Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour is a fun twist on a classic cocktail! It brings together smooth whiskey, sweet maple syrup, and a hint of smoky flavor, making each sip special.
This drink is like a cozy hug in a glass. I love serving it over ice with a slice of lemon for that extra zing. Perfect for a relaxed evening with friends! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grant’s Blended Scotch Whisky: This is the star ingredient! If you prefer, you can swap it with another blended Scotch, but I find Grant’s adds the right depth of flavor without overpowering the drink.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh is key for a bright taste! If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work, but fresh always tastes better. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugar.
Maple Syrup: This adds sweetness and flavor. You can use agave syrup or honey in a pinch, but maple gives that unique twist. Choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Egg White: It creates a nice frothy texture. If you prefer to skip the egg, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a great vegan alternative!
Smoky Scotch Whisky: This is optional for a float, but it adds a lovely smoky aroma. If you don’t have it, you can omit this step or use a few drops of liquid smoke (very little!) for a similar effect.
How Can I Get the Perfect Frothy Texture?
The frothiness is crucial for this cocktail, and the key is in the shaking process. A dry shake (without ice) is essential to emulsify the egg white before chilling the drink. This creates a smooth, velvety foam.
- Start with the dry shake: Combine all ingredients except ice in the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Next, add the ice cubes and shake again, this time for 15-20 seconds until the mix is cold.
- Strain into your glass and notice that beautiful froth forming atop your cocktail.
Just be gentle when floating the smoky Scotch on top! It should sit on the froth to create a beautiful layered effect.
Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz Grant’s blended Scotch whisky
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz maple syrup
- 0.25 oz smoky Scotch whisky (for a smoky float, optional)
- 1 egg white (for frothiness)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon zest and aromatic herbs or spices for garnish (e.g. thyme or black pepper)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cocktail will take about 10 minutes to prepare. A quick shake and strain process, and you’ll have a delightful drink ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients in the Shaker:
Start by measuring out the Grant’s blended Scotch whisky, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, and egg white. Pour them into a cocktail shaker. This is the base of your cocktail, so make sure to get the measurements just right!
2. Dry Shake for Froth:
Seal the shaker (make sure it’s tight!) and give it a vigorous dry shake without any ice for about 15 seconds. This is crucial for emulsifying the egg white, which creates that lovely frothy texture you want in your drink.
3. Shake Again with Ice:
Now, add ice cubes to the shaker. Seal it again and shake well for another 15-20 seconds until the mixture is cold. This will chill the cocktail and help blend all the flavors perfectly.
4. Strain into a Glass:
Carefully strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. You should notice a nice frothy layer forming on top!
5. Optional Smoky Float:
If you want to add a smoky finish, gently float a small amount (about 0.25 oz) of smoky Scotch whisky on the surface. To do this, pour it slowly over the back of a spoon so it sits above the froth.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with lemon zest and sprinkle a few aromatic herbs or spices, like thyme or cracked black pepper, on top. This adds a lovely fragrance as you sip!
7. Enjoy!
Your Grant’s Smoky Maple Sour is ready to be enjoyed! Take a moment to appreciate the balance of sourness from the lemon, sweetness from the maple, and the warm, smoky flavor from the whisky. Cheers!
Can I Use a Different Type of Whiskey?
Absolutely! While Grant’s blended Scotch whisky provides a distinct flavor, you can use any blended Scotch or even another type of whisky, like bourbon, for a different profile. Just be mindful that it may alter the taste slightly.
What If I Don’t Want to Use Egg White?
No problem at all! You can substitute egg white with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan option, which creates a similar frothy texture. Alternatively, you can omit it entirely, although the drink won’t have that smooth foam on top.
How Should I Store Leftover Cocktail Mix?
While it’s best to prepare cocktails fresh, you can refrigerate any leftover mix (without the ice) in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake before serving again, but note that the froth won’t be as pronounced as the first time.
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance for a Party?
Yes! You can do the dry shake and add the rest of the ingredients without ice ahead of time, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just shake with ice and strain into glasses. This makes it easy to serve multiple guests quickly!
