Classic: Virginia Whiskey Sour

Name: Classic: Virginia Whiskey Sour
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon; 2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon; ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice; ½ ounce Honey Simple Syrup; 1 orange slice, for garnish; 1 maraschino cherry, for garnish

Preparation info

Makes
1
Drink

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Spirits of '76

By Kim Laidlaw

Published 2026

About

The whiskey sour, a classic cocktail of rye whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar, has deep roots in Virginia, where whiskey production dates back to the eighteenth century. By using one of America’s earliest distilled spirits, the drink reflects Virginia’s history as a key player in the nation’s bourbon and rye traditions.

Ingredients

2 ounces rye whiskey or bourbon
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
½

Americas
United States
Virginia
Drinks
Vegetarian

Method

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Cover and shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a chilled rocks or coupe glass. Garnish with the orange slice and maraschino cherry and serve.