Scotch Sour Recipe

Fizzy Apple Scotch Sour Recipe: A Zesty Twist on Classic Charm

Mixing a smooth scotch sour always feels like crafting liquid poetry for adventurous palates.

Whiskey enthusiasts appreciate complex flavor profiles dancing across their tongues.

Classic cocktail lovers understand the delicate balance between smoky spirits and bright citrus notes.

Bartenders consider this drink a true test of mixology skills.

Highland malts bring remarkable depth to this timeless libation.

Subtle citrus elements perfectly complement the robust whiskey character.

Shake, strain, and savor this extraordinary drink that promises an unforgettable sensory experience.

Scotch Sour With Balanced Bold Flavor

Scotch Sour With Balanced Bold Flavor
  • Craft a Quick Cocktail: Whip up this Scotch Sour in just minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or when you need a fast, delicious drink.
  • Master Mixology at Home: This recipe requires minimal bartending skills, allowing even novice home mixologists to create a professional-looking cocktail with ease.
  • Versatile Flavor Profile: Balances the boldness of Scotch with bright citrus and sweet syrup, appealing to both whisky enthusiasts and those who prefer milder drinks.
  • Elegant Presentation: The simple garnish of a lemon twist or cherry transforms an ordinary drink into a sophisticated cocktail that looks impressive at any social event.

Scotch Sour Cocktail Components

Spirits:
  • Scotch Whisky: A robust, complex base spirit with regional flavor profiles, with blended or single malt options for different taste experiences.
Citrus And Sweeteners:
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy component that balances the whisky's richness, always use freshly squeezed for best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: Smooth sweetener that rounds out the cocktail's sharp edges, can be homemade or store-bought.
Garnish And Presentation:
  • Lemon Twist, Cherry: Decorative elements that add aromatic complexity and visual appeal, optional but recommended for traditional presentation.
Ice:
  • Cocktail Shaker Ice: Helps chill and slightly dilute the drink for optimal temperature and smoothness.
  • Rocks Glass Ice: Keeps the final cocktail cold and provides a classic serving style.

Scotch Sour – Cocktail Preparation Guide

Scotch Sour - Cocktail Preparation Guide

Step 1: Chill the Cocktail Shaker

Add ice cubes to your cocktail shaker, creating a frosty environment for mixing the perfect Scotch Sour.

Step 2: Combine Liquid Ingredients

Pour into the shaker:
  • Scotch whisky
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Simple syrup

Step 3: Shake and Blend

Vigorously shake the ingredients for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring the drink becomes wonderfully cold and well-mixed.

Step 4: Prepare the Serving Glass

Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes to keep your cocktail perfectly chilled.

Step 5: Strain and Pour

Carefully strain the shaken mixture into the prepared ice-filled glass, creating a smooth and consistent drink.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Elegantly garnish the cocktail with:
  • A twisted lemon peel
  • Or a bright red maraschino cherry

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Present the Scotch Sour immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of whisky, citrus, and sweetness in this classic cocktail.

Sour Cocktail Advice For Smooth Scotch Flavor

  • Choose a smooth, medium-bodied Scotch like Glenlivet or Glenfiddich for a balanced flavor that won't overpower the cocktail's delicate profile.
  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled to ensure a bright, zesty taste that elevates the entire drink's quality.
  • Use large, clear ice cubes that melt slowly to prevent excessive dilution and maintain the cocktail's strong whisky character.
  • Make a batch of homemade simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water, which allows you to control sweetness and consistency precisely.
  • Experiment with different garnishes like a flamed orange peel or a brandied cherry to add an unexpected twist and enhance the drink's visual appeal.

Scotch Sour Mix Keeps in a Cold Pitcher

  • Store leftover Scotch Sour in an airtight container or sealed glass for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, keeping the drink's quality intact.
  • Remove lemon twist or cherry before storing to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain fresh flavor.
  • When ready to enjoy, give the cocktail a quick shake with fresh ice to restore its original chilled temperature and blend the settled ingredients.
  • If the drink has been stored for more than 48 hours, it's best to prepare a fresh Scotch Sour for optimal taste and quality.

