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–+ servings
Limoncello Rye Sour in a glass with a lemon and bottles of Limoncello & Rye Whiskey.

Limoncello Rye Whiskey Sour Cocktail

By Tammy Spencer
Love a classic Whiskey Sour? This Limoncello Rye Whiskey Sour gives it a bright citrus twist with just three ingredients. The spicy rye balances the sweet lemon liqueur beautifully, making an easy cocktail that's refreshing enough for summer and cozy enough to enjoy year-round. It's lemonade all grown up!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 139kcal

Special Equipment

Ingredients

For the cocktail

  • 3 ounces (85 grams) rye whiskey, see Recipe Notes
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) limoncello, homemade or store bought
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) lemon juice, from 1 lemon (or less, to taste)
  • ice
  • splash club soda, optional

For the garnish

  • lemon zest, see Recipe Notes

Instructions

  • Place two glasses in the freezer to chill. See the Recipe Notes for which type of glass to choose.
  • Zest a strip of lemon for garnish. Juice the lemon into a small bowl using a citrus juicer. Set the juice aside.
  • Add some ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in 3 ounces rye whiskey, 2 ounces limoncello, and 1 ounce lemon juice.
  • Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels very cold, about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Remove the glasses from the freezer. Add more ice to the chilled glasses and strain the cocktail into the glasses.
  • Add a splash club soda (if desired) and garnish with the lemon zest (or another choice). Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

For a Limoncello Whiskey Sour: Both rye whiskey and bourbon make excellent Whiskey Sours, but they create different flavor profiles. Rye whiskey has a peppery, spicy character that balances the sweet citrus flavor of limoncello, while bourbon is naturally sweeter with notes of caramel and vanilla, producing a softer, richer cocktail.
You can also garnish the cocktail with a sprig of thyme or rosemary for an herbal note, or a Luxardo cherry for a sweeter finish.
This cocktail is traditionally served in a rocks (lowball) glass over fresh ice, but you can also strain it into a chilled coupe if you prefer it served "up."

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg