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Born in the mid-nineteenth century, the Whiskey Sour, as legend suggests, was a concoction drunk by sailors to prevent scurvy due to the liberal quantities of lemon juice that was used to make the cocktail. The addition of whiskey encouraged them to drink more, and made it go down easily, helping them feel better. Anecdotal information aside, the Whiskey Sour cocktail is found in menus across the globe due to its appeal that’s attributed to the fact that it is simple yet perfectly balanced. The robust smoothness of whiskey combines with the acidity of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of syrup to create a symphony of flavours. Similar to this, here are six other cocktails that you can enjoy when you need a different drink that feels as balanced and crisp.
New York Sour
Image Credits: Rabbit Hole Distillery
Visually captivating because multitude of colours, the New York Sour is the East Coast city’s take on the traditional Whiskey Sour. With the simple act of replacing egg whites that gives the Whiskey Sour a frothy mouthfeel, the New York Sour adds a float of red wine at the top. Not only does the fruitiness of whiskey and wine combine to enhance sweet, tart and deep notes, making it with 60ml whiskey, 30ml lemon juice, 22.5ml simple syrup and some red wine is all you need to recreate it at home.
Whiskey Smash
A refreshing 19th century cocktail born in the USA, the Whiskey Smash is a delicious drink that blends the warmth of whiskey with citrus and mint. Created at a time when whiskey-based cocktails were going through a revival period in America, this one isn’t too far off from being a classic itseld. To make this, all you need is 60ml whiskey, fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges that must be muddled together, before adding in some simple syrup to make the perfect Whiskey Smash. Garnish this one with a sprig of mint to add to the herbaceous notes even more.
Mint Julep
Steeped in South American traditions, the Mint Julep is a cocktail that reportedly gained prominence in the 18th century as a medicinal concoction, that swiftly turned into a drink to be enjoyed at leisure. Created with a blend of bourbon, fresh mint leaves, sugar and crushed ice, this cocktail is herby, refreshing and aromatic. You need to muddle the mint and sugar together, then add 60ml bourbon and crushed ice, stir it and serve with a mint sprig to get an authentic taste of this refreshing drink cocktail.
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The Presbyterian
Lesser-known but quite delicious as a cocktail, the Presbyterian is a whiskey-based cocktail that is believed to have originated with the churchgoing Presbyterian Scots who enjoyed refreshing alcoholic beverages like Scotch whiskey, after their Sunday service. Made with Scotch, ginger ale and soda water stirred with some ice, all ingredient ratios are in equal measure, which means you will need 60ml each of everything to make this one.
Lynchburg Lemonade
Born in the 1980s in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a city known for creating its own whiskey, this cocktail is vibrant, tangy, slightly sweet and perfect for Whiskey Sour lovers. Made with triple sec, lemon juice and simple sugar syrup, the Lynchburg Lemonade is usually poured over ice before serving. A basic recipe includes 45ml of whiskey combined with 15ml triple sec, 30ml lemon juice, 15ml syrup and add some lemon soda on top to make this classic cocktail. Add a lemon wheel for garnish to enhance the citrusy flavour further.
Strawberry Peppercorn Smash
How is winter complete without enjoying a drink made using seasonal fruit as its base? A delicious bourbon-based cocktail that also uses lemon juice and freshly cracked black pepper for extra oomph, this cocktail is perfect to sip on while enjoying brunch with friends. Simply combine 60ml of bourbon with a few fresh strawberries and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker to muddle. Add the lemon juice and 15ml of simple syrup and shake well with lots of ice before straining into a serving glass. Enjoy with a few more basil leaves used to garnish the drink.
