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–+ servings

Honey Lemon Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Honey Lemon Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe
This Honey Lemon Whiskey Sour blends the warmth of whiskey with bright citrus and the natural sweetness of honey. I create a smooth, flavorful cocktail with ingredients that are easy to find and techniques that anyone can follow.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker: I use this to mix everything together quickly and chill the mixture.
  • Jigger or measuring shot glass: I rely on this for accurate pours.
  • Strainer: This helps me keep out ice or pulp when I pour into the glass.
  • Juicer or citrus reamer: I prefer freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Bar spoon: This mixes the honey if it’s not dissolving fully.
  • Rocks glass or coupe glass: Either glass works well for serving.
  • Ice: Cubes or one large piece for the glass. Crushed ice is not ideal for this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz whiskey bourbon whiskey recommended
  • 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice about half a lemon
  • 3/4 oz honey syrup 1:1 honey and warm water, mixed until smooth
  • Optional: 1-2 dashes of Angostura or orange bitters
  • Ice to fill the shaker and serving glass
  • Lemon wheel or twist for garnish
  • Optional: A maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

  • Add whiskey, lemon juice, and honey syrup to the cocktail shaker.
  • If using bitters, add them to the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice—enough to chill the drink well.
  • Secure the lid and shake hard for about 15 seconds. It should feel very cold on the outside.
  • Place a strainer over your serving glass and pour the cocktail in.
  • Add fresh ice to the serving glass, if you like.
  • Garnish with a lemon wheel, twist, or a cherry before serving.

Notes

For honey syrup, I mix equal parts honey and hot water until the honey dissolves. This helps the honey blend into the cocktail smoothly, without clumping.
I always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. To adjust sweetness or tartness, I change the ratio of honey syrup and lemon juice slightly to suit my taste.
If I don’t have bitters, I skip them, but they do give extra depth. Sometimes I try rye whiskey for more spice, or bourbon for more sweetness.
If I want a lighter drink, I add a splash of soda water at the end. Beginner or expert, I find this cocktail recipe easy to change based on what I have at home.