Learn How to Pronounce Whiskey Sour | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Whiskey Sour
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
The Whiskey Sour is a cornerstone of the cocktail canon, a timeless mixed drink that masterfully balances spirit, citrus, and sweetness. Its classic recipe calls for whiskey—typically a bourbon for its caramel and vanilla notes, though rye whiskey or blended Scotch are also used—freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a sweetening agent, traditionally simple syrup. An optional but iconic addition is a dry-shaken egg white, which, when vigorously combined with the other ingredients, creates a luxurious, silky foam atop the tart and robust beverage. First documented in Jerry Thomas's 1862 "The Bartender's Guide," the Whiskey Sour belongs to the broader family of "sour" cocktails, a testament to the enduring appeal of the simple formula of base spirit, citrus, and sweetener. This easy cocktail recipe remains a staple in both home bars and professional mixology circles, celebrated for its perfect harmony of flavors and its elegant, frothy texture when prepared with egg white.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and universally accepted spelling is "Whiskey Sour." However, variations arise from the spelling of the base spirit itself. "Whiskey" is the common Irish and American spelling, while "whisky" (without the 'e') is standard in Scotland, Canada, and Japan. Therefore, one might occasionally see "Whisky Sour," particularly in contexts referencing Scotch whisky. Common typos and misspellings include "whiskey sour" (failing to capitalize the proper name), "whiskey soure," and "whiskey sower." Another frequent error is the omission of the space, resulting in the incorrect "whiskeysour." When ordering or writing, using the capitalized "Whiskey Sour" is most correct for the classic American-style cocktail, with the understanding that "Whisky Sour" is a contextual variant.
Example Sentences
For my first drink, I'd like a classic Whiskey Sour made with bourbon and a dash of egg white for that perfect frothy head.
After a long week, he found solace in the simple ritual of shaking up a refreshing Whiskey Sour at his home bar.
Many cocktail historians point to the Whiskey Sour as the ideal introduction to the balance and structure of mixed drinks.
The bartender demonstrated his skill by dry-shaking the egg white with the lemon and syrup first, ensuring a thick, meringue-like foam on the finished Whiskey Sour.
While some purists avoid it, the egg white in a Whiskey Sour adds a wonderfully silky mouthfeel that complements the drink's sharp citrus notes.