A whiskey sour is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and optionally, a dash of egg white. The drink is part of the sour family of cocktails, which typically include a base spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The key to a good whiskey sour is getting the balance of ingredients just right. The whiskey sour recipe typically calls for equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup, with a ratio of 2 ounces of whiskey to 1 ounce of each of the other ingredients. However, some people prefer a more tart flavor and adjust the ratio accordingly.

To make a whiskey sour, the ingredients are shaken with ice and then strained into a chilled glass. The drink can be served straight up or over ice, and is typically garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

While some people prefer to include egg white in their whiskey sour, it is not necessary and many sours were traditionally made without it. The egg white adds a creamy, rich flavor and a frothy texture to the surface of the drink.

Overall, a whiskey sour is a simple yet delicious cocktail that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods.