Whiskey Sour without egg white
A Whiskey Sour without egg white is still a Whiskey Sour — spirit, citrus and sweetness shaken cold. You lose the silky foam and slight richness, but the drink is sharper and faster to make.
Aquafaba (chickpea tin liquid) foams like egg white if you want texture without eggs. Otherwise shake hard and serve on the rocks for a casual version.
Classic no-egg recipe
50ml bourbon, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml simple syrup. Shake hard with ice for 12 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass or into a coupe straight up. Garnish with lemon wheel and optional Angostura dashes on top.
Reduce syrup to 15ml if you prefer a drier drink — especially with sweeter bourbons.
Aquafaba foam (vegan)
Add 15ml aquafaba with ingredients. Dry shake 15 seconds without ice, then shake with ice. Double strain — foam forms like egg white. Chickpea flavour is imperceptible once lemon is in the glass.
Best bourbon for Whiskey Sours
Buffalo Trace and Bulleit — balanced for sours. Wild Turkey 101 if you like a stronger drink. Avoid very cheap bourbon — harsh notes show through without egg white to round them.
Shop picks
Bottles for this guide
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Buffalo Trace
Smooth sour base
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Bulleit Bourbon
Spicier sour profile
Frequently asked questions
Can you make Whiskey Sour without egg white?
Yes — shake bourbon, lemon and syrup. The drink is brighter and less creamy.
What replaces egg white in cocktails?
Aquafaba (15ml per drink) is the standard vegan substitute. Some bars use pasteurised egg white powder.
Why do Whiskey Sours have egg white?
Egg white emulsifies when shaken, adding foam and softening acidity. It is optional, not traditional in every era.
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