One of my favorite summer sips is this sweet and tart strawberry whiskey sour, which uses fresh strawberries! With only 4 ingredients, it’s easy to make, and perfect for spring and summer, especially for a backyard barbecue! Let’s dive into how to make one.
What is a Strawberry Whiskey Sour?
A strawberry whiskey sour is a fruity twist on the classic whiskey sour, combining the bold, oaky notes of whiskey or bourbon with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries and lemon juice.
Like a traditional whiskey sour, this summer version features whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, but it incorporates muddled or puréed strawberries for a bright, berry-infused flavor and a reddish pink color. You can also choose to add an egg white for a creamy, frothy texture!
This cocktail is perfect for summer sipping, such as backyard barbecues, beach days, camping, poolside, or a warm summer evening by the bonfire!
Katie’s tip
For another summer flavor option that can be made with whiskey or gin, try out my Lavender Gin Sour!
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces whiskey (or bourbon)
- 2 fresh large strawberries (hulled, and peeled to remove seeds)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (or sour mix)
- ½ ounce plain simple syrup (or to taste)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- I prefer an Irish whiskey (like Jameson) for this recipe, but you can also use bourbon or rye whiskey for some other great choices! A flavored strawberry bourbon or whiskey is a nice touch to reinforce the flavor as well
- You don’t have to peel the strawberries, but I find it easier to remove the seeds in advance instead of straining later. You can also substitute ½ ounce of strawberry flavored syrup or puree if preferred
- Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe. However, you can use bottled or a prepared sour mix instead. Feel free to substitute lime juice for a variation!
- The sweetness level is affected a lot by your strawberries (and your personal tastes of course). Start with ½ ounce of the simple syrup (or sub honey) and add more if needed – it’s easier to add than take away!
- For a strawberry rhubarb variation, use 1 tsp rhubarb jam or preserves instead of the simple syrup (heat it up a little to make it more liquid and easier to shake with the drink)
Egg White Froth
Adding an egg white froth to your drink is entirely optional (I usually don’t bother), but some folks prefer one on their whiskey sours. The egg whites create a creamy, frothy texture on the top of the drink, which gives a smoother mouthfeel.
You can also substitute aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan-friendly alternative!
Step By Step Instructions
- Add the strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon, muddle the fruit until it’s juicy and only small chunks of fruit remain
- Pour in the whiskey and add a handful of ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass (or pour if you want to keep the pulp). Add ice to the glass as well if you want a cooler drink, but it will dilute it more over time
- Garnish with a fresh berry or slice of lemon if desired, and enjoy!
- Watermelon Whiskey Sour
- Pineapple Whiskey Sour
Recipe FAQs
Is a Whiskey Sour Shaken or Stirred?
A whiskey sour is traditionally shaken, not stirred. Shaking the ingredients with ice helps blend the flavors, chill the drink, and, if using egg white, create a smooth, frothy texture.
Stirring wouldn’t properly incorporate the citrus and sweetener, resulting in a less balanced cocktail.
Can I Use Frozen Fruit?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones. Thaw them slightly and muddle them, or blend them into a purée for a smoother consistency.
Frozen fruit can sometimes be even sweeter and juicier than fresh, making it a great option! It’s especially nice if you want to enjoy this drink outside of fresh berry season.
Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Whiskey Sour?
Yes! To make a non-alcoholic mocktail whiskey sour, substitute the whiskey with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or use a mix of strong-brewed black tea, apple cider, or a splash of bitters for depth.
The rest of the ingredients – the strawberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, and even egg whites, can remain the same!
Tips For the Best Strawberry Whiskey Sour
- Due to the fresh fruit, this cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can juice your lemons up to 24 hours in advance, then store the juice in an airtight container in the fridge
- I find one medium lemon gives me about 1 – 1 ½ ounces of juice. If you plan to scale the recipe for a group, this should give you a guideline for how many lemons you’ll need
- If you did not peel the seeds from your berries, you may want to pass the drink through a fine mesh strainer to catch them before serving!
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Glassware. A whiskey sour is typically served in a rocks glass, whiskey glass, or old fashioned glass, or a similar lowball style glass. However, you could also use a white wine glass, martini glass, or coupe for a presentation twist
- While garnishes are optional, a small fresh strawberry, slice or twist of lemon, or a sprig of fresh mint, basil, or other fresh herbs can be nice options
- Strawberry Paloma
Final Thoughts
This strawberry whiskey sour is a favorite cocktail recipe of mine for summer! I love using fresh berries to create a drink that’s sweet, tart, and perfectly refreshing. Plus, with just 4 ingredients, it’s easy to make and great for entertaining.
Juicy strawberry pairs with zesty lemon and smooth bourbon or whiskey for a delightful summer whiskey cocktail with strawberry lemonade vibes (though with the natural pink color, I’d definitely serve it for Valentine’s Day too)!
So, if you’re looking to expand your summer cocktails list this year, give this tantalizing strawberry whiskey sour recipe a try!
Strawberry Whiskey Sour (4 Ingredients)
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Muddler (or blunt end of a wooden spoon)
- Whiskey glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- 2 large fresh strawberries (hulled, and peeled to remove seeds)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon, muddle the fruit until it’s juicy and only small chunks of fruit remain2 large fresh strawberries, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup
- Pour in the whiskey and add a handful of ice cubes2 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into a lowball glass (or pour if you want to keep the pulp). Add ice to the glass as well if you want a cooler drink
- Garnish if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Irish whiskey, bourbon, or rye whiskey are all great choices! A flavored strawberry bourbon or whiskey can add extra fruit flavor
- You don’t have to peel the strawberries, but it gets rid of pesky seeds. You can also substitute ½ ounce of strawberry flavored syrup or puree if preferred
- Fresh lemon juice is best for this recipe. However, you can use bottled or a prepared sour mix instead. Feel free to substitute lime juice for a variation!
- The sweetness level depends on your strawberries (and your personal tastes). Start with ½ ounce of sweetener and add more if needed
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
