Clarified Whiskey Sour

Let’s strip it down to the essentials. This Clarified Whiskey Sour uses milk punch-style clarification without any added infusions or fuss. By combining whiskey and lemon juice with milk at room temperature, the acids in the citrus curdle the milk, binding impurities and softening flavors. The clarified base then becomes the foundation for a silky, crystal-clear take on the classic Whiskey Sour.

Ingredients for the Clarification

• 1 cup whiskey (bourbon or rye, based on your preference)

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• Cheesecloth or fine strainer for filtering

  
  

For the Final Cocktail

• 2 oz clarified whiskey base

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice (optional for a brighter kick)

• 1/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)

• Ice

• Garnish: Lemon peel or maraschino cherry

  
  

Step 1: Create the Base

1. In a large container or bowl, mix together the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. This will be the foundation for your clarified whiskey base.

   
   

Step 2: Add the Milk

1. Pour the milk into the whiskey mixture at room temperature. Stir gently as the milk curdles—it’s doing its job of clarifying the liquid by binding with the acids and impurities.

   
   

Step 3: Rest and Clarify

1. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the milk curds to fully form and settle.

   
   

Step 4: Strain the Mixture

1. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and set it over a clean bowl or container.

2. Slowly pour the curdled mixture through the strainer, letting the clarified liquid pass through while the curds are left behind.

3. For extra clarity, strain the liquid a second time using fresh cheesecloth or a new filter.

   
   

Step 5: Chill and Prepare the Cocktail

1. Transfer the clarified whiskey base to a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate until chilled.

2. To make the cocktail, combine 2 oz of the clarified whiskey base with ice in a shaker or directly in a mixing glass.

3. Optional: Add a touch more fresh lemon juice (1/2 oz) and simple syrup (1/4 oz) for a slightly fresher kick.

4. Shake or stir, then strain into a rocks glass over ice or serve straight up in a coupe glass.

5. Garnish with a lemon peel or maraschino cherry for a classic touch.

   
   

Why This Works

This straightforward clarification method softens the whiskey’s edges and smooths out the citrus bite while maintaining all the classic Whiskey Sour flavors. The result is a drink that’s velvety, balanced, and visually stunning.