This traditional whiskey bitter recipe is good, tart, wealthy, and refreshing. Simple to make with 4 easy substances, 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 elective egg white, it’s brighter than most whiskey drinks, which Jack thinks makes it the proper begin to a very good meal. It additionally implies that although I’m not often a whiskey drinker, I do take pleasure in 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 dwelling. Seems, you don’t must 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’ll be able to merely depart 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 Components
Right here’s what you’ll want to make this recipe:
- Bourbon – In idea, you might use any sort of whiskey right here (i.e., rye, scotch), however bourbon is a traditional selection. Its candy, oaky notes play properly with the intense lemon. Our favourite manufacturers are Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Cody Street.
- Recent lemon juice – It most likely goes with out saying, however remember to use freshly squeezed lemon juice as a substitute of bottled. It offers this cocktail the very best shiny, tart taste.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s simple to make your personal 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 offers 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 truthful, like all uncooked eggs, it poses a small threat of sickness), you’ll be able to skip it. The cocktail might be even tangier and have a lighter, extra refreshing texture. I truthfully like it that manner!
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail.
- Garnishes – We at all times 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 entire recipe with measurements beneath.
The best way to Make a Whiskey Bitter
In case you’ve made different cocktails at dwelling earlier than, you gained’t have any hassle with a whiskey bitter.
It’s tremendous simple: shake, pressure, garnish, and serve.
In case you’re utilizing the egg white, the one small distinction from most shaken cocktails is that you just’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 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. Nevertheless, similar 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 means of. After all, be happy 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 somewhat further lemon for a brighter pop. Get pleasure from!

Extra Favourite Whiskey Cocktails
In case you love this recipe, strive one in all these traditional whiskey cocktails subsequent:

Whiskey Bitter
Serves 1
This whiskey bitter recipe is one in all 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 provide it a foamy high and thicker texture, or skip it for a lighter, brighter drink. Each methods are scrumptious!
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ¾ ounce recent 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 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 properly 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.
