Whiskey Sour with Egg White (Boston Sour Recipe)

A whiskey sour with egg white is one of those cocktails that feels fancy without any fuss. This shaken cocktail blends bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white to create a bright citrus base with a smooth, silky texture and a creamy foam cap on top.

Want to save this recipe?

Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Save Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this Boston sour shine is balanced citrus, a fluffy frothy cocktail layer, and a bar-quality finish you can whip up at home any night of the week. I still remember the first whiskey sour I ordered at 21, watching the bartender shake it like a show. When that cloud-like foam settled on top, I was hooked!

Years later, after a few rounds of experimenting and learning the dry shake method, I finally figured out how to get that same velvety finish in my own kitchen. This version has the brightness of fresh lemon juice, the warmth of bourbon, and that smooth, creamy texture you usually only get at a cocktail bar. And if you love serving simple drinks during the holidays, my Holly Jolly Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch is another favorite for gatherings.

What Is a Whiskey Sour with Egg White?

A whiskey sour with egg white (also called a Boston sour) is a classic whiskey sour made with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, plus an egg white for a silky texture and creamy foam – the egg white blends seamlessly when shaken, giving the drink a luxurious finish without altering the flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bourbon: The base of this craft cocktail. A smooth bourbon works beautifully, giving the drink richness without overpowering the citrus. Rye whiskey adds a spicier edge if you prefer something bolder.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This is what brings the drink to life. Bottled juice won’t give you the same bright, clean flavor a lemon whiskey sour needs.
• Orange Juice: Adds a gentle sweetness and rounds out the citrus cocktail profile.
• Simple Syrup: Balances the tart lemon and keeps everything smooth.
• Orange Bitters: Just a few dashes deepen the flavor and tie the citrus together.
• Grenadine: Not traditional, but a small splash adds color and a light fruity finish.
• Egg White: The star of the show. It creates the creamy foam that sets an egg white cocktail apart from a classic whiskey sour.
• Orange Slice: A simple cocktail garnish that adds a fresh, clean finish.

How to Make This Whiskey Sour with Egg White

Safe Ways to Use Egg Whites in Cocktails

Using egg whites in cocktails is completely safe when handled the right way. If you’re uneasy about cracking a raw egg, you can swap in pasteurized egg whites, which whip beautifully and still create that signature silky top you want in a dry shake cocktail. Start with cold, fresh eggs and a clean shaker, and remember that the alcohol and citrus help stabilize the foam. If you prefer to skip raw eggs, aquafaba gives you a similar lift without changing the taste!

Storage & Make-Ahead

A whiskey sour with egg white tastes best right after shaking, when the citrus is bright and the foam is at its peak. If you want to prep ahead, you can mix the bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, simple syrup, bitters, and grenadine up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled. Add the egg white only when you’re ready to shake, so the foam forms correctly. Leftovers won’t maintain their texture, but the base mixture (without the egg white) keeps well in the fridge for the next day.

Whiskey Sour FAQs

This whiskey sour with egg white is bright, smooth, and balanced; perfect for dinner party cocktails, quiet nights in, or anytime you want a quick drink that feels a little special. And if you enjoy mixing drinks at home, you might also love my Jack Frost Cocktail with Empress Gin for something colorful and fun!