National Whiskey Sour Day

A stylish woman in a classic outfit, holding a whiskey sour in one hand, surrounded by vintage whiskey bottles and citrus fruits.. — National whiskey sour day illustration

Hey there, whiskey lovers! Get ready to raise your glasses because National Whiskey Sour Day is just around the corner. On this special day, we celebrate the delightful blend of whiskey, citrus, and a touch of sweetness that makes the Whiskey Sour a truly classic cocktail.

When is Whiskey Sour Day?

It's national whiskey sour day on the 25th August.

The Origins of National Whiskey Sour Day

So, how did this refreshing libation earn its own national day? Well, the history of the Whiskey Sour goes way back to the days of naval exploration. You see, back in the 18th century, sailors used to drink citrus-based drinks to prevent scurvy on their long voyages. As they traveled the seven seas, they discovered that combining citrus juice with alcohol made for a tasty and revitalizing concoction. And thus, the Whiskey Sour was born.

Over time, this zesty drink gained popularity and found its way into the bars and saloons of America. Johnny the Mixologist, a legendary bartender known for his innovative creations, is often credited with perfecting the Whiskey Sour recipe that we know and love today.

Celebrating National Whiskey Sour Day

Now that we know a bit of the Whiskey Sour's history, it's time to get down to the important question: how do we celebrate National Whiskey Sour Day? Well, it's quite simple. Gather your friends, dust off your bartending skills, and mix up a batch of these tangy delights.

Here's a classic Whiskey Sour recipe to get you started:

2 oz whiskey
3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Garnish: Maraschino cherry and lemon wheel

Combine the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and a lemon wheel, and voila! You've got yourself a Whiskey Sour.

Did You Know?

Now for a fun whiskey-related fact! Did you know that whiskey has its own aging process? As whiskey matures in wooden barrels, it picks up flavors from the wood, giving it a unique taste. So, next time you sip on a Whiskey Sour, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that goes into the aging process.

History behind the term 'Whiskey Sour'

1500s

Invention of Distillation

The history of the whiskey sour begins with the invention of distillation in the 1500s. Distillation, the process of separating alcohol from other substances, allowed for the production of spirits like whiskey. Initially developed by alchemists as a way to produce medicinal elixirs, distillation soon found its way into the world of alcoholic beverages.

1700s

Introduction of Whiskey to America

In the 1700s, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their distillation techniques to America, including their knowledge of whiskey production. Whiskey quickly gained popularity, especially in regions with a strong Irish and Scottish presence, such as Pennsylvania and Kentucky. The first American distilleries were established during this period, laying the foundation for the future of American whiskey.

1790s

Creation of the Sour Cocktail

The sour cocktail, which forms the basis of the whiskey sour, emerged in the late 18th century. At this time, cocktails were becoming increasingly popular, and bartenders were experimenting with various combinations of spirits, citrus, and sweeteners. The whiskey sour, made with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar, became a favorite among patrons looking for a balanced and refreshing drink.

1862

First Recorded Recipe

The first recorded recipe for the whiskey sour appeared in Jerry Thomas' influential bartending guide, 'How to Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant's Companion,' published in 1862. Thomas' recipe called for a combination of whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and a dash of egg white, which added a silky texture to the cocktail. This recipe helped popularize the whiskey sour and standardized its preparation.

20th Century

Continued Popularity and Variations

Throughout the 20th century, the whiskey sour remained a beloved classic cocktail. Bartenders and enthusiasts continued to experiment with variations of the drink by incorporating different whiskies, adding garnishes like cherries or orange slices, or even substituting the traditional lemon juice with other citrus flavors. Despite these variations, the basic formula of whiskey, citrus, and sweetener remained at the heart of the cocktail.

Did you know?

Did you know that whiskey has its own aging process? As whiskey matures in wooden barrels, it picks up flavors from the wood, giving it a unique taste.