A traditional cocktail gets a wintery twist in this salted caramel whiskey sour. It features Crown salted caramel whiskey, which provides it with a unique flavor profile! Since this whiskey is only around in the winter, it’s a perfect season to enjoy this easy cocktail, which has just 3 ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just 3 simple ingredients are all that’s needed for this amazing salted caramel whiskey sour. In fact, you could argue that only two are required, but that’s going to largely depend on personal preference and the specific ingredients you’re using.
This cocktail embodies lots of different flavors together, with sweet and salty caramel twist, smooth whiskey, and sour from the lemon or sour mix components.
I’m using Crown salted caramel whiskey, which is a limited release during the winter months, but if you want to enjoy this drink at other times, I’ll give you some other options as well. However, I think the caramel flavor is perfect for complementing all those winter sweets!
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Ingredients For a Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour
- 2 ounces salted caramel whiskey (such as Crown Royal)
- 2 ounces lemon juice (or sour mix)
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or ½ tsp sugar)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use any brand of salted caramel whiskey you like. Crown is a classic, but Ole Smoky and Bird Dog (as well as others I’m sure) make one as well! You can also use regular or rye whiskey if you don’t have caramel flavor
- To add salted caramel flavor to regular whiskey, use a syrup such as Torani salted caramel (and omit the simple syrup)
- The simple syrup is technically optional, but I think it needs a little sweetness to offset the bitterness of the lemon juice or sour mix
- Garnishes are optional, but you can use a fresh lemon twist (or orange), or a maraschino cherry
- Fizzy Variation. Add a splash of Coke (and omit the simple syrup) or some club soda, sparkling water, or sparkling apple cider to create a fizzy version of the drink!
How to Make a Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour
- Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or similar) filled with ice
- Shake for about 30 seconds, until well blended and chilled
- Strain the mixture into a whiskey glass and add a large cube of ice (optional)
- Garnish with a twist of lemon or a maraschino cherry if desired and enjoy
- Caramel Apple Whiskey Sour
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make a Mocktail Version?
Yes, you can create a mocktail version without alcohol by substituting the whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or a non-alcoholic base such as apple juice or cider.
Brewed tea (iced or hot) is another great alternative base option, as it pairs well with the lemon juice and caramel notes.
What Type of Whiskey Is Best for a Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour?
To keep the number of ingredients low, the best whiskey for a salted caramel whiskey sour is salted caramel flavored whiskey. Brands like Crown Royal, Bird Dog, and Ole Smoky make such varieties.
If you are using plain whiskey with a caramel syrup for flavor, then you can use your preferred type of whiskey—bourbon, rye, or even Scotch, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I Use Alternative Sweeteners?
Certainly! If you prefer, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to achieve a different flavor profile.
You can also use caramel syrup (which is sweet) to add more caramel flavor to the drink.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Strength of the Drink?
Achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and strength involves adjusting the quantities of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to suit your taste.
Taste test and adjust as needed to suit your personal preferences.
What Are Good Garnishes for a Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour?
Garnish options include a slice of lemon on the rim, or a twist of lemon peel or maraschino cherry in the glass.
Other good options include a drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce for a visually appealing touch, a sea salt glass rim, or the addition of a cinnamon stick for spiced flavoring.
What is Salted Caramel Whiskey Good Mixed With?
Salted caramel whiskey mixes well with coffee, apple cider, Coke or ginger ale, hot chocolate, Irish cream, milkshakes, hazelnut or amaretto liqueur.
It also plays well with citrus, like the lemon notes in this drink (though orange works well too).
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker you can use something similar (such as a mason jar). Alternatively, add the ingredients to your glass, stir well with a spoon, and then add in a large ice cube to minimize dilution
- I use an 11-oz old-fashioned glass for this recipe, but any similar rocks glass or whiskey style glass works well. You can also use a martini glass for a classy look!
Whiskey Sour Serving Tips
- You can mix the ingredients and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in advance if desired
- While this recipe can be scaled for a group, I recommend making drinks individually instead so that the sweetness and strength can be more easily adjusted for personal preferences (but feel free to juice a bunch of lemons ahead of time!)
- Raspberry Whiskey Sour
- Blackberry Bourbon Sour
- Aperol Sour
Final Thoughts
This salted caramel whiskey sour is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, sour, and smooth complexity, and makes for a perfect winter cocktail! Whether you use Crown Royal salted caramel whiskey or another variety, it lends itself beautifully to the balance of a traditional whiskey sour.
While I typically make this cocktail in the winter due to the seasonal availability of Crown, you can enjoy it year round if you like! Just use another brand, or plain whiskey with some salted caramel sauce to make it work.
Caramel is a perfect flavor for fall and winter, but there’s no reason you can’t enjoy one around the campfire on a nice summer night too!
Katie’s tip
Alternatively, try my Crown Blackberry Whiskey Sour and Crown Peach Whiskey Sour recipes for a fruity summer variant!
Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (or similar)
- Whiskey glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces salted caramel whiskey (such as Crown Royal)
- 2 Ounces lemon juice (or sour mix)
- ½ Ounce simple syrup (or ½ tsp sugar)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or similar) filled with ice2 Ounces salted caramel whiskey, 2 Ounces lemon juice, ½ Ounce simple syrup, Ice cubes
- Shake for about 30 seconds, until well blended and chilled
- Strain into a whiskey glass and add a large cube of ice (optional)
- Garnish with a twist of lemon or a maraschino cherry if desired and enjoy
Notes
- You can use any brand of salted caramel whiskey you like. Crown Royal is a classic, but Ole Smoky and Bird Dog (as well as others I’m sure) make one as well! You can also use regular or rye whiskey if you don’t have caramel flavor. To add salted caramel flavor to regular whiskey, use a syrup such as Torani salted caramel in place of the simple syrup
- The simple syrup is technically optional, but I think it needs a little sweetness to offset the tartness of the lemon juice
- Garnishes are optional, but you can use a twist of lemon or orange, or a maraschino cherry
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker you can use something similar (such as a mason jar). Alternatively, add the ingredients to your glass, mix well with a spoon, and then add in a large ice cube to minimize dilution
- I use an 11-ounce old fashioned glass for this recipe, but any similar rocks or whiskey style glass works well
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
