Charred Strawberry Whiskey Sour
The Charred Strawberry Whiskey Sour is a next-level twist on the traditional whiskey sour! Made with your favorite whiskey, a smoky charred strawberry puree, a hint of lemon and maple and topped with foamy egg white, this drink gives tradition a smoky-sweet makeover. Perfect for a casual date night at home with your partner or luxe enough for hosting a dinner party, you’ll be sipping on this sweetness anytime you’re craving a playful twist on a traditional whiskey sour!
If you love whiskey sours, you also want to try my Pineapple Whiskey Sour, my Italian Sunset Sour, and my Pumpkin Pie Whiskey Sour!
We love experimenting with cocktails at home and luckily I have a built in taste-tester (Travis) who loves whiskey sours. I wanted to bring a fresh take on the classic cocktail that blended sweet fruit with a touch of smoky, caramelized flavor, that’s where the idea for the charred strawberry puree came in–and it was definitely the star! Tradition meets transformation; and not just whiskey sours, this charred strawberry puree is great in so many mocktails and cocktails.
The charred strawberry puree brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and adds a subtle smoky depth to the drink. A perfect balance between tart lemon, rich maple, smooth whiskey and a velvety foam finish, Travis gave it his stamp of approval, saying it was one of the best variations he’s had yet!
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card for quantities.
CHARRED STRAWBERRY PUREE
- Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries. Choose bright, deep red to almost purple colored strawberries for peak sweetness. Dull red usually means they aren’t very sweet or ripe yet.
- Avocado Oil: It is a healthier option and it has a high smoke point for charring and caramelizing the strawberries. EVOO will also work.
- Water: Whatever you drink – bottled, filtered or tap.
COCKTAIL
- Whiskey: Choose a more mild and approachable whiskey like a bourbon or wheated whiskey. Overly smokey or rye whiskeys will overpower the soft fruit notes of the cocktail.
- Lemon juice: Always use fresh squeezed lemon juice.
- Maple syrup: Make sure to use 100% pure maple syrup.
- Egg white: Aquafaba will work as well.
- Charred strawberries & edible flowers: Use for garnish if desired.
Tools & Equipment List
- Small Skillet
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Citrus Squeezer
- Clear Ice Tray
- Cocktail Glass
Check out my favorite glasses here!
How to Make This Recipe
CHARRED STRAWBERRY PUREE
Step 1: Rinse your strawberries and remove the leaves and stems.
Step 2: Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add avocado oil. Add strawberries and cook, turning occasionally until all sides are charred, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Step 3: Add the strawberries and a splash of water to a blender and blend until smooth.
COCKTAIL
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until foamy. Strain into a cocktail glass with ice. If desired, garnish with a charred strawberry and edible flowers.
Watch How to Make this Recipe
Tips for Making a Charred Strawberry Whiskey Sour
- Keep unwanted pulp and seeds out of your drink. Double strain the mixture if you feel necessary.
- For an ultra-foamy top, dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds then add ice and shake again.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the cocktail to give the foam time to settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can leave the egg white out of the drink. Many people drink whiskey sours without the egg white. You can also use aquafaba as a replacement for egg white, if you want a foamy cocktail without the egg white.
Yes, you can leave the egg white out of the drink. Many people drink whiskey sours without the egg white. You can also use aquafaba as a replacement for egg white, if you want a foamy cocktail without the egg white.
Yes, you can make the charred strawberry puree ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or in the freezer 3-6 months. You can use it in so many cocktails and mocktails, maybe even a boozy popsicle!
More Whiskey Cocktails to Try
- Glittering Gold Rush (Bourbon Champagne Cocktail)
- Best Bourbon Peach Cocktail with Ginger and Basil
- Evan Williams Berry Peach Buzz
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Charred Strawberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
Charred Strawberry Puree
- 1 1/2 cup strawberries, leaves removed
- 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
- Splash water
Cocktail
- 3/4 oz charred strawberry puree
- 2 oz whiskey
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz maple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Charred strawberries, for garnish
- Edible flowers, for garnish
Equipment
- Small skillet
Instructions
Charred Strawberry Puree
- Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add avocado oil. Add strawberries and cook, turning occasionally until all sides are charred, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Add the strawberries and a splash of water to a blender and blend until smooth.
Cocktail
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until foamy. Strain into a cocktail glass with ice. If desired, garnish with a charred strawberry and edible flowers.
Notes
- Keep unwanted pulp and seeds out of your drink. Double strain the mixture if you feel necessary.
- For an ultra-foamy top, dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds then add ice and shake again.
- Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the cocktail to give the foam time to settle.
