The Drambuie Sour is an underrated classic that combines the sweet complexity of Drambuie – a Scottish liqueur made from whisky, honey, herbs and spices – with the freshness of lemon. Originating in the golden age of Sours, this drink shows that you don’t always need a straight whisky to make a great Sour. The honey note in Drambuie partially replaces the simple syrup and brings a spicy depth that a Bourbon Sour lacks.
Here’s what you need for the Drambuie Sour
5 cl Drambuie
2.5 cl fresh lemon juice
1 cl simple syrup (optional)
1 egg white
Angostura bitters (for the finish)
What matters most
Drambuie is already sweet – 40 grams of sugar per 100 ml – so you often don’t need or only need a little additional syrup. Test this the first time: shake without syrup first, taste, and then add to your liking. Some bartenders omit the syrup altogether and instead increase the Drambuie to 6 cl. The egg white is particularly important here because it transforms the oily texture of the liqueur into a silky foam crown and carries the honey spice.
Variations
- Rusty Nail Sour — 4 cl Scotch Whisky plus 2 cl Drambuie instead of 5 cl Drambuie – more whisky character, less sweetness
- Heather Sour — 1 cl honey syrup added and a sprig of thyme in the shaker – intensifies the herbal note
- Drambuie Fizz — After shaking, top with 3 cl soda water, serve in a Highball glass
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Drambuie Sour without egg white?
Yes, but you’ll lose the silky texture and foam. Alternatively, aquafaba (chickpea water) or a dry shake with 2 cl cream can be used for a different creaminess.
Which Drambuie works best?
The classic Drambuie 15 is perfect – softer and more complex than the standard. Drambuie Original works just as well and is cheaper.
Why does my Drambuie Sour taste too sweet?
Omit the simple syrup altogether or increase the lemon juice to 3 cl. Drambuie already brings plenty of sweetness, so the ratio must be balanced.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
It works, but lime is harsher and can overpower the fine herbal notes of Drambuie. Lemon is the better choice here.
