Celebrate National Whiskey Sour Day Every August 25
Every August 25 we celebrate a simple mixed drink that’s not too sweet, not too sour and always refreshing. It’s National Whiskey Sour Day!
The traditional whiskey sour is just three ingredients: whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar.
After a good shake the drink is served straight or over ice and garnished with an orange wedge and maraschino cherry.
We don’t know when National Whiskey Sour Day started or who created it. But that’s not going to stop us from enjoying one. How about you?
A Sip of Whiskey Trivia
You can use whatever whiskey you like in a Whiskey Sour, but bourbon is a common choice … Possibly because it’s also the most popular kind of whiskey in the US.
Bourbon got its start in Bourbon County, Kentucky. But unlike some alcohols, it’s not where it’s made that gives it its name. What matters is how it’s made and bottled.
So bourbon can be made anywhere as long as it is:
- Made from a mash that’s at least 51% corn.
- Distilled to no more than 160 proof.
- Put into barrels for aging at 125 proof or less. The barrels must be new, charred oak barrels.
- Bottled at at least 80 proof.
“Straight bourbon” is aged at least two years and doesn’t contain any other alcohols, colorings or flavors.
Other kinds of whiskey (rye, malt, etc.) also must follow certain standards. Standards can vary by country; we’re referring to the US Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits.
The mash for malt whiskey is just malted grain, usually barley unless it says otherwise. Single malt whiskey is made from just one grain (again usually barley) at one distillery, as opposed to being a blend of malt whiskeys.
Once bottled, whiskey stops aging. An unopened bottle of whiskey will last more than 100 years.
Opened whiskey has a much shorter shelf life: only about 5 years.
The whiskey sour has been around for more than 150 years. The first known appearance in print was in 1862 in How to Mix Drinks by Jerry Thomas. But it probably existed long before that, possibly as long ago as the 1700s.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial sweet & sour holiday.
How to Celebrate National Whiskey Sour Day
Raise your glass (filled with whiskey sour, of course) in a toast to this refreshing drink.
Head out to your favorite bar and order one if you must. But it’s such a simple drink, surely you can whip one up and relax at home!
Try one of these:
- Traditional (more or less) Whiskey Sour: Uses simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and Maker’s Mark. There’s even a video so you can make it just right.
- Canadian Whiskey Sour: Uses Canadian rye whiskey and Canadian maple syrup.
- Ward 8: This unique take on the whiskey sour uses both lemon and orange juices plus a splash of grenadine.
- Maple Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sour: As the name suggests, this drink uses Meyer lemons and maple syrup. It also adds egg whites and bitters.
- Whiskey Sour Slush: On a hot day (like so many in August), turn your sour into an adult slushy. Ahhhh …
You might also like a whiskey sour inspired dinner or dessert:
- Chicken Breasts with Maple-Whiskey Glaze
- Hoot ‘n’ Holler Whiskey Cake: Ok, there’s nothing really whiskey sour-like about this … Except the whiskey. But it looked so good!
- Whiskey Cream Liqueur Ice Cream
What will you be drinking this National Whiskey Sour Day?
Do you prefer a traditional whiskey sour or do you like to have fun with the variations?
Do you have a favorite recipe?
Share!
[…] Whiskey Sour Day: Kick back & relax with a whiskey sour. Have it the traditional way or get creative. Some recipes add orange juice or maple syrup. Or turn it into a slushie. Whatever your preference, just enjoy! […]