SUBSCRIBE BY EMAILThere are plenty of trendy cocktails that don’t have staying power, but the Whiskey Sour Cocktail is here to stay. I’ve just recently started to enjoy this cocktail. I became a fan after attending a great mixology presentation by an accomplished bartender. It’s easy to learn to love the Jade Bar Whiskey Sour Cocktail (and it’s easy to make).
In the middle of the desert in Scottsdale, Arizona, sits an amazing jewel: The Sanctuary Resort & Spa on Camelback Mountain. It is absolutely a treat for the senses. This luxury resort is tucked into the terrain of Camelback Mountain and offers glorious vistas of the amber rock formations, fabulous accommodations and spa services, exceptional dining, and extraordinary drinking.
If you find yourself with plans to visit Scottsdale (or you’re a local planning a staycation), look into this resort and the Mixology 101 series offered at its bar, the Jade Bar. This bar is gorgeous — it’s contemporary and elegant (but not stuffy), and it’s known for its fabulous cocktails.
I recently took part in the Jade Bar’s Mixology 101 – Whiskey Series (there are several different spirits sessions offered). I wanted to learn more about whiskey and to determine if I could learn to love it. The short answer to my question is, I learned to love it!
The Mixology 101 sessions offered at Jade Bar are a wealth of information and a whole lot of fun. We were a group of about 20 people that sat outside on a beautiful patio on a gorgeous day. As our host, Bar Manager Eddie Garcia stood at a small bar in front of the group and began an interesting presentation on the origins of whiskey. Before you groan, this wasn’t in the least bit boring — it was anything but. It was interactive and casual, and Eddie had the answers to everyone’s questions, too.
During each session, the group is presented with several different cocktails to try (we had four), one at a time, each made using the particular session’s spirit. Ours started with the classic Whiskey Sour.
We learned about bourbon and whiskey, their origins, and also the origins of each cocktail. Eddie even suggested that when you’re at a nice bar, you should ask for a drink made with a spirit you don’t really like. He noted that it’s possible you don’t like it because you’ve never had it made in a cocktail with the right touch.
A great cocktail, according to Eddie, is all about the balance of the ingredients, and their quality. This was true for me – the Jade Bar Whiskey Sour Cocktail was delicious, and like nothing I’d had before.
My goal in attending the series was to come home and recreate some of the cocktails I tried, staring with the Jade Bar Whiskey Sour Cocktail. Like I learned, I used quality alcohol, but I did go a little on the cheap with plain-Jane, grocery store Maraschino cherries as my garnish. If you want high-end cherries (at a higher price), go for the Italian Luxardo Maraschino cherries.
This is a simple, classic cocktail that truly is a treat. I recommend a visit to the beautiful Sanctuary Resort & Spa on Camelback Mountain and Jade Bar, whether you’re in town as a visitor, or you’re a local looking for a fun activity to try.
I hope you’ll enjoy this Jade Bar Whiskey Sour Cocktail — it’s a classic that has staying power!
Disclaimer: I was provided with a complimentary session of The Jade Bar Mixology 101 series. All thoughts and opinions for this post are my own.
Serves 2
This classic cocktail is a delight, and best made using quality ingredients. It will never go out of style!
Save RecipeIngredients
- 4 ounces whiskey
- 1-1/2 ounces lemon juice
- 1-1/2 ounce simple syrup (1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar)
- Lemon slices and Maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- To make the simple syrup, add 1 cup water to a saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the 1/2 cup sugar and remove from the heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before using. This will make more simple syrup than needed for just two drinks.
- Add ice to rocks glasses. Add the whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail mixer, and shake to combine.
- Evenly divide the mixture and pour over ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and Maraschino cherries.
Nutrition
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