National Whiskey Sour Day

National Whiskey Sour Day is celebrated on August 25th and is the perfect holiday for those who appreciate classic cocktails. The Whiskey Sour is not only a classic, but also a very popular aperitif. It managed to survive even during the difficult period of Prohibition in the United States, when many excellent cocktails disappeared because they could not be made without their main ingredient and the recipes were forgotten.

Today, if you order a Whiskey Sour, you can ask the bartender for a traditional version made with bourbon. But on National Whiskey Sour Day, many bartenders will be happy to make a version using your favorite type of whiskey.

History

If you are interested in the art of mixing cocktails, you may know the name of the famous bartender Jerry Thomas, also known as “Professor Thomas” for his skill in mixing drinks. He contributed to the popularity of cocktails in the United States, as he owned bars in New York where he demonstrated his art. He was so skilled that he wrote a bartender’s manual for mixing drinks, published in 1862, which is still in print today. It contained a recipe for a sour cocktail called the Brandy Fix & Sour.

The Whiskey Sour cocktail was first mentioned in the Wisconsin Waukesha Plain Dealer in 1870. And in the 20th century, another American publication, El Comercio de Iquique, mentioned the name of the creator of this drink as Elliot Stubb. However, the reason why National Whiskey Sour Day is scheduled for August 25th is a mystery.

Interesting facts

There is a theory that sour alcoholic drinks were invented by sailors during the age of sail. When sea voyages were long, sailors were at risk of developing scurvy, caused by a lack of vitamin C. To protect themselves, they mixed the juice and pieces of oranges and lemons from distant lands with their alcohol, such as rum or brandy.

How to take part

• Order your favorite version of the Whiskey Sour cocktail at a bar.
• Make your own at home with ingredients that you know and enjoy.

When is National Whiskey Sour Day celebrated in 2024?

National Whiskey Sour Day is observed on August 25 each year.

Observations