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Whiskey Sour Shot

Bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar in shooter form — the Whiskey Sour formula Jerry Thomas codified in 1862, condensed into a quick, honest single pour.

bourbonEasy~30% ABV
MethodShakeGlassShot GlassIcenoneGarnishnone
Recipe
Serves1
Ingredients
  • ozbourbon
  • ½ ozfresh lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
  • ½ ozsimple syrup
Instructions
  1. 1Combine bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
  2. 2Shake until well chilled.
  3. 3Strain into a shot glass.
#shot#classic#whiskey#sour-style#balanced
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History & Origin

The Whiskey Sour is one of the oldest cocktail forms, with recipes appearing in Jerry Thomas's landmark 1862 Bartender's Guide — the first cocktail manual ever published in the United States. Thomas's formula of spirit, lemon juice, and sugar established the sour as a foundational template that inspired countless variations over the following century and a half. The Whiskey Sour Shot condenses this classic into a single serving, delivering the same balance of whiskey warmth, bright citrus, and gentle sweetness in shooter format. The concept emerged from high-volume bar culture of the 1980s and 1990s, when single-serving shots dominated American bars. Unlike many novelty shooters of the era, the Whiskey Sour Shot maintains the structural integrity of its cocktail ancestor, making it one of the more honest conversions in the shooter genre.

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Reviewed & Verified byGayle PerreaultBar & Service Manager · 25+ Years Industry Experience · About Us

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