National Whiskey Sour Day

National Whiskey Sour Day is celebrated on August 25 and is the perfect holiday for those who appreciate classic cocktails. The Whiskey Sour has stood the test of time as a popular aperitif, even surviving the era of Prohibition in the United States, when many other cocktails disappeared due to the lack of ingredients and forgotten recipes.

Today, if you order a Whiskey Sour, you can request the traditional version made with bourbon, but on National Whiskey Sour Day, bartenders are often happy to make the drink with your favorite whiskey.

History

If you’re interested in the art of mixing cocktails, you may know the name Jerry Thomas, the legendary bartender also known as “Professor Thomas.” He played a key role in popularizing cocktails in the United States, running bars in New York and publishing an influential bartender’s manual in 1862. This manual included a recipe for a sour cocktail called the Brandy Fix & Sour.

The first documented mention of the Whiskey Sour was in the Wisconsin Waukesha Plain Dealer in 1870. In the 20th century, an American publication, El Comercio de Iquique, credited the creation of the drink to Elliot Stubb. However, the specific reason why National Whiskey Sour Day is observed on August 25 remains a mystery.

Interesting Facts

There is a theory that “sour” alcoholic drinks were invented by sailors during the age of exploration. Long sea voyages put sailors at risk of scurvy, caused by a lack of vitamin C. To prevent this, sailors would mix citrus juice—such as oranges and lemons—brought 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.
• Try making your own at home using your preferred whiskey and ingredients.

When is National Whiskey Sour Day in 2025?

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

Observations