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

A whiskey bitter is one in all Jack’s favourite cocktails to order after we exit to dinner. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, easy syrup, and optionally available egg white, it’s brighter than most whiskey drinks, which Jack thinks makes it the proper begin to a very good meal. It additionally signifies that although I’m not normally a whiskey drinker, I do get pleasure from a whiskey bitter. I like its candy/tart taste, wealthy texture, and foamy high.
Since we’re each followers of this basic cocktail, Jack and I’ve gotten into making whiskey sours at dwelling. 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 go away it out! This whiskey bitter recipe has turn into a staple in our fall and winter cocktail rotation. I hope you like it too!

Whiskey Bitter Substances
Right here’s what it’s essential make this recipe:
- Bourbon – In concept, you would use any kind of whiskey right here (i.e., rye, scotch), however bourbon is a basic selection. Its candy, oaky notes play properly with the intense lemon. Our favourite manufacturers are Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Cody Street.
- Contemporary lemon juice – It in all probability goes with out saying, however make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice as an alternative of bottled. It provides this cocktail the very best brilliant, tart taste.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s straightforward to make your individual with equal elements water and sugar. Learn the way in my easy syrup recipe.
- Egg white – It creates the distinctive layer of froth on high of a whiskey bitter. It additionally provides it a richer, nearly creamy texture and mellows the tartness of the lemon. We prefer it on this drink, however if you happen to’re squeamish about utilizing uncooked egg white (completely honest, like all uncooked eggs, it poses a small threat of sickness), you may skip it. The cocktail will probably be even tangier and have a lighter, extra refreshing texture. I actually like it that means!
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail.
- Garnishes – We all the time high this drink with a number 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 whole recipe with measurements beneath.
Methods to Make a Whiskey Bitter
In the event you’ve made different cocktails at dwelling earlier than, you received’t have any hassle with a whiskey bitter.
It’s tremendous easy: shake, pressure, garnish, and serve.
In the event you’re utilizing the egg white, the one small distinction from most shaken cocktails is that you simply’ll truly 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 high. Then, add the ice and shake till chilled.
A be aware on ratios: The basic ratio for a bitter cocktail is 2 elements spirit to 1 half acid to 1 half sweetener. Nevertheless, identical to in my gimlet recipe, I like to make use of the next ratio of spirit to permit the bourbon taste to return by way of. After all, be at liberty 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 bit further lemon for a brighter pop. Take pleasure in!

Extra Favourite Whiskey Cocktails
In the event you love this recipe, attempt one in all these basic whiskey cocktails subsequent:

Whiskey Bitter
Serves 1
This whiskey bitter recipe is one in all our favourite basic cocktails! I am not normally a whiskey drinker, and I nonetheless love its candy and tart taste. Add the egg white to offer it a foamy high 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, optionally available
- Ice
- Angostura bitters, for garnish
- Orange slice, for garnish
- Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Stop your display 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 nicely 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.
