This basic whiskey bitter recipe is good, tart, wealthy, and refreshing. Straightforward to make with 4 easy substances, it is certainly one of our favourite whiskey cocktails.

A whiskey bitter is certainly one of Jack’s favourite cocktails to order once we exit to dinner. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, easy syrup, and non-obligatory egg white, it’s brighter than most whiskey drinks, which Jack thinks makes it the right begin to a great meal. It additionally signifies that although I’m not often a whiskey drinker, I do take pleasure in a whiskey bitter. I really like its candy/tart taste, wealthy texture, and foamy prime.
Since we’re each followers of this basic cocktail, Jack and I’ve gotten into making whiskey sours at residence. Seems, you don’t should be at a elaborate restaurant or bar to sip this scrumptious drink. It’s straightforward to make in a cocktail shaker, and if the egg white intimidates you, you may merely depart it out! This whiskey bitter recipe has turn out to be a staple in our fall and winter cocktail rotation. I hope you find it irresistible too!

Whiskey Bitter Substances
Right here’s what you should make this recipe:
- Bourbon – In concept, you might use any sort of whiskey right here (i.e., rye, scotch), however bourbon is a basic alternative. Its candy, oaky notes play properly with the brilliant lemon. Our favourite manufacturers are Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Cody Highway.
- Contemporary lemon juice – It most likely goes with out saying, however you’ll want to use freshly squeezed lemon juice as an alternative of bottled. It offers this cocktail the very best brilliant, tart taste.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s straightforward to make your individual with equal components water and sugar. Find out how in my easy syrup recipe.
- Egg white – It creates the distinctive layer of froth on prime of a whiskey bitter. It additionally offers it a richer, virtually creamy texture and mellows the tartness of the lemon. We prefer it on this drink, however for those who’re squeamish about utilizing uncooked egg white (completely honest, like all uncooked eggs, it poses a small danger of sickness), you may skip it. The cocktail might be even tangier and have a lighter, extra refreshing texture. I actually find it irresistible that approach!
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail.
- Garnishes – We all the time prime this drink with a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters, which add notes of orange peel and clove. An orange slice brings out the citrus taste much more, and a Maraschino cherry simply takes the entire thing excessive.
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Tips on how to Make a Whiskey Bitter
When you’ve made different cocktails at residence earlier than, you gained’t have any hassle with a whiskey bitter.
It’s tremendous easy: shake, pressure, garnish, and serve.
When you’re utilizing the egg white, the one small distinction from most shaken cocktails is that you simply’ll really shake it WITHOUT ice first. That is known as a “dry shake,” and it helps incorporate the egg white into the whiskey, lemon juice, and easy syrup, giving the drink a thick texture and foamy prime. Then, add the ice and shake till chilled.
A observe on ratios: The basic ratio for a bitter cocktail is 2 components spirit to 1 half acid to 1 half sweetener. Nevertheless, similar to in my gimlet recipe, I like to make use of the next ratio of spirit to permit the bourbon taste to come back by way of. After all, be happy to regulate the ratios on this recipe to discover a steadiness of flavors you’re keen on. Add extra easy syrup for a sweeter drink, or use a little bit further lemon for a brighter pop. Get pleasure from!

Extra Favourite Whiskey Cocktails
When you love this recipe, attempt certainly one of these basic whiskey cocktails subsequent:

Whiskey Bitter
Serves 1
This whiskey bitter recipe is certainly one of our favourite basic cocktails! I am not often a whiskey drinker, and I nonetheless love its candy and tart taste. Add the egg white to offer it a foamy prime and thicker texture, or skip it for a lighter, brighter drink. Each methods are scrumptious!
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ¾ ounce contemporary lemon juice
- ½ ounce easy syrup
- ½ ounce egg white, non-obligatory
- Ice
- Angostura bitters, for garnish
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Forestall your display screen from going darkish
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Place the bourbon, lemon juice, easy syrup, and egg white, if utilizing, in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to include the egg white, then add ice and shake till properly chilled.
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Pressure right into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with 3 to 4 drops of Angostura bitters, an orange slice, and maraschino cherry and serve.












