Origin & Characteristics:

The Whiskey Sour is more than just a cocktail — it’s a drink with roots in necessity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, sailors on long sea voyages faced two major challenges: a lack of clean, fresh water, and the risk of scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency. Spirits like whiskey didn’t spoil and citrus fruits like lemons and limes helped preserve health. The result? A simple mix of spirit, citrus, and a touch of sugar — the early form of what we now know as the sour.

By 1862, the Whiskey Sour had made its way from the decks of ships to bar menus, with the first formal recipe published in Jerry Thomas’s Bartender’s Guide. The core formula — whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar — has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s bright, bold, and perfectly balanced.

In modern variations, bartenders often add egg white for a smoother mouthfeel and that signature frothy top. It’s still one of the most beloved classic cocktails today — easy to make, hard to forget.

 

A New Twist: Whiskey Sour with Popping Boba

Back in the day, citrus wasn’t just a flavor — it was life-saving, helping sailors fend off scurvy when clean water was scarce.
Today, fruit still plays a key role in cocktails — but now it’s about enhancing flavor, adding freshness, and creating memorable experiences. With the addition of popping boba, this modern Whiskey Sour delivers more than just balance; it brings texture, surprise, and a playful edge to a timeless classic.

It’s a cocktail that nods to the past while embracing what’s next — bold, refreshing, and just unexpected enough to make you smile.

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 1/2 oz sugar syrup
  • 2 oz bourbon whiskey
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz egg white
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • ice
  • 2 tbsp Cherry Popping Boba

Directions:

 

STEP 1

Pour 15ml/1 tablespoon of the sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker with the bourbon, lemon juice, egg white and bitters.

STEP 2

‘dry shake’ the mixture (without any ice) vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Then fill the cocktail shaker with ice and shake again for the same amount of time. This will give the drink a lovely smooth texture.

STEP 3
To Finish

Strain into a rocks glass using any strainer. Add popping boba into a glass & serve

Ingridents & Directions