The Cherry Hibiscus Whiskey Sour is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic whiskey sour cocktail. By infusing the bold, smoky depth of whiskey with the tart and fruity sweetness of cherries, alongside the floral notes of hibiscus, this drink delivers a delightful balance of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or someone looking for a unique drink for your next gathering, this recipe will definitely stand out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Cherry Hibiscus Whiskey Sour combines the rich, warm complexity of whiskey with the light, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors of cherry and hibiscus. The hibiscus, known for its floral notes, gives this drink an aromatic edge, while the cherries add depth and sweetness. The classic whiskey sour base brings it all together with a touch of tartness and a smooth finish. It’s an ideal cocktail for those looking to try something different, yet familiar, and it’s sure to impress at any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Cherry hibiscus syrup (or homemade hibiscus syrup with fresh cherries)
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- 1 Egg white (for frothiness, optional)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish)
- Hibiscus flowers (dried or fresh, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by preparing the cherry hibiscus syrup. If you’re using store-bought syrup, skip ahead to the next step. To make your own, steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for about 10 minutes, then add in fresh or frozen cherries and a touch of sugar to create a sweet, tangy syrup. Allow it to cool before using.
Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz of cherry hibiscus syrup. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, add 1/2 oz of simple syrup.
Step 3: If you’re using egg white for a frothy texture, add it to the shaker as well. The egg white will help create a silky foam that complements the richness of the whiskey and the tartness of the lemon juice.
Step 4: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients. The egg white will create a beautiful foam on top of the cocktail.
Step 5: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. You can use a fine mesh strainer if you want a smoother drink without any ice shards or bits of hibiscus petals.
Variation:
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy twist. The heat will balance nicely with the tartness of the hibiscus and the sweetness of the cherries.
- Ginger Cherry Hibiscus Whiskey Sour: Replace the simple syrup with ginger syrup for an added zing and depth of flavor. This variation gives the cocktail a spicy, aromatic edge.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: You can easily make this drink alcohol-free by substituting the whiskey with a whiskey-flavored non-alcoholic spirit. This will give you the same complexity and flavor profile without the alcohol content.
Cooking Notes:
- Egg White: While optional, the egg white adds a luxurious foam to the drink that elevates its appearance and texture. If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, pasteurized egg whites are a safe alternative.
- Cherry Hibiscus Syrup: This syrup is the star of the cocktail, so use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to control the sweetness of your drink.
- Ice: For a smoother drink, consider using large ice cubes or ice spheres. They will melt more slowly and prevent the drink from becoming diluted too quickly.
Serving Suggestions:
This Cherry Hibiscus Whiskey Sour is perfect for any occasion that calls for a sophisticated cocktail. It pairs wonderfully with appetizers like cheese boards, smoked meats, or even fresh seafood like oysters. For a more casual gathering, serve it alongside finger foods like grilled vegetables or chicken skewers. It also works well as a pre-dinner drink, offering a refreshing start to any meal.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: If you’re preparing multiple servings, you can make the cherry hibiscus syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The syrup’s flavors will deepen over time.
- Chill the Glass: For an extra touch of sophistication, chill your glass by filling it with ice water before serving the cocktail.
- Presentation: Garnish with a fresh cherry and a dried hibiscus flower for an elegant and colorful presentation. You can also rim the glass with sugar for a sweet touch.
- Adjust Sweetness: The cherry hibiscus syrup already adds sweetness, so taste the drink before adding any extra simple syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Prep Time:
- Cherry Hibiscus Syrup Preparation: 10 minutes (plus steeping time)
- Cocktail Preparation: 5-7 minutes
Cooking Time: There is no cooking involved other than steeping the hibiscus flowers for the syrup.
Total Time: 15-20 minutes (including syrup preparation time)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 210-250 (depending on the sweetness of the syrup and the amount of simple syrup used)
- Protein: 1-2g (from the egg white)
- Sodium: 15-25mg
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of whiskey?
Yes! While bourbon or rye whiskey are typically used for a whiskey sour, you can experiment with other whiskey types like scotch or Irish whiskey for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I skip the egg white?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of egg whites or prefer not to use them, you can leave it out. The drink will still taste great, but it won’t have the same frothy texture.
3. How can I store leftover cherry hibiscus syrup?
Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s great for making other cocktails or even drizzling over desserts like ice cream.
4. Can I make this drink in bulk for a party?
Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredients to make a large batch of the syrup, whiskey, and lemon juice. Serve it over ice in individual glasses and garnish each with a cherry and hibiscus flower.
Conclusion:
The Cherry Hibiscus Whiskey Sour is a delightful fusion of fruity, floral, and earthy flavors that’s perfect for any whiskey lover looking to try something new. It’s a cocktail that offers a fresh take on the classic whiskey sour, with the vibrant addition of cherries and hibiscus. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or enjoying a relaxing evening, this drink is sure to become a favorite in your cocktail repertoire.
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Cherry Hibiscus Whiskey Sour
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Cherry hibiscus syrup (or homemade hibiscus syrup with fresh cherries)
- 1/2 oz Simple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
- 1 Egg white (for frothiness, optional)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish)
- Hibiscus flowers (dried or fresh, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Begin by preparing the cherry hibiscus syrup. If you’re using store-bought syrup, skip ahead to the next step. To make your own, steep dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for about 10 minutes, then add in fresh or frozen cherries and a touch of sugar to create a sweet, tangy syrup. Allow it to cool before using.
Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 3/4 oz of cherry hibiscus syrup. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, add 1/2 oz of simple syrup.
Step 3: If you’re using egg white for a frothy texture, add it to the shaker as well. The egg white will help create a silky foam that complements the richness of the whiskey and the tartness of the lemon juice.
Step 4: Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients. The egg white will create a beautiful foam on top of the cocktail.
Step 5: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. You can use a fine mesh strainer if you want a smoother drink without any ice shards or bits of hibiscus petals.
Notes
- Egg White: While optional, the egg white adds a luxurious foam to the drink that elevates its appearance and texture. If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, pasteurized egg whites are a safe alternative.
- Cherry Hibiscus Syrup: This syrup is the star of the cocktail, so use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar in the syrup to control the sweetness of your drink.
- Ice: For a smoother drink, consider using large ice cubes or ice spheres. They will melt more slowly and prevent the drink from becoming diluted too quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210-250
- Sodium: 15-25mg
- Protein: 1-2g