Here’s a bourbon sour recipe that’s perfectly balanced with the right ratio of spirit, citrus, and sugar. It has that refreshing sweet-tart taste and silky mouth feel we’re after in a classic sour. It’s easy to make with a handful of ingredients, and it’s ready in just 5 minutes!
A bourbon sour is one of those classic cocktails, like a whiskey sour , that never goes out of style. I love it for its clean, sweet-tart balance and simple preparation, but the key is getting the proportions right. This version adheres to the classic sour formula—bourbon, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup—which lets the bourbon’s natural sweetness shine without overpowering the citrus.
I like to add a few drops of cocktail foamer for that light, bubbly mouthfeel, though an egg white works just as well, and you can absolutely skip it if you prefer. Everything gets shaken together until frothy, then strained into a rocks glass. Finished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, it’s simple, familiar, and incredibly satisfying.
This is my go-to drink for happy hour, casual get-togethers, game nights, and pretty much any occasion that calls for a reliable cocktail. Once you’ve mastered this bourbon sour, you’ve got a timeless recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Best bourbon to use
There’s no denying that a decent quality bourbon makes a great drink, but there’s no need to pull out your fancy stuff. I use Bulleit bourbon, a mid-range Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that’s subtly complex, dry, and clean but won’t break the bank.
The Best Bourbon Sour Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 2 ounces good-quality bourbon
- ▢ 1 ounce lemon juice
- ▢ 1 ounce simple syrup (see notes)
- ▢ 1-2 drop cocktail foamer (or an egg white) (optional)
- ▢ Marachino cherry and an orange slice (to garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice and add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and if using, cocktail foamer. 2 ounces good-quality bourbon, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1-2 drop cocktail foamer (or an egg white)
- Shake for at least 30 seconds – until there is lots of foam. (If you’re not using foamer, simply stir until it’s cold.)
- Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. Marachino cherry and an orange slice
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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The Best Bourbon Sour Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces good-quality bourbon
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup , see notes
- 1-2 drop cocktail foamer (or an egg white) , optional
- Marachino cherry and an orange slice , to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice and add the bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and if using, cocktail foamer. 2 ounces good-quality bourbon, 1 ounce lemon juice, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1-2 drop cocktail foamer (or an egg white)
- Shake for at least 30 seconds - until there is lots of foam. (If you’re not using foamer, simply stir until it’s cold.)
- Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. Marachino cherry and an orange slice
