As the chill of winter sets in, it’s time to warm up your evenings with something truly captivating: my Zesty Clementine Whisky Sour. The moment you crack open a bottle of aged Scotch whisky and pour it into your shaker, the inviting fragrance envelops the kitchen, promising a delightful experience. When I first discovered this vibrant cocktail, I was instantly enchanted by the way the bright clementine juice harmonizes with the rich feel of whisky, creating a drink that dances between sweet and tart.
Imagine hosting friends by the fireplace, sipping on this refreshing concoction that feels both festive and cozy, while the vibrant color and frothy top add an elegance to your gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll not only impress your guests but also enjoy a drink that’s as delightful to make as it is to sip. Let’s dive into crafting this uplifting cocktail that’s sure to become a winter favorite!
Why will you love this Clementine Whisky Sour?
Delightfully Unique: This cocktail combines fresh clementine juice and aged whisky for a truly one-of-a-kind drink.
Refreshing Balance: Sweet and tart flavors harmonize beautifully, making it perfect for winter gatherings.
Effortless Elegance: With easy steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll impress guests without the stress.
Frothy Texture: The whipped egg white adds a luxurious mouthfeel, elevating your cocktail experience.
Versatile Option: Easily swap whisky for bourbon or use agave for a vegan twist, ensuring everyone can enjoy!
Get ready to shake things up with this vibrant drink that’s bound to warm your heart!
Clementine Whisky Sour Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- M&S Distilled 8 years aged blended Scotch whisky – This primary spirit adds warmth and depth, making your clementine whisky sour truly captivating.
- M&S squeezed Spanish clementine juice – Freshly squeezed juice brings a burst of bright, citrusy flavor that’s essential for a lively cocktail.
- Lemon juice – Enhances the tartness, balancing the sweetness from the honey for a well-rounded taste.
- M&S Collection Scottish honey from highland heather – This natural sweetener adds richness, complementing the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- M&S Remarksable Value free-range mixed size egg, separated – Used solely for frothing, the egg white contributes a creamy texture that elevates each sip.
For Garnish
- Clementines – Slices used to garnish the cocktail, they add a pop of color and a touch of extra flavor to delight your guests.
Now, let’s gather these ingredients and get ready to shake up a memorable Clementine Whisky Sour!
How to Make Clementine Whisky Sour
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Chill the Tumblers: Fill two tumblers with ice and set aside. This will enhance your cocktail experience by keeping it perfectly chilled as you mix.
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Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add 100 ml of blended Scotch whisky, 30 ml of fresh clementine juice, 20 ml of lemon juice, 1 tbsp of honey, and the separated egg white. Toss in a handful of ice for a refreshing shake.
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Shake Vigorously: Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until the shaker feels cold. This ensures all the flavors meld beautifully together.
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Strain and Froth: Strain the mix into a large jug, discarding the ice. Return the mixture to the shaker and shake again for 10 seconds to froth the egg white, enhancing that luxurious texture.
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Serve and Garnish: Pour the cocktail evenly into your chilled tumblers. Garnish each drink with two clementine slices, adding a stunning visual touch and a hint of citrus aroma.
Optional: For a festive twist, rim the glasses with sugar before pouring in the cocktail to sweeten each sip.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Clementine Whisky Sour cocktails are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on festive occasions! You can prepare the non-alcoholic components—clementine juice, lemon juice, and honey—up to 3 days in advance. Simply mix these ingredients in a sealed container and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to delight your guests, just add the whisky and shake everything together with the egg white for that frothy finish. This method not only saves you valuable time but also ensures your cocktail is just as refreshing and flavorful when you serve it!
How to Store and Freeze Clementine Whisky Sour
Fridge: Store any leftover cocktail in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Rechill before serving; the frothy texture may diminish slightly.
Freezer: While cocktails are best fresh, you can freeze the mixture (without egg white) in an ice cube tray for up to 1 month. Blend with fresh egg white after thawing for a frothy experience.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the non-alcoholic ingredients a day in advance. Mix with whisky just before serving to maintain freshness and flavor.
Reheating: This cocktail is best served cold; avoid reheating to preserve the delightful flavors of your Clementine Whisky Sour.
Expert Tips for the Best Clementine Whisky Sour
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Choose Quality Whisky: Use an aged blended Scotch for depth. The better your whisky, the richer your Clementine Whisky Sour will taste.
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Fresh Juice Matters: Always opt for freshly squeezed clementine juice. Bottled juice often lacks the vibrant flavor that elevates your cocktail.
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Double Shake for Froth: Don’t skip the second shake! This step is essential for achieving that luxurious, frothy texture in your drink.
