Smoked Whiskey Sour

Quick Answer

A smoked Whiskey Sour is a classic Whiskey Sour finished with a touch of wood smoke. Shake 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup with an egg white (optional, for a silky foam) — first without ice to emulsify, then with ice to chill. Strain into a glass, add a light kiss of smoke with a smoke lid, finish with a few dashes of aromatic bitters, and garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry. The result balances sharp citrus, gentle sweetness, and a subtle campfire aroma.

Transform the classic Whiskey Sour into a smoky delight that's perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home. This recipe adds a smoky twist to the traditional Whiskey Sour, using a combination of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of smoke to create a sophisticated, multi-layered cocktail.

Best Bourbons for a Whiskey Sour

Choosing the right bourbon is crucial. Opt for a versatile bourbon that is bold enough to stand up to the strong flavors of lemon and smoke. Brands like Bulleit, Woodford Reserve, or Maker's Mark are excellent choices that are both affordable and rich in flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 Egg White (optional, for frothiness)
• Aromatic Bitters
• Ice Cubes
• Smoke (using one of our cocktail smokers)
• Lemon Slice and Maraschino Cherry, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparation: In a cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
2. Mix: Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg white.
3. Chill: Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
4. Smoke: Strain into a chilled glass and use a smoke lid to infuse the cocktail with a light smoke flavor.
5. Garnish: Add a few dashes of aromatic bitters and garnish with a lemon slice and a cherry.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately, offering a stirring blend of sharp, sweet, and smoky flavors.

Which Wood Chips Go Best With a Whiskey Sour?

Lemon is bright and a little delicate, so this drink likes milder woods than an Old Fashioned. Start with cherry or oak, and keep the smoke short. Our wood chip guide covers all eight flavors.

Worth knowing: the egg white foam holds the smoke aroma well, so 10 seconds under the lid is often enough. Smoke the finished drink, then add the drops of bitters on the foam.

Smoked Whisky Sour With Scotch

Searching for a smoked whisky sour made with Scotch? Swap the bourbon for 2 oz of blended or Speyside Scotch and keep the rest of the recipe the same. If you use a peated Scotch, the whisky already brings its own smoke, so go light: a mild fruit wood like apple or pear for about 5 seconds is plenty, or skip the wood smoke and let the peat do the work.

How This Recipe Compares to the Classic

The classic column follows the International Bartenders Association's official Whiskey Sour. Ours runs a little stronger and tarter, which stands up better to the smoke.

Two Easy Twists

Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour

Replace the simple syrup with 1/2 oz of pure maple syrup and smoke with oak. It turns the drink into a cozy fall and winter sour.

Smoked New York Sour

Make the recipe without egg white, strain over fresh ice, smoke it, then slowly pour about 1/2 oz of dry red wine over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. If you like stirred, spirit-forward drinks too, try our smoked Old Fashioned or browse our 7 smoked cocktail recipes.

Conclusion

The Smoked Whiskey Sour is a perfect example of how traditional cocktails can be elevated with modern techniques like smoking. This cocktail not only tastes great but also serves as a fantastic conversation starter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a smoked Whiskey Sour?

It is a classic Whiskey Sour — bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup, often with an egg white — finished with a light layer of wood smoke. The smoke adds an aromatic, slightly campfire note on top of the drink’s sharp, sweet balance.

Do you need egg white in a Whiskey Sour?

No, it is optional. The egg white creates a silky foam and rounder texture but adds no flavor. If you would rather skip it, you can leave it out or use aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a plant-based foam.

What bourbon is best for a Whiskey Sour?

A bold, mid-shelf bourbon in the 90-to-100-proof range works best, because it holds its own against the tart lemon and sweet syrup. You do not need an expensive bottle — a dependable everyday bourbon is ideal for mixing.

How do you smoke a Whiskey Sour?

Build and shake the drink as usual, then strain it into the glass. Place a smoke lid on top with a pinch of lit wood chips and let the smoke settle for about 10 to 15 seconds before serving. Smoke lightly so it complements the citrus rather than overpowering it.

What wood chips are best for a smoked Whiskey Sour?

Cherry and oak are the best starting points. Cherry adds a sweet note that matches the cherry garnish, while oak brings out the bourbon's vanilla and caramel. For a lighter smoke, use apple or pear. Keep it to about 10 seconds so the smoke does not overpower the lemon.

Can you make a smoked Whisky Sour with Scotch?

Yes. Use 2 oz of blended or Speyside Scotch in place of bourbon. If the Scotch is peated, it already tastes smoky, so use a mild fruit wood for about 5 seconds or skip the wood smoke entirely.