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!
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, 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!
Ingredients List
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 tartness of the lemon juice or sour mix
Garnishes are optional, but you can use a twist of lemon or orange, or a maraschino cherry
Fizzy Variation. Add a splash of Coke (and omit the simple syrup) or some club soda or sparkling water to create a fizzy version of the drink!
Step By Step Instructions
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or similar) filled with ice
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
What Ingredients Do I Need for a Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour?
To make a salted caramel whiskey sour, you’ll need salted caramel whiskey, lemon juice or sour mix, and simple syrup.
Alternatively, you may use regular whiskey and add salted caramel sauce or syrup for flavoring.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of the Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic mocktail version by substituting 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 in a Salted Caramel Whiskey Sour?
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 the Ideal 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, or the addition of a cinnamon stick for spiced flavoring.
Recipe Pro Tips
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
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!)
This salted caramel whiskey sour is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, sour, and smooth, 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!
This easy salted caramel whiskey sour has just 3 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to put together. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and sour in this simple but delicious cocktail.
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
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!
