As winter’s chill settles in, there’s a comforting warmth that comes from a glass of whiskey in hand. One evening, while lounging by the fire, I decided my holiday gatherings needed a signature drink—something that felt both festive and sophisticated. That’s when the idea for the Winter Whiskey Sour came to life. This cocktail perfectly blends the rich, smooth notes of bourbon with vibrant citrus from fresh oranges and lemons, creating a harmonious balance that dances on your palate.
Picture this: a glistening glass rimmed with edible gold glitter, catching the soft glow of holiday lights as you raise your glass to toast with friends and family. It’s the kind of drink that not only delights the senses but also transforms ordinary moments into cherished memories. Join me as I show you how to whip up this easy-to-make cocktail that’s bound to impress at any Christmas party!
Why is this Winter Whiskey Sour special?
Festive Flair: The gold glitter decoration instantly elevates any gathering, adding a magical touch.
Warm and Smooth: This cocktail features rich bourbon, balanced perfectly with citrus, making it an ideal drink for winter nights.
Easy to Craft: With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare this drink in a matter of minutes, making it accessible for busy hosts.
Versatile Flavor: Feel free to experiment with juices, allowing for personal twists that suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or cozying up at home, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests.
Get ready to enjoy the warmth and elegance of the Winter Whiskey Sour that will become your go-to festive drink!
Winter Whiskey Sour Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- Crushed Ice – Adds a refreshing chill to the drink, ensuring it’s delightful with every sip.
- Bourbon (50ml) – The smooth, rich base of your Winter Whiskey Sour, imparting deep flavors that elevate the cocktail.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Provides a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Fresh Orange Juice (1 tbsp) – Enhances sweetness and delivers a sunny flavor, perfect for a wintery drink.
- Sugar Syrup (½ tbsp) – Ties all the flavors together; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
For the Garnish
- Slices of Oranges (2) – An inviting garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor to your presentation.
- Honey – Perfect for adhering the edible glitter to the rim of your glass, enhancing its festive appearance.
- Gold Edible Glitter – A whimsical touch that sparks joy and impresses your guests, making your Winter Whiskey Sour a centerpiece drink.
This Winter Whiskey Sour is not just a cocktail; it’s a delightful experience waiting to be crafted and shared!
How to Make Winter Whiskey Sour
- Brush honey around the rim of two tumblers, using a small paintbrush or your finger for an even coat.
- Dip the honeyed rims into the edible gold glitter, ensuring they are fully coated for that festive sparkle.
- Fill the glasses with crushed ice, creating a chilled base for the cocktail to shine.
- Combine bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses, letting the vibrant colors flow over the ice.
- Garnish with orange slices, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Serve with short straws for easy sipping!
Optional: For added flair, consider a twist of orange zest over the top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Winter Whiskey Sour?
As you sip on this elegant cocktail, consider enhancing your holiday gathering with delicious pairings that bring warmth and comfort to your table.
- Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese complements the richness of the bourbon, making each sip more delightful. Pair with a drizzle of honey for added depth.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts tossed in warm spices contrast nicely with the cocktail’s citrus elements while offering a satisfying crunch that guests will love.
- Charcuterie Board: An array of cured meats, olives, and pickles provides a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the drink, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.
- Crispy Vegetable Tempura: Lightly battered, crunchy vegetables add texture and freshness, enhancing the sip of your cocktail while keeping the palate refreshed.
- Warm Mini Quiches: These bite-sized delights, filled with savory ingredients, bring a comforting touch to your drink, making them perfect for holiday mingling and toasting.
- Dark Chocolate Truffles: The rich, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate beautifully complement the bourbon, offering a sweet finale that lingers long after the last sip.
With these delightful pairings, your Winter Whiskey Sour becomes the centerpiece of a memorable holiday gathering, elevating the evening into something truly special.
How to Store and Freeze Winter Whiskey Sour
Room Temperature: Best consumed immediately for optimal flavor and freshness; avoid letting it sit out for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: If you have leftover mixed cocktail without ice, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake again before serving.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze a completed Winter Whiskey Sour, as it can alter the texture. Instead, freeze individual components like juice in ice cube trays for a quick blend later!
