Sumac Whiskey Sour

The Sumac Whiskey Sour is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail. With its zesty sumac flavor, rich bourbon base, and creamy texture, it’s a drink that feels as sophisticated as it is fun to make.

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Sumac Whiskey Sour Cocktail

After making my yearly Sumac Tea (also known as Sumac Lemonade) I wanted to use more sumac in my drinks. While sumac tea uses fresh staghorn sumac this cocktail is made with sumac spice. Using ground sumac to make a simple syrup is easy and a great way to incorporate it into drinks. This unique version of the classic whiskey sour introduces the tart, lemony flavor of sumac to create a refreshing and complex cocktail. 

What is Ground Sumac?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about the key ingredient that sets this drink apart—ground sumac. Sumac is a popular spice in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, made from the dried and ground berries of the sumac shrub. It’s known for its beautiful deep red color and its tangy, citrusy flavor, similar to lemon but without the acidity. It’s a great way to introduce brightness to your drinks or dishes without overpowering them.

In cocktails, sumac pairs perfectly with ingredients like bourbon and lemon juice, adding a layer of tart complexity that enhances the flavors already present in the whiskey sour. Plus, sumac’s vibrant color makes it the perfect garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor to the final drink.

Ingredients:

• Egg White: This creates a frothy, velvety texture.
• Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same brightness or freshness.
• Sumac Simple Syrup: The tart, citrus flavor of sumac adds a unique twist. You can find the simple syrup recipe here Sumac Syrup.
• Bourbon: Use your favorite bourbon, I used Makers Mark for this recipe but whatever one you fancy is what you should use. Feel free to experiment with different types of bourbon or even substitute rye whiskey if you prefer a spicier kick. Each type of whiskey will bring its own unique character to the drink.
• Ground Sumac: Adds a burst of color and extra flavor on top. Ground Sumac may be difficult to find as some grocery stores, I buy mine online from Here's The Deal Spice Co.

Instructions:

Dry Shake the Ingredients
Start by adding the egg white, lemon juice, sumac simple syrup, and bourbon to a cocktail shaker. Seal the shaker tightly and give it a good dry shake—shaking the ingredients without ice—for about 15 to 20 seconds. This step helps emulsify the egg white, creating the frothy texture.

Add Ice and Shake Again
After the dry shake, carefully open the shaker and add ice. Close it back up and shake again for another 15 to 20 seconds. This second shake with ice chills the drink and dilutes it, balancing the flavors.

Strain and Serve
Once the shaking is complete, strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer for a silky finish.

Garnish and Enjoy
For the finishing touch, sprinkle a light dusting of ground sumac on top. The garnish not only looks beautiful but adds an extra hit of citrusy tang to each sip. Now, sit back and enjoy your perfectly crafted Sumac Whiskey Sour!