5 Irresistible Whisky Sours to Try Today

Saturday, 22 August 2026 at 09:30

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One of the world’s most iconic whisky cocktails is the Whisky Sour. It even has its own holiday each year: Whisky Sour Day on August 25. It’s also one of our absolute favorites, so today we’re putting this classic in the spotlight.

National Whisky Sour Day is almost here in the United States, and that’s the perfect excuse to dust off your shaker. The classic whisky cocktail is simple: whisky, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness. Often you’ll add egg white for that signature creamy foam cap. But precisely because the base is so straightforward, switching up the whisky or adding a couple of extra ingredients can take the drink in wildly different directions.

That’s why we’ve gathered a few delicious Whisky Sours you’ll want to try. From a spicy take with Belgian Filliers whisky to a smoky Sour and, of course, the striking New York Sour.

Filliers Whisky Sour with Belgian rye whisky

We’ll start just across the border at Filliers Distillery in Belgium. Many know the distillery for its genevers and the cocktails served there. But Filliers has also been making outstanding whiskies for years—regular award-winners. Each of these whiskies works beautifully in a Whisky Sour, but today we’re highlighting a wonderfully spiced spirit: the Filliers Rye Whisky 5 Year Old.

It pairs surprisingly well with the bright lemon juice and sweet simple syrup in a Whisky Sour. The whisky doesn’t get lost behind the other ingredients; instead, the Filliers Whisky Sour gains extra punch. Below you’ll find exactly how to make the Filliers Whisky Sour, starting with the ingredients:

5 centiliters Filliers Rye Whisky 5 Years
3 centiliters fresh lemon juice
2 centiliters simple syrup
1 egg white
a dash of aromatic bitters

Add everything to the shaker, then strain the cocktail without ice into a tumbler. The egg white creates that thick, creamy foam cap you want on a proper Whisky Sour.

It’s also a great way to get acquainted with Filliers whisky, especially if Belgian rye whisky hasn’t found its way into your glass very often.

Want to make it yourself? Filliers has the full Whisky Sour recipe on their website, along with many other cocktail recipes.

Smoky Whisky Sour for peat lovers

Prefer something bolder? Try a smoky Islay Scotch as a twist—think Laphroaig. The distillery’s website features a smoky Whisky Sour made with 4 centiliters of Laphroaig, 2 centiliters fresh lemon juice, 2 centiliters simple syrup, and egg white or aquafaba.

This cocktail should also be shaken hard without ice first, then shaken again with ice. The result stays bright and tart, now layered with smoke and that unmistakable Laphroaig character.

New York Sour with a red wine float

The New York Sour starts much like a classic Whisky Sour, but finishes with a float of red wine over the top. Not only does it look stunning in the glass, the wine adds extra fruit and tannins.

For a New York Sour you can use either a bourbon or a rye whisky. Consider something like Filliers Rye Whisky 8 Year Old for a beautifully balanced profile. Whatever whisky you choose, you’ll need 5 centiliters. You’ll also want 2.5 centiliters of lemon juice, 1.5 to 2 centiliters of simple syrup, and about 1.5 centiliters of red wine. Egg white is optional. In fact, the classic New York Sour is often made without it.

Add everything except the wine to a cocktail shaker and shake. Then carefully pour the red wine over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the cocktail.

Indian Whisky Sour with cinnamon and citrus

Now for a Whisky Sour that takes a very different path. For a vibrant Indian Whisky Sour, build on the familiar sweet-sour profile with spices. Think cinnamon, orange, and even a lightly toasted sesame rim on the glass.

One established Indian Sour combines Scotch with lime, cinnamon syrup, orange, and egg white. That approach is a great starting point for a spiced whisky version. For this cocktail, use 4 centiliters of Indri or Amrut whisky, 2 centiliters cinnamon syrup, 1 centiliter lime juice, and the egg white from one or two eggs.

Combine the ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously. Then shake again with ice and fine-strain. Want an even bolder flavor? Add a touch of cardamom to your cinnamon syrup.

Hot Honey Whisky Sour

The last whisky sour twist we’re serving up is a crossover between a Hot Toddy and a Whisky Sour. Yes, we’re talking about a warm drink. If you can make a whisky sour, this one’s a breeze. Instead of just simple syrup, add a tablespoon of honey and skip the egg white. Use whichever whisky you like—such as the Filliers Rye Whisky we mentioned.

The key is to build the cocktail with 150 milliliters of hot water.

Whisky Sour Day is the perfect excuse to experiment

The beauty of the whisky sour is its versatility—it’s a fantastic canvas for experimenting. With Filliers Rye Whisky it turns bold and spicy, with peated Scotch it becomes smoky, add red wine and you’ve got a New York Sour, and with cinnamon and citrus it takes on a distinctly spiced character.

But if you try just one version today, the Belgian take with Filliers Rye Whisky is a great place to start. Filliers has already written up the recipe for you, including the ratios and the whisky used. And if you’re a sherry fan, be sure to try it with the sherry-aged whiskies from the Belgian distillery.

Made possible by Filliers Distillery. Nix18.

FAQ

Which whisky does Filliers use for a Whisky Sour?
Filliers uses the Filliers Single Rye Whisky 5 Years. This whisky is made from 100 percent rye.
What whisky tastes good in a Whisky Sour?
In principle, any whisky works in a whisky sour, as long as you balance the flavors. Rye brings a spicy kick, while bourbon leans sweeter. Sherry-aged whisky adds more fruity notes.
Can you make a whisky sour without egg white?
Yes. Egg white mainly adds texture and that signature foam layer. Without it, the trio of whisky, lemon juice, and sugar still shines.