What ingredients are in a Scotch Sour?

1 1/2 oz Scotch, Juice of 1/2 Lime, 1/2 tsp Powdered sugar, 1/2 slice Lemon, 1 Cherry

What glass do you use for a Scotch Sour?

A Scotch Sour is traditionally served in a Whiskey sour glass.

How strong is a Scotch Sour?

A Scotch Sour has an estimated ABV of 12.48%.

How many calories are in a Scotch Sour?

A Scotch Sour contains approximately 139 calories per serving.

Scotch Sour

Glass Whiskey sour glass

Difficulty Medium

Calories ~139 kcal

ABV 12.48%

Ingredients

Scotch 1 1/2 oz
Lime Juice of 1/2
Powdered sugar 1/2 tsp
Lemon 1/2 slice
Cherry 1

Instructions

Shake scotch, juice of lime, and powdered sugar with ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass. Decorate with 1/2 slice lemon, top with the cherry, and serve.

Sour Citrus Dark

The Scotch Sour applies the classic sour template — spirit, citrus, sweetener — to Scotch whisky, resulting in a drink that balances malty, smoky Scotch character with bright lime juice and powdered sugar. It is served in a whiskey sour glass and garnished with a lemon slice and cherry. The cocktail offers a sophisticated alternative to the more common Whiskey Sour for Scotch drinkers.

History & Origins

Sour cocktails date to at least Jerry Thomas's 1862 bartending guide, which documented whiskey sours as a defined category. The application of the sour formula to Scotch whisky likely developed in both Scottish and American bar culture as bartenders adapted established recipes to local spirits. The Scotch Sour's origin is disputed, but it appears consistently in mid-20th century cocktail reference books.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Scotch malt and smoke with a fresh lime citrus note and a faint sweetness from the powdered sugar. Palate: Tart and citrus-forward from the lime juice, with Scotch's distinctive malt and light peat providing a complex base; powdered sugar softens the acidity. Finish: Dry and slightly smoky with lingering lime zest and Scotch warmth.

smoky tart citrus malty refreshing

Pro Tip

Use a blended Scotch for a milder, more accessible Scotch Sour, or a lightly peated single malt for a more complex, smoky character.

Techniques Used

Shaking

Data verified September 2017

Nutrition Facts →

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