World Whisky Day

Before we move on to the all important drink, I best answer the question, what is World Whisky Day? Here's a short video to explain all...

Customers and colleagues know me as a Customer Service Representative and more recently as our Events Manager. However in a past life I actually worked in the Hospitality industry and have yet to shake my passion (pun intended) for mixing up cocktails and pouring a good tipple, or pint as the case may be...

During my time behind the bar, people were always surprised by my love of whisky (which I find amusing as a redheaded Scots woman). I know many people have grown to love an Old Fashioned. A classic cocktail favoured by a Mad Men's Don Draper and urban hipsters alike. But I wanted to shine a light on another Classic Whisky Cocktail - The Whisky Sour.

Many feel a little put off by the fact that it contains a small amount of raw egg white, which is understandable, for the squeamish or vegans among us it can be switched out for some chickpea juice, also known as aquafaba if you prefer.

1. Start out by making sure you have everything you need.

Ingredients:

• 2 shots Whisky
• 1 shot Lemon Juice
• 1/2 shot Sugar Syrup (you can make this by adding 1 part hot water to 1 part sugar. It can last up to month if kept in the fridge)
• 1/2 shot Egg White
  
• Cubed Ice
• Orange Slice & Cherry to garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• A Cocktail Shaker
• A Strainer
• A Serving Glass

2. Add all of the wet ingredients to the shaker and dry shake (without the Ice) first. Dry-shaking ensures that the egg white incorporates with the other ingredients and that it gets a nice frothy texture, think Italian meringue!

Then add your ice and give it a good shake for about 20 seconds, this will chill it down to a lovely refreshing temperature.

Strain into your fanciest glass for maximum enjoyment. (this can be served 'straight' in a cocktail/martini glass or, if you prefer, a short glass on the rocks) An orange slice & cherry to garnish isn't compulsory, but it may make you feel a bit more classy.

As with all recipes, you can tweak it to your taste adding a little less sugar syrup or more lemon. There are many types of whisky sour. For instance, add red wine and you get a New York Sour, use Bourbon and you get a Boston Sour and use Rye and switch the sugar syrup for maple syrup and you've got yourself a Filibuster.