Skip to main content
WhatDrink logo
Cocktails

Boston Sour

Served in a Whiskey Sour Glass

Reviewed by , Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic20.6% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
186 cal20.6% ABV1.50 US std4.4g sugar6.5g carbsAbout these numbers

Difficulty

Advanceddry shake drink

Why: 6 ingredients, dry shake drink, uses egg white, requires shaker

Best for: BBQ, Steak, Seafood Dinner

Ingredients & Tools

BaseCitrusSweetenerDairy / textureGarnish
  • 2 ozBlended WhiskeyBase
  • Juice of 1/2LemonCitrus
  • 1 tspPowdered SugarSweetener
  • 1Egg WhiteDairy / texture
  • 1 sliceLemonCitrus
  • 1CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker

How to Make It

ShakeTop
  1. Shake juice of lemon, powdered sugar, blended whiskey, and egg white with cracked ice and strain into a whiskey sour glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
  2. Add the slice of lemon, top with the cherry, and serve.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.

Best For

Seafood Dinner

Food Pairings

BBQSteak

Diet & Lifestyle

Gluten-FreeVegetarian

Make it your way

Adjust this drink

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.Make it simplerTry drinks with three ingredients or fewer.

Swap notes

Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.

Explore next

Cocktail recipesMocktail alternativesFood pairingsFlavors

Rate this recipe

Frequently asked questions

What is a Boston Sour?
The Boston Sour is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 20.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 186 calories.
What does a Boston Sour taste like?
Boston Sour has a flavour profile featuring Lemon, Citrus, Tart, Sugar. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Boston Sour?
Boston Sour pairs well with BBQ, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Boston Sour?
The Boston Sour has an ABV of approximately 20.6%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 186 calories, 4.4g sugar, 6.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
When is a Boston Sour typically served?
Boston Sour is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
What drinks are similar to a Boston Sour?
If you enjoy Boston Sour, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
Can I make a Boston Sour at home?
Yes. The Boston Sour uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Whiskey Sour Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Boston Sour with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.