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Correct Egg Handling: Ensure your egg whites are free of yolk to achieve the best frothy result. Any fat from the yolk can hinder frothing.
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Chill Your Glassware: Pre-chilling the tumblers keeps your cocktail cool for longer. No one likes a lukewarm cocktail!
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Garnish Joyfully: Don’t rush the garnish! Slices of clementines not only look beautiful but also add a delightful aroma to each sip, enhancing your Clementine Whisky Sour experience.
Clementine Whisky Sour Variations
Feel free to get creative with your cocktail and make it truly your own!
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Bourbon Swap: Replace Scotch with bourbon for a smoother, sweeter experience that enhances the clementine flavor.
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Honey Alternative: Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly twist without sacrificing sweetness.
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Citrus Medley: Add a splash of grapefruit juice alongside clementine for an extra zesty kick that dances on your palate.
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Spicy Touch: Muddle in a slice of fresh ginger before shaking for a warm spice that complements the citrus beautifully.
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Herb Infusion: Try adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the shaker for an aromatic depth that elevates your cocktail.
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Sparkling Fizz: Top with club soda for a refreshing bubble that lightens the drink, perfect for festive occasions.
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Fruit Garnish Variety: Experiment with garnishing using blood orange or lemon slices instead of clementines for a colorful and flavorful twist.
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Chai Inspired: Infuse your honey with chai spices before mixing to introduce a warm, cozy flavor that will warm you up on chilly evenings.
What to Serve with Clementine Whisky Sour?
Let’s create an unforgettable dining experience that pairs perfectly with the refreshing zing of this delightful cocktail.
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Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy Brie, tangy blue cheese, and sharp cheddar creates a delightful contrast to the citrus notes. The richness of the cheese complements the tart and sweet profile of the cocktail seamlessly.
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Honey Glazed Nuts: Roasted nuts coated in honey offer a sweet crunch that echoes the honey in the drink. These make for a perfect bite-sized treat, balancing flavors in each sip and bite.
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Spiced Roasted Carrots: Caramelized with honey and warmed spices, these tender carrots match the cocktail’s sweetness while adding a roasted earthy note. They’re a simple side that elevates your meal with warmth.
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Citrus Salad: A vibrant mix of kale, clementines, and avocado topped with a light vinaigrette brings freshness that mirrors the cocktail’s zesty character. This salad brightens up any winter gathering.
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Dark Chocolate Tart: Decadent dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the warming whisky. Its richness holds its own against the drink while providing a lush finale to your meal.
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Ginger Beer Fizz: For a non-alcoholic option, serve a refreshing ginger beer with a squeeze of lemon. It adds a fizzy, spicy contrast that resonates with the warming qualities of the whisky sour.
Feel the comfort and joy as you mix these pairings with your Clementine Whisky Sour for a phenomenal feast!
Clementine Whisky Sour Recipe FAQs
What type of clementines should I use for the cocktail?
Absolutely! Look for fresh, firm clementines without dark spots or blemishes. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. If you can, opt for organic clementines, as they often have a more vibrant flavor and are pesticide-free!
How should I store leftover Clementine Whisky Sour?
You can store any leftover cocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just remember to chill it again before serving, as the frothy texture may diminish slightly when sitting.
Can I freeze the Clementine Whisky Sour?
Yes! While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the mixture (without the egg white) in an ice cube tray for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw, add fresh egg white, and blend to restore that fabulous frothiness!
What if my cocktail doesn’t froth properly?
Very! If your cocktail isn’t frothing well, it could be due to any yolk in the egg white or not shaking enough. To troubleshoot, ensure you separate the egg whites carefully, avoiding any yolk contamination. Shake vigorously the second time for about 10 seconds to create that lovely frothy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for anyone with egg allergies?
Unfortunately, this cocktail is not egg-free due to the use of egg white for frothing. However, you could substitute the egg white with an alternative like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan option, which can achieve a similar frothy texture!
How long can I store the clementines for garnish?
You can store fresh clementines in the fridge for about 1-2 weeks in the produce drawer. Just be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, like soft spots or mold, before using them as a garnish in your delightful Clementine Whisky Sour!
Clementine Whisky Sour: A Festive Twist to Brighten Your Spirits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chill the Tumblers: Fill two tumblers with ice and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the whisky, clementine juice, lemon juice, honey, and the separated egg white. Add a handful of ice.
- Shake Vigorously: Seal the shaker and shake for 15-20 seconds until cold.
- Strain and Froth: Strain the mix into a large jug, discard the ice, return it to the shaker, and shake again for 10 seconds.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour into chilled tumblers and garnish with clementine slices.