Turmeric Whiskey Sour
Bright citrus and earthy turmeric meet whiskey. Easy turmeric simple syrup, serving tips, storage, and garnish ideas for a tasty sour.
We love this cocktail because turmeric's earthy flavor goes surprisingly well with citrus and whiskey.
- Make a turmeric simple syrup by boiling sugar, water, and ground turmeric, then strain and chill.
- Mix whiskey, fresh lemon and lime juice, and turmeric syrup; shake with ice and serve cold with cherry or rosemary.
- Strain the syrup well to avoid grit, watch for turmeric stains, and refrigerate syrup for up to two weeks.
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Preparation Instructions:
Make turmeric simple syrup by whisking together water, granulated sugar, and turmeric in a small sauce pot over high heat. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes or until sugar is completely dissolved. Strain through a fine mesh strainer over a heat-resistant container and place in refrigerator to cool.
Make the cocktail mixture by combining the measured amounts of whiskey, lemon juice, lime juice, and turmeric simple syrup. Stir to combine.
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and then fill two-thirds full with the cocktail mixture. Shake for 30 seconds and pour into glasses with ice. Add a maraschino cherry for a classic sour or garnish with rosemary for a fun twist!
Serve ice cold. Enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of whiskey should I use?
Bourbon adds a sweet, rounded profile while rye gives a spicier kick. Use an 80 to 100 proof whiskey you enjoy. Higher proof holds up better to the citrus and syrup.
Can I use fresh turmeric root instead of ground turmeric?
Yes. Peel and finely grate or thinly slice fresh turmeric, simmer it with the syrup, then strain well. Fresh turmeric tastes brighter but may add more fiber, so double-strain to remove solids and grit.
How long does the turmeric simple syrup keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup stays good for about 10 to 14 days. It may darken or settle; give it a stir or shake before using.
Will turmeric stain my hands or utensils?
Yes. Turmeric can stain skin, clothes, and porous surfaces. Wear gloves when handling, use stainless steel or glass tools, and wash stains quickly with soap. A paste of baking soda and water helps lift stains.
Can I make a nonalcoholic version?
Yes. Replace whiskey with a nonalcoholic whiskey alternative, cold-brewed black tea, or a spiced ginger brew. Keep the citrus and turmeric syrup and adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I add egg white for a frothy sour?
Absolutely. Use a pasteurized egg white or aquafaba for a vegan option. Dry shake first without ice to emulsify, then shake with ice to chill and dilute before serving.
How do I balance the sweetness and tartness?
Taste the mixture before shaking. If it is too tart, add more syrup a teaspoon at a time. If too sweet, add a splash more lemon or lime. Adjust slowly until the flavor feels balanced to you.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields about 18 ounces of cocktail base, which makes roughly four standard cocktails if each drink uses about 1.5 to 2 ounces of whiskey. Adjust servings by changing pour size.
What type of whiskey should I use?
Bourbon adds a sweet, rounded profile while rye gives a spicier kick. Use an 80 to 100 proof whiskey you enjoy. Higher proof holds up better to the citrus and syrup.
Can I use fresh turmeric root instead of ground turmeric?
Yes. Peel and finely grate or thinly slice fresh turmeric, simmer it with the syrup, then strain well. Fresh turmeric tastes brighter but may add more fiber, so double-strain to remove solids and grit.
How long does the turmeric simple syrup keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the syrup stays good for about 10 to 14 days. It may darken or settle; give it a stir or shake before using.
Will turmeric stain my hands or utensils?
Yes. Turmeric can stain skin, clothes, and porous surfaces. Wear gloves when handling, use stainless steel or glass tools, and wash stains quickly with soap. A paste of baking soda and water helps lift stains.
Can I make a nonalcoholic version?
Yes. Replace whiskey with a nonalcoholic whiskey alternative, cold-brewed black tea, or a spiced ginger brew. Keep the citrus and turmeric syrup and adjust sweetness to taste.
Can I add egg white for a frothy sour?
Absolutely. Use a pasteurized egg white or aquafaba for a vegan option. Dry shake first without ice to emulsify, then shake with ice to chill and dilute before serving.
How do I balance the sweetness and tartness?
Taste the mixture before shaking. If it is too tart, add more syrup a teaspoon at a time. If too sweet, add a splash more lemon or lime. Adjust slowly until the flavor feels balanced to you.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields about 18 ounces of cocktail base, which makes roughly four standard cocktails if each drink uses about 1.5 to 2 ounces of whiskey. Adjust servings by changing pour size.
Great idea!! ‘Tumric rosmary wisky sour’ Who would of thought that this would be such a delight! I admit I have my prefrences so the recipe is by drink and some what modified.
Uncle Dons Tumric simple syrup: 1/3 cup light agave surup, three Tbsp water, 1 tsp Tumric simmer for 5min, strain and cool.
Tumric Rosmary Wisky Sour; 2oz bullet rye, juce of 1 lemon, 1egg white, 3/4 oz Tumric simple syrup, anguostura bitters, one sprig of fresh rosmary.
dry shake ingredients (shake hard your building foam), add ice and shake to chill. Pour to a tumbler over ice, garnish with one splash of anguostura bitters and a sprig of fresh rosmary (slap the rosmary once between your hands to release the aroma)
Guess I went a bit crazy over this but this WORKS, and the color of course is great!
CHEERS!!