This traditional whiskey bitter recipe is good, tart, wealthy, and refreshing. Simple to make with 4 easy substances, it is one in every of our favourite whiskey cocktails.

A whiskey bitter is one in every 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 an excellent meal. It additionally implies that although I’m not often a whiskey drinker, I do get pleasure from a whiskey bitter. I really like its candy/tart taste, wealthy texture, and foamy high.
Since we’re each followers of this traditional cocktail, Jack and I’ve gotten into making whiskey sours at residence. Seems, you don’t must be at a flowery restaurant or bar to sip this scrumptious drink. It’s simple to make in a cocktail shaker, and if the egg white intimidates you, you possibly can merely depart it out! This whiskey bitter recipe has develop into a staple in our fall and winter cocktail rotation. I hope you like it too!

Whiskey Bitter Components
Right here’s what you could make this recipe:
- Bourbon – In idea, you may use any kind of whiskey right here (i.e., rye, scotch), however bourbon is a traditional alternative. Its candy, oaky notes play properly with the brilliant lemon. Our favourite manufacturers are Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Cody Highway.
- Recent lemon juice – It in all probability goes with out saying, however be sure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice as an alternative of bottled. It provides this cocktail the very best vibrant, tart taste.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s simple to make your individual with equal elements water and sugar. Find out how 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 when you’re squeamish about utilizing uncooked egg white (completely truthful, like all uncooked eggs, it poses a small danger of sickness), you possibly can skip it. The cocktail will probably be even tangier and have a lighter, extra refreshing texture. I truthfully like it that manner!
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail.
- Garnishes – We all the time high 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 whole recipe with measurements under.
How you can Make a Whiskey Bitter
When you’ve made different cocktails at residence earlier than, you gained’t have any bother with a whiskey bitter.
It’s tremendous simple: shake, pressure, garnish, and serve.
When you’re utilizing the egg white, the one small distinction from most shaken cocktails is that you just’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 traditional ratio for a bitter cocktail is 2 elements spirit to 1 half acid to 1 half sweetener. Nonetheless, identical 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 means of. In fact, be at liberty to regulate the ratios on this recipe to discover a steadiness of flavors you like. Add extra easy syrup for a sweeter drink, or use just a little additional lemon for a brighter pop. Take pleasure in!

Extra Favourite Whiskey Cocktails
When you love this recipe, strive one in every of these traditional whiskey cocktails subsequent:

Whiskey Bitter
Serves 1
This whiskey bitter recipe is one in every of our favourite traditional cocktails! I am not often a whiskey drinker, and I nonetheless love its candy and tart taste. Add the egg white to present 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, non-obligatory
- 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.
