This basic 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 once we exit to dinner. Made with bourbon, lemon juice, easy syrup, and optionally available egg white, it’s brighter than most whiskey drinks, which Jack thinks makes it the right begin to a superb meal. It additionally implies that although I’m not often a whiskey drinker, I do get pleasure from a whiskey bitter. I like its candy/tart taste, wealthy texture, and foamy high.
Since we’re each followers of this basic cocktail, Jack and I’ve gotten into making whiskey sours at house. Seems, you don’t must be at a flowery restaurant or bar to sip this scrumptious drink. It’s straightforward 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 adore it too!

Whiskey Bitter Elements
Right here’s what you’ll want to make this recipe:
- Bourbon – In concept, you may use any sort of whiskey right here (i.e., rye, scotch), however bourbon is a basic alternative. Its candy, oaky notes play properly with the brilliant lemon. Our favourite manufacturers are Woodford Reserve, Bulleit, and Cody Street.
- Contemporary lemon juice – It most likely goes with out saying, however be sure you use freshly squeezed lemon juice as an alternative of bottled. It provides this cocktail one of the best vivid, tart taste.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. It’s straightforward 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 provides it a richer, virtually creamy texture and mellows the tartness of the lemon. We prefer it on this drink, however for those who’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 will probably be even tangier and have a lighter, extra refreshing texture. I truthfully adore it that method!
- Ice – For chilling the cocktail.
- Garnishes – We all the time high 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.
Make a Whiskey Bitter
Should you’ve made different cocktails at house earlier than, you received’t have any bother with a whiskey bitter.
It’s tremendous simple: shake, pressure, garnish, and serve.
Should you’re utilizing the egg white, the one small distinction from most shaken cocktails is that you simply’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 observe on ratios: The basic ratio for a bitter cocktail is 2 elements spirit to 1 half acid to 1 half sweetener. Nevertheless, 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 means of. In fact, be at liberty 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 additional lemon for a brighter pop. Get pleasure from!

Extra Favourite Whiskey Cocktails
Should you love this recipe, strive one in all these basic whiskey cocktails subsequent:

Whiskey Bitter
Serves 1
This whiskey bitter recipe is one in all our favourite basic 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 recent lemon juice
- ½ ounce easy syrup
- ½ ounce egg white, optionally available
- 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 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.


