There’s nothing quite like unwinding with a well-balanced cocktail, and when it comes to classics, the Whiskey Sour holds a special place in our hearts. But because we love experimenting with flavors, we decided to give this beloved drink a floral makeover—introducing the Chamomile Whiskey Sour. It’s everything you love about the original, but with a delicate, honey-like aroma that makes each sip feel like a cozy yet sophisticated indulgence.
Whiskey Sour, but Make It Cozy
The Whiskey Sour is a timeless cocktail known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong. Traditionally made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, it’s a drink that’s both refreshing and bold. But we wanted to soften the edges a bit, adding a layer of warmth and subtle floral notes that make this version feel extra special. The result? A cocktail that’s equally suited for slow summer evenings and crisp autumn nights.
🍋 What Makes a Sour a ‘Sour’?
It’s all about the balance between citrus and sweetness! The tartness of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the whiskey, while the sweetness rounds it all out.
Chamomile: The Unexpected Cocktail Star
We don’t usually think of chamomile beyond our evening tea routine, but this gentle, floral ingredient works surprisingly well in cocktails. Steeping dried chamomile flowers into a homemade chamomile simple syrup brings a subtle, honey-like flavor that pairs beautifully with whiskey’s deep, caramel notes. It’s a match made in cocktail heaven!
🌼 Why Chamomile?
Chamomile has naturally calming properties, making this drink a little bit of relaxation in a glass. Plus, its delicate floral notes add an unexpected elegance to a bold classic.
The Secret to a Silky-Smooth Cocktail
One of the defining features of a great Whiskey Sour is that smooth, velvety texture. The trick? Aquafaba (or egg white for non-vegans). This ingredient creates that signature frothy top that makes the drink feel luxurious and perfectly balanced. A good shake, and you’ll get that beautifully foamy layer that takes this cocktail to the next level.
🍹 The “Dry Shake” Method
Shake all your ingredients without ice first to let the aquafaba (or egg white) create a frothy texture. Then, add ice and shake again to chill. The result? A perfectly smooth cocktail with a rich foam topping!
A Drink for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a quiet evening in, this Chamomile Whiskey Sour is the kind of drink that elevates any moment. It’s sophisticated yet approachable, bold yet delicate. We first made this cocktail on a whim, thinking it would be a fun experiment—but after one sip, we knew it was a keeper.
🎉 Perfect for Any Mood
This cocktail works just as well as a celebratory drink as it does for a relaxed night in. Sip it slowly and savor every flavor note!
Garnishing for the Final Touch
To make this drink look as beautiful as it tastes, we love garnishing it with a few dried chamomile flowers or a thin lemon slice. It’s a simple step, but it adds that extra touch of elegance that makes the drink feel even more special.
🌿 Pro Tip: Chill Your Glass!
For an even more refreshing sip, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring in the cocktail.
Ready to Shake Things Up?
The Chamomile Whiskey Sour is a fresh, floral take on a beloved classic that we can’t get enough of. If you love whiskey sours but want something a little different—something softer, smoother, and just a bit more special—this cocktail is for you. So grab your shaker, steep some chamomile, and get ready to sip on something truly delightful!
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 60 ml 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 25 ml 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 20 ml 2/3 oz chamomile syrup (see below)
- 1 egg white or 30ml 1 oz aquafaba (for vegan version)
- Ice
For the Chamomile Syrup:
- 120 ml 1/2 cup water
- 120 g 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers or 2 chamomile tea bags
Garnish:
- Dried chamomile flowers or a fresh chamomile sprig
- Lemon twist optional
Instructions
- Make the Chamomile Syrup: In a small saucepan, heat water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add dried chamomile flowers (or tea bags) and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain out the flowers, let the syrup cool, and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine whiskey, lemon juice, chamomile syrup, and egg white (or aquafaba).
- Dry shake (without ice) vigorously for about 15 seconds to create foam.
- Add ice and shake again for another 15 seconds to chill.
- Serve: Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of dried chamomile flowers and a lemon twist, if desired.
Notes
- For a slightly more floral flavor, let the chamomile syrup steep for up to 10 minutes before straining.
- To enhance the foam, use a reverse dry shake: shake with ice first, then strain and shake again without ice.
- This cocktail pairs wonderfully with honey-sweetened treats or light citrusy desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Chamomile Whiskey Sour
🌼 What Does Chamomile Add to the Whiskey Sour?
Chamomile brings a delicate floral and slightly honeyed flavor to the cocktail, making it a smoother and more aromatic twist on the classic whiskey sour.
🥃 What Type of Whiskey Works Best?
A bourbon or rye whiskey works best, as they both have warm, rich flavors that complement the chamomile infusion and citrus notes.
🍯 Can I Use a Different Sweetener Instead of Simple Syrup?
Yes! You can use honey syrup, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a more natural sweetness that pairs well with chamomile.
🍋 Do I Have to Use Fresh Lemon Juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice may have a slightly artificial taste that won’t blend as well with the chamomile and whiskey.
🧊 Can I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?
Absolutely! Replace the whiskey with a strong chamomile tea or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative for a refreshing mocktail.
🍹 How Do I Serve This Cocktail for the Best Presentation?
Serve over ice in a rocks glass with a lemon twist or a chamomile flower garnish for an elegant touch.
Enjoy your Chamomile Whiskey Sour—a soothing, floral take on the classic cocktail! 🌼🥃🍋
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