If you love tropical drinks that make you feel like you are on vacation, you have to try this Tiki Bitters Whiskey Sour! A balance of whiskey, amaretto, orange liqueur, and fruit juice will bring you to the sunshine no matter where you are.
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Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Tiki Bitters Whiskey Sour cocktail recipe because it combines a whiskey sour's classic charm with tiki bitters' exotic flair. The addition of tiki bitters adds a complexity that enhances the citrusy sweetness and adds a tropical twist to the beloved whiskey sour.
What are Tiki Bitters?
Tiki bitters are a blend of spices to add an enhanced flavor to your tropical drinks. It has cinnamon, allspice, ginger, citrus peel, and cardamom to name a few ingredients. Tiki bitters will balance a typically sweet tropical drink without overwhelming it.
What Whiskey to Use for This Recipe
I used rye whiskey in this cocktail because I like the bite in rye whiskey and I wanted to balance the sweetness of this drink. Rye whiskey is made with a rye mash, making it dryer, more intense, and a little spicy.
Bourbon whiskey is made with a corn mash so it tends to be sweeter. That being said, you can use any whiskey/bourbon you like and this drink will be delicious.
How to Make a Tiki Whiskey Sour
Prepare a lowball cocktail glass with fresh ice and a garnish stick with your choice of garnish. I used a cherry and a slice of orange.
Place all of the liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10-12 seconds until nice and cold. Strain into the prepared glass and enjoy immediately. Cheers!
What Garnish to Use For This Cocktail
Tiki drinks always have a few garnishes to add to the fun of the cocktail. For this recipe, I used a dehydrated blood orange peel and a boozy cherry.
Other garnish options would be a fresh orange or lemon slice, a cocktail cherry, pineapple fronds, or a cocktail umbrella. Have fun with it!
Recipe FAQ's
Whiskey and bourbon are two distinct types of spirits, each with its own characteristics.
Whiskey is a broad category that encompasses spirits made from various grains, while bourbon is a specific type of whiskey that must be produced in the United States and primarily contains at least 51% corn in its mash bill.
Bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels, giving it a slightly sweeter and fuller-bodied flavor compared to other whiskies. It carries specific legal requirements and is recognized for its unique taste profile, making it a beloved American spirit.
Yes, you can make this drink with another spirit like gin, vodka, or rum. The sour cocktail is a basic combination of sweet and sour and sometimes had an added foaming element like egg or aquafaba.
If you're looking for a substitution for Grand Marnier, there are a few options including Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Orange Curacao.
Other Tiki-Inspired Cocktail Recipes to Check Out
Tiki Bitters Whiskey Sour
Equipment
- garnish stick or toothpick
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey (or bourbon)
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ¼ ounce amaretto
- ¼ ounces orange liqueur (I used Grand Marnier)
- 1-2 droppers tiki bitters (I used Bittermens)
- fruit for garnish (cherries, orange slice, pineapple, etc)
Instructions
- Prepare a lowball cocktail glass with fresh ice and prepare a garnish stick with your choice of garnish. I used a cherry and a slice of orange.
- Place all of the liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds until nice and cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass and enjoy immediately. Cheers!
Notes
- Nutrition facts do not include garnishes.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Try This Cocktail?
If you decide to try this Whiskey Sour cocktail, let me know about it in the comments below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me your drink!
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Amateur mixologist says
It was just okay. I love tiki drinks and whisky sours, but this was less enjoyable than either one.
Emily says
Sorry you didn't love it. Not every drink works for everyone, but thanks for giving it a try!
Sangita says
What a refreshing cocktail recipe! Love it.
Emily says
Cheers!
Michelle says
I've never tried it with the tiki bitters, but it was really good. My husband especially loved it.
Emily says
I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it!
Andrea says
This is my kind of whiskey sour and these bitters sound delicious. Can't wait to get my drink on!
Emily says
You have to try the Tiki bitters, they are so unique. Enjoy!
Audrey says
Such a fun drink!!
Emily says
It's a good one! Thanks, Audrey!
Carrie says
Oh yum! This sounds like my kind of cocktail. 😉
Emily says
I hope you get a chance to try it!
Jessica Formicola says
I love a good whiskey sour, and this one looks great with it's tropical twist! Can't wait to try it!
Emily says
That's exactly what it is!! Enjoy!
Sue says
I love this combination of fruitiness with whiskey and amaretto. I never would have thought of it, but it really works!
Emily says
I'm so glad you liked it, Sue! Cheers!
Dannii says
These are going to be perfect for garden parties in the summer. I can't wait to try them.
Emily says
Yes, they will be a hit for sure. Cheers!