Bourbon Sour
A timeless classic that perfectly balances the rich warmth of bourbon with the tart brightness of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness. This refreshing cocktail is a staple of the sour family, offering a smooth and sophisticated drinking experience.
What it tastes like
The aroma leads with toasted oak and bright citrus zest. On the palate, the sharp acidity of the lemon cuts through the caramel and vanilla notes of the bourbon. The mouthfeel is light and crisp due to the dissolved superfine sugar. It finishes with a lingering tartness and a dry, woody heat from the whiskey.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Bourbon2 oz
- Fresh lemon juice1 oz
- Superfine sugar0.5 tsp
- Orange1 slice
- Maraschino cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- 2
Add the bourbon, lemon juice, and superfine sugar to the shaker.
- 3
Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- 4
Strain the mixture into a sour glass.
- 5
Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
Substitutions
- BourbonRye Whiskey — This increases the spice and pepper notes while reducing the corn-heavy sweetness.
- Superfine sugarMaple syrup — This adds a rich, earthy depth that complements the oak in the whiskey.
- Lemon juiceLime juice — This creates a more zesty profile with sharper acidity.
- Superfine sugarSimple syrup — This ensures the sweetener is fully integrated for a more consistent texture.
Variations
New York Sour
Float a dry red wine on top after straining to add a tannic, fruity dimension.
Boston Sour
Incorporate an egg white and shake without ice first to produce a thick, creamy foam top.