When Was The Whiskey Sour Invented
The first time you heard the phrase “Whiskey Sour” you were probably left wondering, when was this magical cocktail created? Sure, it seems like something that has been around since the invention of whiskey itself, but it surprises some people that, there is actually a definitive answer to the question.
The origin story of the Whiskey Sour stretches around the globe. Sailors, merchants, and bartenders across the world all claim to have contributed to the invention of this timeless and beloved classic. However, despite its global influence, most historians agree that the modern Whiskey Sour was invented in the 1860s in the United States.
The Beginnings of the Whiskey Sour
The earliest references to Whiskey Sours can be traced back to 1806, where Colonels Robert Boylan and his son Edward Boylan, were noted for having created the earliest widely noted iteration of the cocktail. They would use Whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar to create the beverage, and served it in a champagne flute to their customers at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, KY.
However, it wasn’t until much later that the Whiskey Sour was commonly found across the world. In the early 1860’s, Jerry Thomas, an American bartender, added powered gum (essentially gum arabic dissolved in water) and a dash of egg white to the mix, creating an extra foamy, bubbly texture. It was this version of the Whiskey Sour that grew in popularity over the coming years and is still popular to this day.
The Rise of Whisky Sour Cocktails
By the late 1860’s, Whiskey Sours were becoming quite popular in the U.S. This prompted bartenders from various places such as New Orleans, Philadelphia, and other major cities to create their own version of the classic Whiskey Sour. New variations of the cocktail, such as the Pisco Sour from Peru, the Brandy Sour from Germany, the Amaretto Sour from Italy, and the Cognac Sour from Spain, were now being made around the world.
Whiskey Sours had been exported all over the world by the late 1800’s, and they were quickly becoming the go-to drink for special occasions as well as informal gatherings. It wasn’t long before the Whiskey Sour was being enjoyed in bars and pubs around the world. As it grew in popularity, bartenders continued to experiment with the original recipe, and eventually the Whiskey Sour was made with a variety of different liquors, resulting in the many different types of Whiskey Sour variations we know today.
The Evolution of the Whiskey Sour
While purists might argue that the traditional Whiskey Sour should stick to the classic recipe, over the years, people have gotten creative with their Whiskey Sours. Bartenders began to experiment with additional ingredients such as fruit juices, bitters, liquors, and more in order to come up with unique variations of the classic drink.
This resulted in the numerous different types of Whiskey Sours that we know today, such as the Pisco Sour, the Brandy Sour, the Amaretto Sour, and the Cognac Sour. And that’s not all – now people are also creating variations of the Whiskey Sour with different types of whiskey, such as Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye. Others have opted to highlight different flavors by using different types of citrus, honey, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and clove. The possibilities for Whiskey Sour variations are truly endless.
The Legacy of the Whiskey Sour
From its humble beginnings as a crude concoction made by American sailors, the Whiskey Sour has evolved over the years into one of the world’s most beloved cocktails. It’s now one of the most popular drinks at any bar, and anyone looking for a good classic cocktail will surely be able to find a Whiskey Sour. In fact, some bars have even begun offering an extensive menu of Whiskey Sour variations, showing just how much the drink has evolved over the years.
The Whiskey Sour will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come, demonstrating the lasting legacy of a cocktail that has captured the imagination of generations of drinkers. So next time you enjoy a Whiskey Sour, remember that you’re a small part of an extensive legacy that stretches back centuries!
