Maple Whiskey Sour (No Egg)

Tis the season for holiday cocktails and we all know that not only am I a lazy baker, I am a lazy bartender, too! But while I am more inclined to pop a bottle of champagne, there are a few holiday cocktail recipes that I will take a few extra moments to shake up and one of them is this Maple Whiskey Sour without egg whites.

 

What is a Whiskey Sour?

Traditionally speaking, a whiskey sour is a blend of sweet, sour, and whiskey. In many, the sour element comes from lemon juice, but it can range from any type of citrus. In this case I used orange juice but you can also even use bottled bitters.

The sweet element can range from a luxardo or maraschino cherry to a touch of honey, agave nectar, simple syrup or maple syrup. We used maple syrup since the goal was to craft a holiday cocktail. Plus, the ingredient pairs perfectly with my inclusion of nutmeg, another seasonal favorite.

Another ingredient that is sometimes included is egg white. Egg whites are used to give the cocktail a silky mouthfeel and lessen the harshness of sometimes harder cocktails. But not using them is perfectly fine, too, and results in a cleaner cocktail, in my opinion, therefore I’ve made a whiskey sour without egg white!

Ingredients

This handful of ingredients comes together quickly, making it perfect for parties.

• Whiskey – You can choose any variety that you prefer. Bourbon makes for a smooth cocktail but you can also use rye for a spicy twist. 
• Lemon Juice – Lemon is the traditional juice to use for the sour element of the cocktail. While you can use the bottled variety from the grocery store, using fresh lemon juice will give the cocktail the best flavor.
• Orange Juice – I add a little orange juice for a nuanced flavor.
• Maple Syrup – A bit of pure maple syrup infuses seasonal flavor. 
• Nutmeg – While it’s optional, I love the warm flavor that nutmeg adds to the drink. 
• Orange Slices & Cherries – These are optional garnishes but they do brighten up the drink. For an elegant presentation, be sure to use Luxardo cherries.

Variations on Orange Whiskey Sour

I put my own twist on the whiskey sour with the inclusion of orange juice, spices, and maple syrup — you can jazz it, too! These are a few ideas for inspiration.

• Sweetener – Instead of maple syrup, use simple syrup or honey. 
• Spices – Swap out some or all of the nutmeg for cinnamon or allspice. 
• Liquor – Instead of bourbon or rye whiskey, use Scotch. Or, use a spiced whiskey. 
• Liqueur – Add a splash of amaretto for nutty flavor. You can also add more orange flavor by adding Cointreau or Triple Sec, give it a spicy kick with ginger liqueur, or add herbal undertones with Chartreuse. 
• Herbs – Use rosemary, thyme, or basil as a garnish, or infuse a simple syrup with them and use it to sweeten the cocktail. 
• Aquafaba – If you like the idea of a smooth cocktail with egg whites but don’t want to fuss with raw eggs, use aquafaba as an egg white substitute. Aquafaba is the water from a can of chickpeas and you can use it just like egg white in cocktails.
• Cinnamon – For a cinnamon maple whiskey sour, try topping the drink with a pinch of ground cinnamon or garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick.
• Carbonation – If you want to add a little fizzy flair to the cocktail, try topping it with sparkling water. Or, you can kick it up with a bit of ginger beer.
• Caramel – For a sweet garnish, try dipping the rim of the glass in caramel before pouring the cocktail into it.
• Presentation – Swap out the rocks glass for a small mason jar for a more rustic look.

How to Make a Whiskey Sour Without Eggs

This whiskey sour recipe comes together in seconds!

1. Shake it up. Add all of the ingredients (except the garnishes) to a cocktail shaker that’s been half filled with ice. Shake it vigorously to combine the ingredients. Note: if you opt to add carbonation, do so after you’ve poured the drink in the glass. 
2. Pour. Strain the drink into a rocks glass that has been filled with a few fresh ice cubes or one large format ice cube. 
3. Garnish and serve. Add your chosen garnishes and shake a little bit of nutmeg on top, if desired. Serve immediately. 

More Holiday Cocktails and Drinks

There’s nothing like snuggling up with a cocktail on a cold winter night. Here are some of our favorites.