Strawberry Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

I’m a big fan of a classic whiskey sour, but honestly, fresh strawberries just take it up a notch. That sweet berry flavor mixing with the whiskey’s bite? It’s refreshing, balanced, and honestly kind of addictive. Here’s how I make a Strawberry Whiskey Sour at home—nothing fancy, just good ingredients and easy steps.

You really don’t need any special equipment or rare bottles to pull this off. Just a few basics and you’re set. The strawberries bring a natural sweetness that works so well with the tartness from the lemon juice.

I’ll walk you through each step, and honestly, you’ll probably want to make this more than once. It’s a go-to cocktail for me, and it might become yours too.

Strawberry Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

What I love about this drink is how the sweet strawberries balance out the bold whiskey and sharp lemon. It’s refreshing, but you still get that classic whiskey sour vibe.

Equipment

I keep my setup simple. A cocktail shaker is a must for chilling and mixing, and I use a muddler to really get the juice out of the strawberries.

A fine mesh strainer helps me avoid seeds and pulp in my glass. With a jigger, I measure the whiskey, lemon, and syrup so the drink stays balanced. I like to serve it in a rocks glass over fresh ice.

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger (measuring tool)
• Rocks glass
• Ice

Ingredients

Fresh, ripe strawberries are key—they give the drink that pop of color and real sweetness. I usually reach for bourbon or rye, but honestly, use what you like best. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it, so I always squeeze it fresh.

Simple syrup keeps things easy, but if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use honey syrup for a richer taste. Ice is a must for both shaking and serving, and I sometimes throw on a garnish if I’m feeling extra.

• 2–3 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• Ice (for shaking and serving)
• Optional garnish: strawberry slice or lemon wheel

Instructions

First, I toss the strawberries into the shaker and muddle them until they’re juicy and broken down. Then I add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

I fill the shaker with ice and shake it hard for about 15 seconds. That chills everything and mixes it up nicely.

After shaking, I strain the drink through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass with fresh ice. This keeps the seeds and pulp out, which I definitely prefer.

I’ll usually add a garnish—either a strawberry slice or a lemon wheel—on the rim or just floating on top.

• Add strawberries to shaker and muddle well
• Pour in whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup
• Fill shaker with ice and shake about 15 seconds
• Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice
• Garnish with a strawberry slice or lemon wheel if you want

Notes

Ripe strawberries really do make a huge difference—both in flavor and color. If my berries are a bit tart, I’ll add a little more simple syrup to even things out.

Sometimes I swap in a smoother bourbon if I want a softer drink. If I’m craving more citrus, I just squeeze in a bit more lemon juice.

When I make a batch for friends, I double or triple everything in the shaker, but I still strain carefully so each glass looks clean and inviting. That way, every drink turns out just right.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the bright strawberry flavor jumps out immediately. It tastes fresh and just a bit sweet, which plays well with the tart kick from the lemon juice.

The whiskey gives the drink a warm, smooth base that really rounds things out. I pick up those oak and caramel notes from the spirit, and honestly, they work surprisingly well with the fruit.

If I use egg white, I notice a light froth on top. That extra bit of creaminess makes each sip feel softer and kind of luxurious.

This mix of sweet, sour, and bold whiskey flavors goes down easy—never too heavy. It’s refreshing, but there’s enough richness here that I’d happily pour it for an evening cocktail.

The finish? It’s clean, with a little citrus and a faint berry sweetness that hangs around. I always find myself wanting just one more sip.