Scotch Sour: A Smoky Twist on a Classic

The Scotch Sour is a delightful twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, swapping out bourbon for scotch and adding a touch of smoky complexity. It's a balanced and refreshing drink, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of intrigue in their cocktails.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces blended scotch whisky (Choose a blend you enjoy, smoky or peaty varieties work well here)
• ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional)
• 1 egg white (optional, for a frothier texture)
• Orange twist, for garnish

Instructions:

1. For the best experience, pre-chill a coupe glass. Fill it with ice and let it sit for a few minutes. Discard the ice before building your drink.
2. If you want a frothier texture, separate an egg and add the egg white to a shaker. Disregard the yolk or use it for another recipe.
3. Add the scotch whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters (if using), and egg white (if using) to a shaker filled with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, or until the drink is well-chilled and frothy (if using egg white).
5. Strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass.
6. 
   
7. Garnish: Express an orange twist over the drink to release the oils and add a citrusy aroma (discard the peel).

Tips:

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for a bright and tart counterpoint to the smoky scotch.
• Simple syrup balances the tartness of the lemon juice. You can adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Angostura bitters add a touch of complexity and aromatic depth, but are optional. Egg white creates a frothier texture, mimicking the classic sour look. If you prefer a smoother drink, simply omit it.
• Blended scotch is generally recommended for Scotch Sours as it provides a smoother base compared to single malts. However, feel free to experiment with different types of scotch to find your favorite variation.
• Smoky or peaty scotches work particularly well in this drink, but any scotch you enjoy will work.
• If you don't have a shaker, you can use a jar with a tight-fitting lid.