Which spirit is the base of a classic Whiskey Sour?

The classic Whiskey Sour is a cocktail that prominently features whiskey as its base spirit. This cocktail typically combines whiskey with lemon juice and simple syrup, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both tart and sweet, making it a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The distinct characteristics of whiskey provide depth and complexity to the drink, which is essential for its traditional taste.

Using whiskey ensures that the sour cocktail has the robust flavor that defines it, as opposed to other spirits like gin, tequila, or rum, which would lead to entirely different cocktails. Each of those spirits has unique flavor profiles and characteristics that do not align with the classic recipe for a Whiskey Sour. Therefore, whiskey's presence as the primary ingredient is what makes the Whiskey Sour a timeless and well-loved cocktail.