Ginger Beer Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

A classic whiskey sour already has that strong balance of sweet, tart, and smooth flavors. But honestly, adding ginger beer? It gives it a refreshing kick that just works.

This Ginger Beer Whiskey Sour recipe shows you how to mix bold whiskey, bright lemon, and spicy ginger beer into one simple cocktail. It’s easy to make at home, and you don’t need any fancy tools—just the basics.

I love how the ginger beer adds fizz and a gentle heat, making the drink way more refreshing than the usual version. The citrus and whiskey still shine, but the ginger beer twist keeps it from feeling too heavy or predictable.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that feels classic but isn’t boring, this might be the one. It’s great for a chill night at home or when you want to serve something easy and a bit different to friends.

Ginger Beer Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

This drink really blends the boldness of bourbon with the sharpness of fresh lemon juice and the fizz of ginger beer. It’s refreshing, but you still get that deep whiskey sour vibe.

Equipment

I keep the tools simple—no need to make things complicated. A few basics help everything come together and keep the drink balanced.

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to mix the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup before the ginger beer goes in.
• Jigger – Makes measuring easy, so the flavor stays on point.
• Strainer – I strain the mix into my glass to avoid ice shards.
• Bar spoon – Just a gentle stir when topping with ginger beer.
• Rocks glass or coupe – Usually I go with a rocks glass and ice, but a coupe is fine too.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh lemon juice is a must, so I squeeze it right before mixing.
• Ice – I prefer big cubes; they melt slower and keep things cold.

Ingredients

Fresh, simple ingredients make all the difference. Seriously, real lemon juice instead of bottled changes the whole drink.

• 2 oz bourbon – I like a smooth bourbon with a bit of sweetness.
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice – Always squeeze it right before making the drink.
• 3/4 oz simple syrup – I’ll adjust this if I want it less sweet.
• 2 oz ginger beer – I go for a strong, spicy ginger beer for more bite.
• Ice – Enough to shake and serve.
• Lemon wheel or wedge – For garnish.
• Optional: dash of bitters – Adds a little depth if I’m in the mood.

Instructions

Here’s how I make it. The order actually matters—it helps the flavors blend before you get that fizz from the ginger beer.

• Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
• Add bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds, just until it’s nicely chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with ginger beer.
• Stir gently with a bar spoon.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel or wedge.

Notes

Ginger beer brands are all over the place in terms of sweetness and spice. If you use a drier, spicier one, the drink feels brighter. Sweeter ones make it a bit smoother.

Want more whiskey flavor? Just use less ginger beer. If you’re after something lighter, add a bit more ginger beer and maybe extra ice.

Fresh lemon juice always beats bottled—no contest. I also tweak the simple syrup depending on how tart the lemons are that day.

Sometimes I’ll add a dash of Angostura bitters for a more complex flavor, but that’s totally optional. This cocktail is easy to adjust, so I just play around until it fits my mood.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip hits with this lively mix of citrus and spice. That lemon juice? It’s sharp and really fresh—almost wakes you up a bit.

Then there’s the ginger beer, which brings a warm bite that just hangs around on your tongue. It’s got a zing that sneaks up on you.

The whiskey shows up with these smooth caramel and oak vibes. I swear, it balances out the ginger’s sweetness without ever getting heavy or cloying.

Honestly, I love how the bubbles lift the drink. The fizz keeps everything light and refreshing, so every sip stays crisp and kind of playful.

Here’s how the flavors stack up for me:

• First: tangy lemon
• Next: bold whiskey
• Finish: spicy ginger with a gentle sweetness

The aroma’s pretty inviting, if you ask me. Ginger gives off this soft spice in the nose, while the whiskey adds something deeper and a little earthy.

Texture-wise, it’s lively from all that carbonation. Not too sweet, not too sour—it just hits that balance that makes you want to go back for another round.