Watermelon Whiskey Sour Cocktail Recipe

Watermelon Whiskey Sour Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:18g

Alcohol by volume:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Watermelon Whiskey Sour is a refreshing twist on the classic Whiskey Sour. Traditionally, the Whiskey Sour is a mixed drink containing whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and optionally, a dash of egg white. With the addition of fresh watermelon juice, this variation offers a fruity and summery take on the original.

  • Origins: The Whiskey Sour has been around since the 1870s, but the watermelon version is a modern innovation.
  • Popularity: It's a hit at summer parties and is particularly loved by those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
  • Crafting the Perfect Sour: The key to a great Watermelon Whiskey Sour is the quality of the whiskey and the freshness of the watermelon juice.

How Watermelon Whiskey Sour Tastes?

The Watermelon Whiskey Sour is a delightful balance of sweet watermelon and tart lemon, with the robustness of whiskey shining through. It's a vibrant, refreshing cocktail with a slight kick from the whiskey.

Interesting facts about Watermelon Whiskey Sour

  • Seasonal Flexibility: While it's a summer favorite, you can enjoy this cocktail year-round using quality watermelon juice.
  • Variations: Some bartenders like to add a splash of soda for a fizzy twist.
  • Egg White: Traditionalists may add egg white for a frothy texture, but it's optional in this fruity version.

Ingredients

  • Whiskey: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Fresh watermelon juice: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Fresh lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Ice cubes: As needed
  • Mint leaves: For garnish

Whiskey

Used for its robustness and complexity, whiskey is the backbone of the cocktail. At 2 oz, it's the predominant flavor, anything less and you might miss its warm embrace in the cocktail. Too much could make you feel like you're sipping a great flood of liquid courage.

Emma Rose

Fresh Watermelon Juice

Imagine dropping the beat on a hot summer day - that's watermelon juice. At 1.5 oz, it brings a whisper of sweetness and a cascade of freshness. Miss it and you miss the watermelon's hydrating high-five.

Alex Green

Fresh Lemon Juice

0.75 oz of lemon juice brings the sour to your whiskey sour, without overwhelming your taste buds. Too little, and the drink's zesty zing goes poof. Too much, and you're sucking on a lemon wedge from life's proverbial lemonade stand.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

This is the sweet whisper in the symphony of flavors at just 0.5 oz—too little, and the tartness may take over; too much, and the drink could end up sickly sweet like a candy store meltdown.

Emma Rose

Ice Cubes

Ice is the cool character keeping this drink chill. Forget them and you're just playing with liquid fire – unless you're into that. But seriously, don't skip the ice.

Alex Green

Mint Leaves

The garnish that gives a fragrant hello with every sip. Without it, you'll miss the subtle minty freshness that acts like a breath of cool air in the summer heat.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Watermelon Whiskey Sour Drink

  1. In a shaker, combine the whiskey, watermelon juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
  4. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Pro Tips

  • Chill Your Glass: Serve the cocktail in a chilled glass to keep it cool longer.
  • Fresh Juice: Always use fresh watermelon and lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • No Shaker?: If you don't have a shaker, stirring the ingredients with ice will work as well, just strain it into your glass.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp: The succulent sweetness of grilled shrimp complements the fresh, fruity essence of watermelon in the cocktail.
  • Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, especially those like feta or goat cheese, which have a nice tang, can balance out the sweetness of this cocktail.

Main Courses

  • Barbecue: The smoky flavors of barbecued meats contrast the bright freshness of the watermelon and citrus in the drink.
  • Salads: A fresh arugula salad with balsamic dressing pairs well with the cocktail's bright flavors.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: The sourness of lemon tart will work nicely with the balance in the whiskey sour, highlighting both the tart and the sweet notes.

Drinks

  • Cold Brew Coffee: A non-alcoholic pairing that offers a deep, rich flavor could contrast nicely with the cocktail's light and fruity character.

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What you could change in Watermelon Whiskey Sour

  • Whiskey: You can use bourbon for a sweeter profile or rye for a spicier kick.
  • Simple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey can be used as a natural sweetener alternative.

Explore all drinks starting with W here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Watermelon Whiskey Sour

You’ll add a kick by muddling a slice of jalapeño pepper in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. The spice will create a fiery dance with the mellow watermelon.

Watermelon Whiskey Smash

Forget the sour, get smashing! Muddle fresh watermelon and mint leaves in the shaker, combine with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, and serve over crushed ice. It's like a jolly romp in a watermelon patch.

Smoky Watermelon Whiskey Sour

Swap out the regular whiskey for a smoky mezcal or a peated Scotch. The smoky undertones will add a bonfire twist to your summer sipper, making it a mysterious adventure in a glass.

In case you forgot basics how to make Watermelon Whiskey Sour

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Watermelon Whiskey Sour

What type of glass is best suited for serving a Watermelon Whiskey Sour?

A rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass is typically used for Watermelon Whiskey Sours to accommodate the ice and garnishes.

Can I make a batch of Watermelon Whiskey Sour for a party?

Yes, you can pre-mix a large batch without ice, store it in a pitcher or jug, and stir well with ice just before serving to ensure it's chilled and refreshing.

Is a Watermelon Whiskey Sour suitable for those who are new to whiskey?

Yes, this cocktail is a good introductory choice for new whiskey drinkers because the watermelon juice and lemon soften the whiskey's bold flavor.

How long does fresh watermelon juice last?

Fresh watermelon juice can last in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days. It's best to consume it as soon as possible for maximum freshness.

Can I use pre-made sour mix instead of fresh lemon juice and simple syrup?

While you can use pre-made sour mix for convenience, using fresh ingredients will provide a better-tasting and more authentic cocktail experience.

What can I do with leftover watermelon after juicing?

Leftover watermelon can be used in fruit salads, smoothies, or frozen into popsicles for a refreshing treat.

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