Smooth Picks For Scotch Sour

  • Elevate Scotch Sour's Flavor Profile: Pair with sharp aged cheddar cheese to complement the whisky's smoky notes and cut through the cocktail's tartness.
  • Match Culinary Companions: Serve alongside smoked salmon canapés, which harmonize beautifully with the drink's citrusy and robust whisky characteristics.
  • Balance Taste Sensations: Choose dark chocolate truffles as a dessert accompaniment, allowing the rich cocoa to soften the cocktail's bright acidity while enhancing its complex undertones.
  • Create Texture Contrast: Select crispy roasted almonds or spiced nuts to provide a crunchy counterpoint to the smooth, velvety Scotch Sour, adding depth to the overall tasting experience.

Scotch Sour Styles

  • Bourbon Sour: Swap Scotch whisky with smooth bourbon for a sweeter, corn-based profile that keeps the cocktail's classic structure intact.
  • Smoky Mezcal Sour: Replace Scotch with mezcal for an intense, smoky version that adds complexity and depth to the traditional recipe.
  • Non-Alcoholic Citrus Mocktail: Use non-alcoholic whisky alternative or seedlip with fresh lemon juice and honey syrup for a zero-proof experience that mimics the original drink's balance.
  • Herbal Lavender Sour: Infuse simple syrup with lavender and use a botanical gin instead of Scotch to create a floral, aromatic variation that transforms the classic cocktail.

FAQs

  • What type of Scotch works best for a Scotch Sour?

Choose a medium to full-bodied Scotch like Glenlivet or Macallan for a rich, balanced flavor. Avoid peaty Islay Scotches, which can overpower the cocktail’s delicate balance.

  • Can I make this drink without a cocktail shaker?

Yes, you can use a mason jar or any sealed container with a tight lid. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine ingredients properly.

  • How do I get the perfect lemon twist for garnish?

Use a sharp peeler or paring knife to remove a thin strip of lemon peel. Avoid including the white pith, which can make the garnish bitter. Twist the peel over the drink to release essential oils before dropping it in.

  • Is the simple syrup crucial for the recipe?

Yes, simple syrup balances the tartness of lemon juice and softens the Scotch’s intensity. If you don’t have simple syrup, you can quickly make it by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved.

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Scotch Sour Recipe

Scotch Sour Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Silky Scotch Sour cocktails blend Scottish whisky’s bold character with zesty citrus and sweet simplicity. Balanced layers of whisky, fresh lemon juice, and gentle sugar syrup create a smooth, sophisticated sip perfect for unwinding.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Spirits:

  • 2 ounces (60 milliliters) Scotch whisky

Sour Mix Ingredients:

  • 3/4 ounce (22 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce (15 milliliters) simple syrup

Garnish and Serving:

  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist or cherry

Instructions

  1. Chill a cocktail shaker by adding ice cubes, creating the perfect environment for mixing.
  2. Add premium Scotch whisky, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and smooth simple syrup into the shaker.
  3. Vigorously shake the ingredients for 10-15 seconds, ensuring the mixture becomes frosty and well-combined.
  4. Position a strainer on top of the shaker and pour the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with an elegant lemon twist or a classic maraschino cherry.
  6. Serve immediately, allowing the crisp, tangy flavors to be enjoyed at their peak refreshment.

Notes

  • Choose a high-quality single malt Scotch whisky for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the cocktail’s taste.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial; bottled juice lacks the bright, zesty notes that make this drink truly exceptional.
  • Balance the sweetness by adjusting simple syrup to personal preference, starting with less and gradually adding more to achieve the perfect harmony.
  • For a lighter version, swap traditional simple syrup with honey or agave nectar, which can add subtle depth and reduce overall sugar content.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Shaking
  • Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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