Is Wild Turkey Good for Whiskey Sour? A Bold Twist on a Classic Cocktail

The whiskey sour is one of the most iconic cocktails in the bartender’s playbook. This simple yet satisfying blend of whiskey, citrus, and sweetener has been around for well over a century. But as with any classic drink, bartenders love putting new spins on the whiskey sour to keep it feeling fresh. One popular riff is the Wild Turkey Whiskey Sour, which substitutes Wild Turkey 101 bourbon and amps up the flavor with some bold ingredient swaps.

What Makes Wild Turkey a Great Bourbon for Whiskey Sours?

Wild Turkey 101 is a high-rye bourbon, meaning it has a higher percentage of spicy rye grain in the mash bill alongside the corn and malted barley. This gives Wild Turkey 101 a bold, peppery kick that can stand up to other assertive flavors. The higher alcohol content (101 proof) also provides a spicy backbone that balances the sweet and sour elements.

When making a whiskey sour you want a bourbon with enough backbone not to get drowned out. More delicate, wheated bourbons can taste flabby in this drink. The Wild Turkey 101’s spicy rye content and robust proof make it an ideal pick for a whiskey sour base.

How Does the Wild Turkey Whiskey Sour Change Up the Classic Recipe?

The Wild Turkey Whiskey Sour makes a few simple but impactful twists:

The Bourbon

It starts with Wild Turkey 101 bourbon as the base spirit, adding a spicy kick.

The Citrus

Instead of plain lemon juice, it calls for a combo of grapefruit and lime. This adds a more complex, nuanced citrus flavor.

The Sweetener

Honey syrup is used rather than simple syrup, providing a richer, deeper sweetness to complement the citrus

The Egg White

Adding an egg white creates a frothy texture and creamy mouthfeel. It’s optional but recommended.

Walkthrough of the Wild Turkey Whiskey Sour Recipe

To make this cocktail, you’ll need:

• 2 oz Wild Turkey 101 bourbon
• 3⁄4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 1⁄4 oz fresh lime juice
• 1⁄2 oz honey syrup
• 1⁄2 oz egg white (optional)

Add the bourbon, citrus juices, honey syrup, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg. Add ice and shake again to chill. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. No garnish needed – the bold flavors speak for themselves!

What’s the Verdict on the Wild Turkey Whiskey Sour?

The consensus is clear: Wild Turkey’s riff on the whiskey sour is an elevated, bolder version of the classic. The spicy rye-forward bourbon stands up to the tart citrus and rich honey, while the egg white creates a luscious texture. It’s familiar but also more complex and modern.

The grapefruit-lime combo provides a more nuanced citrus flavor that plays nicely with the bourbon’s peppery bite. And the honey adds a deeper, more velvety sweetness compared to simple syrup.

While you can never go wrong with a classic whiskey sour, the Wild Turkey rendition brings something new to the table. It’s ideal for bourbon lovers who want a creative, sophisticated twist on an old favorite. The bold flavors and silky mouthfeel take this iconic sour cocktail to the next level.

So if you’re seeking an enhanced whiskey sour experience, be sure to give the Wild Turkey Whiskey Sour a try. Its inventive riff on the classic recipe doesn’t disappoint!