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

A whiskey bitter is considered one of Jack’s favourite cocktails to order once we exit to dinner. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, easy syrup, and elective egg white, it’s brighter than most whiskey drinks, which Jack thinks makes it the proper begin to meal. It additionally signifies that although I’m not normally a whiskey drinker, I do get pleasure from 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 simple 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 develop into a staple in our fall and winter cocktail rotation. I hope you like it too!

Whiskey Bitter Components
Right here’s what it is advisable make this recipe:
- Bourbon – In principle, you could possibly 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 brilliant lemon. Our favourite manufacturers are Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Cody Street.
- Recent lemon juice – It in all probability goes with out saying, however make sure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice as a substitute of bottled. It provides this cocktail the most effective shiny, tart taste.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s simple 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 provides it a richer, nearly creamy texture and mellows the tartness of the lemon. We prefer it on this drink, however in the event you’re squeamish about utilizing uncooked egg white (completely truthful, like all uncooked eggs, it poses a small threat of sickness), you may skip it. The cocktail shall be even tangier and have a lighter, extra refreshing texture. I actually like it that manner!
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail.
- Garnishes – We all the time prime this drink with just a few 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.
The right way to Make a Whiskey Bitter
In case you’ve made different cocktails at residence earlier than, you received’t have any hassle with a whiskey bitter.
It’s tremendous easy: shake, pressure, garnish, and serve.
In case 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 referred to 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. Nonetheless, identical to in my gimlet recipe, I like to make use of a better 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 stability 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
In case you love this recipe, strive considered one of these basic whiskey cocktails subsequent:

Whiskey Bitter
Serves 1
This whiskey bitter recipe is considered one of 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 provide 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, elective
- 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 effectively 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.
