Bourbon Sour
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Bourbon Sour
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.6 / 5
The Bourbon Sour is a classic American cocktail with a tangy and sweet flavor profile. This timeless drink is made with bourbon, which lends it a distinctive oaky and vanilla character, that is beautifully balanced by the fresh acidity of lemon juice. A touch of sugar adds sweetness, rounding out the flavors to create a harmoniously zesty beverage. It's often garnished with a slice of orange and a cherry, adding a touch of fruity elegance. Served in a whiskey glass, the Bourbon Sour is a revered staple in the cocktail world, celebrated for its bold yet balanced taste. It is a popular choice for those who appreciate the depth of bourbon and the refreshing sharpness of citrus.
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15 key ingredients
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Base ingredient
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Bourbon
Calories
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176 calories
Garnish
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Cocktail cherry, orange
Alcohol content
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25.81% | 2.4 units *

Tags

Bourbon ingredient icon
Bourbon cocktails

Whisky glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Lemon Juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Bourbon Sour cocktail
Lemon Juice
Sugar cocktail ingredient icon for the Bourbon Sour cocktail
Sugar
Bourbon cocktail ingredient icon for the Bourbon Sour cocktail
Bourbon
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Bourbon Sour expertly balances the boldness of bourbon with the sharpness of fresh lemon juice and a whisper of sugar, creating a classic cocktail that is both invigorating and smooth. This drink is a timeless choice for those who value the harmonious contrast of sweet and sour on the palate.

Method
How to make a Bourbon Sour

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain over a few cubes of ice into a whisky glass or tumbler, garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry and serve

Power tips
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For an extra layer of complexity, try using a high-quality bourbon with a higher rye content. This will add a spicier note that balances beautifully with the citrus.
Instead of regular sugar, use rich simple syrup (2:1 ratio of sugar to water) for a more luscious texture and balanced sweetness.
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Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Bourbon Sour?

The Bourbon Sour is a classic American cocktail with roots tracing back to the 19th century. It is part of the sour family of cocktails, which are made with a base spirit, lemon or lime juice, and a sweetener. The Bourbon Sour specifically gained popularity in the American South, where bourbon was widely produced. Its simple yet appealing taste profile made it a staple in American cocktail culture.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I use a different type of whiskey in a Bourbon Sour?

Yes, you can use different types of whiskey to make a variation of the traditional Bourbon Sour. While bourbon provides a distinct sweetness and full body to the cocktail, using a different whiskey such as rye would give it a spicier note. Scotch or Irish whiskey will also create interesting variations, but the classic version uses bourbon for its unique characteristics.

Preparation techniques icon

What is the best way to achieve a frothy top on a Bourbon Sour?

To achieve a frothy top on a Bourbon Sour, many bartenders add a small amount of egg white to the cocktail before shaking. The key to a good froth is to perform a 'dry shake' first, which means shaking the ingredients without ice to emulsify the egg white. After the dry shake, add ice and shake again to chill the cocktail. This process creates a silky foam on top of the drink.

Faq icon

Are there any variations of the Bourbon Sour I should try?

Yes, there are several popular variations of the Bourbon Sour you might enjoy. The New York Sour involves floating red wine on top of the cocktail, adding a fruity and slightly tannic twist. The Whiskey Sour with egg white, often called a Boston Sour, adds a creamy texture and softens the acidity of the lemon. Another variation, the Gold Rush, substitutes honey syrup for the sugar, offering a richer sweetness.

Customization ideas icon

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Bourbon Sour?

To adjust the sweetness of your Bourbon Sour, you can play with the amount of sugar or consider using different types of sweeteners. If the cocktail is too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or use a tart lemon juice. For a sweeter drink, increase the sugar or try using simple syrup for smoother sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar are also great alternatives for a different flavor profile.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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