I hate that most the things it is commonly paired with at bars is sweet. Jack & Coke = delicious but sweet. Jameson & Ginger Ale = also delicious but sweet.
So a couple years ago, I had a friend who gave up soda for Lent. But then he found a few loop holes and drank a little soda anyways. I got mad, so I told him that I'd give up soda too, and I'd be more committed to Spite than he was to Catholicism. Yeah, I'm a little mean.
But I won.
During that time though, I went to NYC. I was seriously puzzled on what to drink. So I picked up whiskey sours - even though most whiskey sours are really whiskey sweet & sours and so loaded with sugar it hurts a little. But then, we went to this one bar in Brooklyn, and the bartender said, "Our whiskey sour is a real whiskey sour, made with, like, egg whites. Are you cool with that?" Hell yeah, I'm cool with that. It was delicious. Not too sweet. Just whiskey & sour and delight.
Ever since, anytime I see a legit whiskey sour made with egg whites and a homemade mixture instead of pre-made, I get it. West Coast Tavern in North Park in San Diego has a great one.
But then at home, I stick to Jack & Coke, Jame-o & ginger, or just whiskey & water or on the rocks. Why couldn't I just learn to make a real whiskey sour?
Today I did... With the help of my chef-tastic roommate Kevin.
I made simple syrup. (Now I know why sour mix tastes so sweet.)
I chilled a martini glass.
I pulled an egg white and shook it in a shaker.
I added ice, rye whiskey, lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
I shook them up.
I served it with a garnish of lemon peel.
It wasn't perfect looking. I probably shook it a bit too much, meranguing the egg white a bit too much, but it tasted just right. Well, maybe a little strong. But overall, lovely. And easy. As long as I have simple syrup pre-made, some lemons & limes, and some whiskey, this will be my drink of choice. If not, we're back to whiskey on the rocks and weening myself to Scotch.
