A whisky sour is a classic cocktail that typically contains whisky, lemon juice, and sugar. However, there are several potential substitutions that can be made if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to tweak the flavor profile.
Non-Alcoholic Substitutions
If you want to enjoy a whisky sour but skip the alcohol, here are some non-alcoholic substitutions you can make:
Use juice or sparkling water
Replace the whisky with lemon juice or sparkling water for a refreshing, non-alcoholic sour drink. You’ll still get the tart lemon flavor.
Try ginger ale or ginger beer
For a little spice, use ginger ale or ginger beer in place of whisky. The ginger notes complement the citrus well.
Use tea
Cold brew tea makes an interesting non-alcoholic substitution in a whisky sour. Green tea, black tea, or hibiscus tea can all work nicely.
Use coffee
The acidity of cold brew coffee can stand in for whisky’s bite. An iced coffee sour is sure to give you a caffeine kick.
Use coconut water
Coconut water has natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart lemon. Shake it up for a tropical twist.
Alcoholic Substitutions
If you want to stick with an alcoholic cocktail, but don’t have whisky, try substituting with one of these options:
Bourbon
Bourbon makes the most seamless substitution in a whisky sour. Its flavor profile is quite similar with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Rum
For a tropical vibe, use rum in place of whisky. White rum and spiced rum both work well. The rum’s sweetness balances the sour lemon.
Vodka
Vodka’s neutral flavor allows the lemon to really sing in this cocktail. It makes a lighter, more refreshing summer drink.
Gin
Gin’s herbaceous botanicals put a unique spin on the classic whisky sour. Use a citrusy gin like Tanqueray Rangpur for best results.
Tequila
Reposado tequila can stand in for whisky beautifully. Its soft oak and vanilla notes mirror whisky’s flavor profile.
Brandy
Try using brandy for a whisky sour with more fruit-forward sweetness and complexity. An apple brandy works especially well.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Mixers
Non-alcoholic drink mixers like juice, soda, or syrup can also be used to alter the flavor of a whisky sour:
Cranberry juice
For a pretty pink drink, add cranberry juice for sweetness and tartness.
Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice contributes tropical fruitiness and balances the lemon’s acidity.
Ginger beer
A splash of ginger beer adds some spicy kick and carbonation.
Cola
Cola’s caramel sweetness helps mellow out the tart citrus flavor.
Grenadine
This vibrant red syrup provides a hint of berry flavor and sweetness.
Creative Flavor Combinations
Why stop at swapping one ingredient? Get creative with these flavor combinations to put a unique spin on a whisky sour:
Whisky, lemon juice, honey syrup, ginger slice
Rum, lemon juice, passionfruit syrup, mint
Mezcal, lime juice, muddled blackberry, cilantro
Gin, lemon & grapefruit juice, rosemary sprig
Tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, cucumber slice
Vodka, lemon juice, lavender syrup, lemon twist
Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic) Whisky Sour Recipes
Here are some full non-alcoholic whisky sour mocktail recipes to try:
Cherry-Lime Whisky Sour Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup lime juice
- 1⁄4 cup cherry juice
- 1 tbsp honey or agave nectar
- 1 cup soda water
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions:
- Add lime juice, cherry juice, and honey/agave to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain into ice filled glasses.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Orange-Ginger Whisky Sour Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1⁄4 cup ginger beer
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Add orange juice, lemon juice, and honey to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until chilled.
- Strain into an ice filled glass.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Hibiscus-Pomegranate Whisky Sour
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 1⁄4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1⁄4 cup strong hibiscus tea, chilled
- 1 tbsp honey
- Soda water
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Add lemon juice, pomegranate juice, chilled hibiscus tea and honey to cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into ice filled glass.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when substituting ingredients in a whisky sour cocktails. Bourbon, gin, rum, tequila and brandy all make great alcoholic subs. For non-alcoholic options, try juices, tea, coffee, soda or syrups. And don’t be afraid to get creative with additional mix-ins like herbs, spices, and different citrus juices. The tart, tangy profile of a whisky sour can be adapted endlessly for whatever flavors you prefer.