The Los Angeles is an underrated Sour that gains smoky depth from Scotch Whisky and a soft, almost liqueur-like note from Vermouth Sweet. The egg transforms it into a velvety texture reminiscent of a Whisky Flip—but with the acidity of a classic Sour. Perfect for those who don’t just want to drink their Whisky neat but with a touch of elegance.
And here’s what you’ll need for the Los Angeles
4 cl Blended Scotch Whisky
2 cl fresh lemon juice
1 cl Vermouth Sweet
1 whole egg (size M, room temperature)
1 dash of Angostura Bitter (optional, for complexity)
This is what matters
The egg is the key: at room temperature, it won’t separate in the shaker, and dry shaking before adding ice binds it into a stable emulsion. If you’re worried about salmonella, you can use pasteurized liquid egg—but fresh tastes more intense. The Vermouth Sweet shouldn’t be too old; it should still have a slight vanilla note, otherwise it’ll overpower the Whisky. Tip: Choose Scotch with 40–43 % ABV—too weak expressions lose their smoky character in the mix.
Variations
- Los Angeles Dry — Replace Vermouth Sweet with 1 cl dry vermouth and add 0.5 cl simple syrup. Results in a drier, less sweet version with more bite.
- Smoky Angel — Replace Scotch Whisky with 3 cl Islay Single Malt Whisky (e.g., a smoky expression) and use 1 cl maple syrup instead of Vermouth. For those who prefer it even more intense.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave out the Vermouth?
Theoretically yes, but then the soft, liqueur-like component is missing. The drink will then be more like a classic Whisky Sour with egg—less complex but still drinkable.
Why does my drink taste like raw egg?
Either the egg wasn’t fresh enough, or you didn’t shake it long enough. Dry shaking before adding ice is crucial to stabilize the emulsion. If the taste remains: add an extra 1 tsp lemon juice—the acidity neutralizes the eggy flavor.
Is there a vegan option?
Yes, with aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg. Whisk 3 cl aquafaba with 0.5 cl lemon juice, then treat it like the egg. The texture will be slightly lighter, but the flavor remains similar.
