This Cardamom Whiskey Sour is a rich, aromatic take on the original cocktail. Warm cardamom pairs beautifully with the tartness of lemon juice and the smooth bite of whiskey, creating a drink that’s cozy, citrusy, and unmistakably elegant — perfect for fall evenings or special occasions.
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 5 minutes (plus infusion time)
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ Unexpected spice that complements whiskey beautifully
✔ Silky texture from proper dry shaking
✔ Impressive yet simple – tastes like a craft cocktail bar creation
✔ Perfect for cold nights or as a digestif
Ingredients:
- 2 oz cardamom-infused whiskey (see instructions below)
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional, for a silky texture)
- Angostura bitters (for garnish)
- Lemon twist or orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Infuse the Whiskey
- Pour 1 cup of your favorite whiskey into a clean jar. Gently crush 4-5 green cardamom pods to release their aroma and add them to the whiskey. Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or up to 24 hours for a stronger cardamom flavor. Taste periodically. Once the desired flavor is achieved, strain the whiskey through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the cardamom pods.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients (Dry Shake – if using egg white)
- Add the cardamom-infused whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker without ice. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. This is called a “dry shake” and helps emulsify the egg white, creating a frothy texture.
Step 3: Shake with Ice (Wet Shake)
- Add ice to the cocktail shaker. Seal it tightly and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
- Double strain the cocktail into a chilled old-fashioned or coupe glass. Double straining (using both the shaker’s built-in strainer and a fine-mesh sieve) helps to remove any small ice shards and creates a smoother texture, especially if you used egg white.
Step 5: Garnish
- Garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters swirled on top of the foam (if using egg white) and a lemon twist or an orange peel expressed over the drink to release its oils.
💎 Bartender’s Secrets
✅ Cardamom tip: Grind pods fresh in a mortar/pestle for the brightest flavor
✅ No egg? Aquafaba works beautifully (use liquid from canned chickpeas)
✅ Presentation: Use a dropper to make cardamom “dots” on the foam
📊 Nutrition (Per Drink)
| Calories 180 | Carbs 10g | Sugar 9g |
| Protein 3g | Alcohol 14g | Vegan Option ✔ |
🥃 Serving Ideas
Holiday Gathering: Serve with spiced nuts
Dinner Pairing: Excellent with dark chocolate desserts
Winter Brunch: Accompanied by gingerbread pancakes
Enjoy your Cardamom-Infused Whiskey Sour!
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