This easy Whiskey Sour recipe gives a classic cocktail a twist with the addition of seasonal Meyer lemon juice. It’s a delicious batch cocktail for your next party!
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Batch cocktails are key to stress-free entertaining. Not only can you make them in advance, they also free up your time during the party so you don’t have to be stuck playing bartender for everyone.
When most people think of batch cocktails, recipes for margaritas, sangria and punch come to mind. But have you ever considered serving a pitcher of whiskey sours? To me, they are the perfect cool weather cocktail.
These make-ahead Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sours are simple, seasonal and totally refreshing.
Sounds like 5-star party libation to me!
Ingredients
If you trace the origins of the whiskey sour, you’ll find they were made with 3 ingredients: whiskey, fresh lemon juice and sugar. This homemade Meyer Lemon version has four ingredients:
- Whiskey
- Fresh meyer lemon juice
- Fresh lime juice
- Simple syrup (Did you know you can make simple syrup at home? It's so cheap and easy!)
What is a meyer lemon?
For those of you who’ve never enjoyed a meyer lemon, they are a cross between a mandarin orange and a regular lemon.
They have a darker color and are smaller and rounder than regular lemons with a smoother, thinner skin like a mandarin. Generally available in grocery stores from November through May, you’ll most often find meyer lemons sold by the bag rather than individually.
The rumor mill claims you can eat meyer lemons like regular fruit as they are sweeter than your average lemon. I’m not sold on that idea (still too much pucker for my taste), but the combination of fresh meyer lemon and lime juices gives the "made from scratch" sour its unique flavor in this cocktail recipe.
Instructions
These Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sours are super simple to make and great for parties.
Step one: Squeeze juices from your lemons and limes. I love to use this handheld juicer to get every last drop from my citrus fruit. Easy to clean and store, too.
I also like to strain my juices through a sieve before adding it to my cocktails. Keeps me and my guests from walking around all night with pulp in our teeth! (Never a good look.)
Note: You can squeeze your lemons and limes up to two days in advance before the flavor of the juice starts to slowly degrade.
Step two: Stir together whiskey, juices and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to serve (up to 4 hours).
Step three: Pour whiskey sours into ice-filled low ball glasses and garnish with maraschino cherries and meyer lemon chunks on cocktail picks.
Tip: This recipe is written as a batch cocktail because if you’re going through all the effort of juicing those lemons and limes, why not make a pitcher-full and invite friends over? That said, if you’re flying solo and craving a whiskey sour, simply scale down the recipe to get the number of drinks you need.
FAQs
What whiskey is best for this drink?
Since this cocktail is a blend of fruit juices, simple syrup and whiskey, definitely don’t break the bank on your whiskey purchase. Save that bottle of 20- or 30-year whiskey for sipping on the rocks.
That said, don’t buy the cheapest whiskey out there, either, as it is still the predominant flavor in this drink. It’s the same school of thought where you only cook with wine you would also drink.
Yes, you can! If you have super tart lemons, you may have to add just a touch more simple syrup to keep the drink from being too tart. Try the recipe as written and then adjust if needed.
Make ahead tips
Make this whiskey sour recipe in advance to save your sanity before guests arrive. Juice your lemons and limes the morning of your party and combine with simple syrup in a pitcher.
Before your guests arrive, either add the whiskey to the pitcher or set out the bottle for folks to add to their own cocktails. Waaay low maintenance for you and fun for your guests.
More whiskey cocktails
- Cranberry Whiskey Sours - A seasonal twist on a whiskey sour made with cranberries and oranges.
- Ginger Whiskey drinks - These simple, 3-ingredient whiskey cocktails are always a hit. Super easy and super refreshing.
- Bourbon & Apple Cider Cocktails - Love hot toddies? You need to try this cool-weather cocktail made with fresh apple cider.
- Bourbon & Aperol Cocktails - Never tried Aperol before? This smooth cocktail is the perfect place to start. Makes a great Thanksgiving signature cocktail, too, because of its striking color.
- Spiced Apple Cider Whiskey Sour - Another cocktail that is tailor-made for fall.
- Gold Rush Cocktail with bourbon and ginger liqueur - If you need me, I'll be sipping one of these tangy cocktails by the fire.
- Perfect Manhattan Cocktail - Everyone needs to know how to make this classic cocktail. Our recipe makes it easy to impress your guests with a mixologist-worthy drink.
You can find even more whiskey drinks and batch cocktails in our archives!
Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers!
Recipe
Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sour recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh meyer lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1.75 cups whiskey
- Ice cubes
- Maraschino cherries
- Meyer lemon slices
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Instructions
- Combine juices, simple syrup and whiskey in a small pitcher. Stir gently to combine. Fill low ball glasses with ice and divide cocktail evenly among glasses. Garnish with maraschino cherries and meyer lemon slices.1 cup fresh meyer lemon juice, 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1 cup simple syrup, 1.75 cups whiskey
Notes
VIDEO
Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
This make-ahead Meyer Lemon Whiskey Sour recipe makes a pitcher of whiskey cocktails that always disappear at happy hour. Perfect signature drink for parties and the holidays!
Kathleen F says
Just an FYI. The link to print this recipe is not working. I've printed a few cocktail recipes from your site today, but the link for this recipe does not appear to work.
Anna says
Hmmm. I can't seem to replicate the issue, Kathleen. Can you please try again? I can also email you a PDF of the recipe if you prefer. Please let me know.
Kathleen F says
It seems to be working now. Thank you! I'm on the tail end of the season for Meyer lemons. I was able to snag a bag today!
Dan says
I would suggest using a better quality Bourbon that is of a higher proof that will stand up to the citrus. Knob Creek, Old Forester, Wild Turkey 101. Something that fits your flavor profile. Middle Shelf or above. Definitely not top shelf like you said.
Love the flavor of Meyer Lemon, I use it in cooking as well. Great for Piccata dishes.
Peta Shindle says
Hi there, When you say "whiskey" do you mean bourbon, rye or scotch?
Anna says
I prefer bourbon whiskey, but feel free to choose your favorite, Peta.