Reheating: The cocktail is best enjoyed cold; consider preparing the ingredients fresh rather than reheating a pre-made drink for the best experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Winter Whiskey Sour cocktails are perfect for busy hosts looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the honey-rimmed glasses with edible gold glitter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them and store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their sparkle. The fresh lemon and orange juices can be squeezed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; this ensures you have the freshest flavors ready to go. When it’s time to serve, combine the bourbon, prepped juices, and sugar syrup in a shaker with ice, shake well, and then simply strain into your prepared glasses. With these tips, you’ll have delicious, restaurant-quality Winter Whiskey Sours ready in no time!
Expert Tips for the Winter Whiskey Sour
• Seal the Shaker: Ensure your cocktail shaker is sealed tightly before shaking to prevent any spillage during shaking.
• Fresh is Best: Always use fresh lemon and orange juice for vibrant flavor. Store-bought juices can lack the zest needed for a perfect Winter Whiskey Sour.
• Sweetness Control: Adjust the sugar syrup amount to your taste. Start with less, as it’s easier to add than to fix an overly sweet drink.
• Garnish Wisely: Use two slices of orange as garnish to enhance both the look and flavor; they’re not just pretty—they add zest to each sip!
• Prep Ahead: Though best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare juices the day before; just store them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with your bourbon choice! Different brands can change the flavor profile of your Winter Whiskey Sour.
Winter Whiskey Sour Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own magic into this cocktail and make it uniquely yours!
- Rye Twist: Substitute bourbon with rye whiskey for a spicier, more robust flavor that adds a new depth.
- Citrus Blend: Try mixing in grapefruit juice alongside lemon and orange for a refreshing citrus burst.
- Berry Infusion: Muddle fresh cranberries or raspberries into the shaker for a fruity twist and a vibrant hue.
- Honey Variations: Swap sugar syrup for local honey to infuse a floral sweetness that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Smoky Surprise: Add a splash of mezcal with bourbon for a smoky flavor that will have your guests intrigued.
- Warm Up: Create a warm version by heating the bourbon and juices gently, perfect for cozying up on cold nights.
- Non-Alcoholic Option: Replace bourbon with ginger ale and fresh citrus for a delightful mocktail that everyone can enjoy.
- Herbaceous Touch: Infuse fresh rosemary or thyme into the cocktail shaker for an aromatic herb twist that’s festive and fragrant.
Winter Whiskey Sour Recipe FAQs
What type of bourbon should I use?
Absolutely! The choice of bourbon can greatly influence the flavor of your Winter Whiskey Sour. I recommend using a smooth, slightly sweeter bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace. However, feel free to experiment with spicier bourbons like Bulleit to suit your personal taste!
How can I ensure my fruits are fresh?
Very! When selecting your citrus fruits, look for lemons and oranges that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any that have dark spots or feel soft—these are signs of over-ripeness. Freshly squeezed juice will give you the most vibrant and flavorful cocktail!
What’s the best way to store my leftover cocktail?
If you have some mixed Winter Whiskey Sour left without ice, simply transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Be sure to give it a good shake before serving again to mix all the flavors back together—it’ll still taste delightful!
Can I freeze some of the ingredients?
Absolutely! While freezing the complete cocktail isn’t recommended, you can freeze the fresh juices in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop them out and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll be fantastic for a quick blend later—just add your bourbon and sugar syrup, and you’ll have a refreshing drink ready to go in seconds!
Is this recipe safe for my allergies?
Absolutely! This Winter Whiskey Sour is naturally gluten-free, given that bourbon is made from corn. However, if you have allergies to honey or oranges, consider using agave syrup instead of honey for the rim, and experimenting with lime wedges or even a splash of cranberry juice for garnish. Always taste a small amount to check for any reactions!
How long does the gold glitter stay on the glass?
Very! The edible gold glitter will cling to the honey-coated rim securely, so it should remain in place for as long as you’re enjoying your cocktail. However, if you prepare the drinks in advance, I recommend adding the glitter just before serving to ensure a fresh and sparkling appearance!
Warm Up with a Festive Winter Whiskey Sour Cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brush honey around the rim of two tumblers, using a small paintbrush or your finger for an even coat.
- Dip the honeyed rims into the edible gold glitter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Fill the glasses with crushed ice.
- Combine bourbon, lemon juice, orange juice, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses.
- Garnish with orange slices.