Whiskey sour
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A classic whiskey sour is a balanced, refreshing cocktail that marries the bold warmth of whiskey with the sharp, bright tang of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness. Its texture is smooth and slightly frothy when shaken, often with a silky mouthfeel from egg white. Nutritionally, it is a low-protein, low-fat drink, but its 16.11g of sugar per 100g means it is a significant source of simple carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 98% carbs · 1% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the whiskey sour for its perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and strong, making it a timeless, sophisticated choice that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Its versatility allows for endless customization, from adding a dash of bitters to experimenting with different whiskeys, cementing its place in cocktail culture.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content can lead to blood-sugar spikes, and the alcohol can dehydrate and impair judgment, so it should be consumed in moderation. To counteract this, pair it with a protein-rich or fiber-rich snack to slow sugar absorption, and always drink a glass of water alongside it to stay hydrated.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates.
- Can be a social lubricant, aiding relaxation in moderation.
- Contains antioxidants from whiskey, such as ellagic acid.
- The lemon juice offers a small dose of vitamin C.
- A well-made version uses fresh ingredients, avoiding artificial additives.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The whiskey sour is believed to have originated in the mid-1800s, with the first known printed recipe appearing in Jerry Thomas's 1862 book, 'The Bartender's Guide.'
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 75.3 g |
| Energy | 123 kcal |
| Protein | 0.08 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.08 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 16.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 16.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 2.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.09 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 6.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 22.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 77.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.06 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 2.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.70 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 8.3 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.01 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What is the main difference between a whiskey sour and a whiskey neat?
A whiskey sour is a mixed drink combining whiskey with lemon juice and sugar, while whiskey neat is served straight, without any mixers or ice.
Can I make a whiskey sour without egg white?
Yes, the egg white is optional and adds a frothy texture; you can make a perfectly good whiskey sour without it, or use a vegan alternative like aquafaba.
Is a whiskey sour considered a healthy drink?
No, it is an alcoholic beverage with significant sugar content; while it has some antioxidants, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.23 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 16.1 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 3.50 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.