour made with Crown Royal blackberry is one of my favorites, since it has the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Plus, it’s just 3 ingredients so it’s easy to make too!
Smooth blackberry Crown whiskey is paired with tart lemon juice (fresh is best) and balanced with a little bit of simple syrup to create the perfect sip in this easy cocktail recipe!
This seasonal Crown flavor is available in late February to early March, making this drink ideal for Spring and into Summer (assuming you can wait that long)! I enjoy the refreshing blackberry flavor on Easter equally as much as those warm summer nights.
If you aren’t able to get your hands on a bottle, you can definitely use a different brand, or I’ll give you some substitution options as well to make your own (but it’ll be more than 3 ingredients then)!
For some other seasonal options, make sure to check out my Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour or my Crown Apple Whiskey Sour!
Blackberry Whiskey Sour Ingredients
2 ounces Crown Royal blackberry whiskey
2 ounces lemon juice (or sour mix)
1 ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use another brand of blackberry whiskey besides Crown, if preferred. Alternatively, sub in blackberry brandy, or use 1 ounce of blackberry syrup (omit the simple syrup) and plain whiskey or bourbon
Fresh lemon juice tastes best for this recipe (1 large lemon should give you just about 2 ounces of juice). In a pinch, though, you can use bottled juice or a prepared sour mix
The simple syrup is optional, but I feel the drink is pretty tart without it (Crown blackberry is much less sweet than the caramel flavor). You can also substitute ½ tsp regular sugar, or use honey, maple syrup, or agave as a natural sweetener option
Garnishes are entirely optional as well, but a slice of lemon or a skewer of blackberries are the most common options
Step By Step Instructions
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with a few cubes of ice
Shake until blended and well chilled (about 20-30 seconds)
Strain into a lowball style glass (like a whiskey glass)
Add a large ice cube (optional) and any garnishes desired. Enjoy!
A blackberry whiskey sour is a flavorful cocktail that combines whiskey, fresh blackberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, and sometimes egg white for a frothy texture.
Using a blackberry flavored whiskey like Crown allows you to get the fresh blackberry flavor without having to use real fruit, making this drink even more simplified.
How Do You Make a Blackberry Whiskey Sour?
To make a blackberry whiskey sour, muddle fresh blackberries in a cocktail shaker (optional), then add blackberry whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and optionally egg white.
Fill the shaker with ice, shake vigorously, and strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a blackberry and lemon twist.
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries in a Blackberry Whiskey Sour?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries in a blackberry whiskey sour. Simply thaw the blackberries before muddling them in the cocktail shaker. Frozen blackberries may result in a slightly different texture compared to fresh ones but will still impart delicious flavor.
You can also add frozen blackberries in place of ice cubes, to cool the drink without diluting it, while also adding additional blackberry flavor.
What Type of Whiskey Should I Use for a Blackberry Whiskey Sour?
Traditionally, bourbon whiskey is used for a blackberry whiskey sour due to its smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile. However, the use of Crown Royal blackberry whiskey is the ideal choice, as it adds blackberry flavor naturally, resulting in the need for one less ingredient.
You can also use rye whiskey or even Irish whiskey depending on your personal preference and the flavor profile you desire, or swap in blackberry brandy as an alternative.
Can I Make a Blackberry Whiskey Sour Without Egg White?
Yes, you can omit the egg white from a blackberry whiskey sour if desired. In fact, nowadays it is more common not to use egg whites at all for sour cocktails.
The egg white simply adds a frothy texture to the cocktail, but it’s not essential for flavor. Just skip this ingredient if you prefer a simpler version of the drink.
How Can I Customize the Sweetness of a Blackberry Whiskey Sour?
You can adjust the sweetness of a blackberry whiskey sour by varying the amount of simple syrup used in the recipe.
Start with a smaller amount and taste the cocktail before adding more syrup to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
What Are Some Variations of a Blackberry Whiskey Sour?
There are numerous variations of the blackberry whiskey sour that you can explore. For example, you can add a splash of ginger beer for extra fizz, or substitute blackberry liqueur for fresh blackberries.
As mentioned before, you can also add an egg white to create a layer of froth. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients!
Recipe Pro Tips
Add some frozen blackberries to your glass instead of ice for a cooling method that won’t dilute your drink!
Feel free to muddle some fresh blackberries in the bottom of the shaker if you want to add even more blackberry flavor!
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker or something similar (like a mason jar) you can just mix everything well in a glass and then top with a large ice cube to slow dilution
Serving and Storage Tips
I use an 11-ounce whiskey glass for this recipe, but any lowball style glass works fine. Use a rocks glass, old fashioned, or anything similar
If serving a group, I recommend making drinks individually so you can adjust strength (whiskey), sweetness (simple syrup), and tartness (lemon juice) as desired per person. However, you can juice a batch of lemons up to 24 hours in advance to save time if you’d like!
This blackberry whiskey sour is made into an even simpler recipe thanks to the use of Crown Royal blackberry. Of course, you can use any brand of blackberry whiskey you like, or add fresh berries or syrup to regular whiskey as well.
I just love to take advantage of shortcuts where possible, which is why this drink is just 3 simple ingredients. It’s perfect for entertaining in the Spring or Summer, when this seasonal whiskey is available.
Tweak the proportions just the way you like for that perfect combination of sweet, tart, and smooth. It takes less than 5 minutes to throw together, so this blackberry Crown cocktail is ready for happy hour any day!
Pair your drink with some of my Oatmeal Blackberry Muffins for the perfect complimentary snack!
My list of Blackberry Crown Recipes also includes all the amazing cocktails I made with this seasonal whiskey!
Blackberry Whiskey Sour Recipe (With Crown Royal Blackberry)
This blackberry whiskey sour recipe is only 3 ingredients thanks to the use of Crown Royal blackberry whiskey. It’s ready in under 5 minutes for a perfect Spring and Summer cocktail!
Shake until blended and well chilled (about 20-30 seconds)
Strain into a lowball style glass (like a whiskey glass)
Add a large ice cube (optional) and any garnishes desired. Enjoy!
Notes
You can use another brand of blackberry whiskey besides Crown, if preferred. Alternatively, sub in blackberry brandy, or use 1 ounce of blackberry syrup (omit the simple syrup) and plain whiskey or bourbon
Fresh lemon juice tastes best for this recipe (1 large lemon should give you just about 2 ounces of juice). In a pinch, though, you can use bottled juice or a prepared sour mix
The simple syrup is optional, but I feel the drink is pretty tart without it (Crown blackberry is much less sweet than the caramel flavor). You can also substitute ½ tsp regular sugar, or use honey, maple syrup, or agave as a natural sweetener option
Garnishes are entirely optional as well, but a slice of lemon or a skewer of blackberries are the most common options
Add some frozen blackberries to your glass instead of ice for a cooling method that won’t dilute your drink!
Feel free to muddle some fresh blackberries in the bottom of the shaker if you want to add even more blackberry flavor!
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker or something similar (like a mason jar) you can just mix everything well in a glass and then top with a large ice cube to slow dilution
I use an 11-ounce whiskey glass for this recipe, but any lowball style glass works fine. Use a rocks glass, old fashioned, or anything similar
If serving a group, I recommend making drinks individually so you can adjust strength (whiskey), sweetness (simple syrup), and tartness (lemon juice) as desired per person. However, you can juice a batch of lemons up to 24 hours in advance to save time if you’d like!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, adjustments made, any garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
