Bourbon Sour Recipe

Cocktails 101: The Bourbon Sour

History

Bourbon Sour Ingredients

• Bourbon: 60 ml. The base spirit for the Bourbon Sour. Choose a high-quality bourbon with a smooth, rich flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 30 ml. Provides the essential tartness that defines the bourbon sour drink.
• Simple Syrup: 20 ml. Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon juice. Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.
• Egg White: 1 (optional). Adds a smooth, frothy texture to the cocktail, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
• Ice Cubes: As needed. Used to chill the drink and maintain its refreshing taste.

• Maraschino Cherry: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the cocktail.
• Orange Slice: Provides a fresh citrus aroma and enhances the presentation of the drink.

How To Make a Bourbon Sour

1. Prepare the Glass:
   • Chill a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a cocktail shaker, add the bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using).
3. Dry Shake:
   • Shake the mixture vigorously without ice for about 10-15 seconds. This step, known as a dry shake, helps to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
4. Add Ice and Shake Again:
   • Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 10-15 seconds. This chills the drink and further mixes the ingredients.
5. Strain into the Glass:
   • Remove the prepared glass from the freezer or empty the ice water. Strain the cocktail mixture into the chilled glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth drink without any ice shards.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish your Bourbon Sour with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Preparation

1. Choosing the Bourbon:
   • The quality of the bourbon plays a significant role in the final taste of your bourbon sour drink. Opt for a premium bourbon with a smooth, rich flavor profile. Avoid overly harsh or excessively aged bourbons that might overpower the cocktail's balance.
2. Using Fresh Lemon Juice:
   • Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for achieving the bright and tart flavor that characterizes a Bourbon Sour. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it often contains preservatives that can affect the taste.
3. Making the Simple Syrup:
   • Simple syrup is easy to make at home. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool before using. This syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for future use.
4. Emulsifying the Egg White:
   • The addition of egg white is optional but recommended for a smooth, frothy texture. The dry shake technique (shaking without ice) is crucial for emulsifying the egg white and incorporating air into the mixture, creating the perfect bourbon sour egg white cocktail.
5. Shaking Technique:
   • When shaking the cocktail, use firm, vigorous movements to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled. The second shake with ice cubes helps to chill and dilute the drink slightly for a balanced taste.
6. Garnishing:
   • The final touch is the garnish. A maraschino cherry and a slice of orange add visual appeal and enhance the overall flavor profile of the cocktail.

Cocktail Mixing Ingredients

Bourbon

• Role: Bourbon serves as the base spirit in the Bourbon Sour. Its rich, smooth flavor provides a robust foundation that balances the tartness of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the simple syrup.
• Selection Tips: Choose a high-quality bourbon with a well-rounded flavor profile. Premium bourbons like Maker's Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve are excellent choices for this cocktail.

Fresh Lemon Juice

• Role: Fresh lemon juice provides the essential tartness that defines the Bourbon Sour drink. It adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the bourbon.
• Selection Tips: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it often contains preservatives that can affect the taste.

Simple Syrup

• Role: Simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the cocktail, balancing the tartness of the lemon juice and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Selection Tips: Make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool before using.

Egg White (Optional)

• Role: The egg white adds a smooth, frothy texture to the Bourbon Sour, creating a velvety mouthfeel that enhances the drinking experience.
• Selection Tips: Use fresh, high-quality eggs. If you have concerns about using raw egg whites, you can use pasteurized egg whites or omit this ingredient altogether.

Ice Cubes

• Role: Ice is essential for chilling the cocktail and maintaining its refreshing taste. It also slightly dilutes the drink, helping to balance the flavors.
• Selection Tips: Use large, clear ice cubes to minimize dilution while effectively chilling the drink. Smaller or crushed ice can over-dilute the cocktail, affecting its flavor.

Optional Garnish: Maraschino Cherry and Orange Slice

• Role: The garnish adds visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor with each sip.
• Selection Tips: Use high-quality maraschino cherries and fresh orange slices. For an additional touch, you can score the orange slice or create a twist for a more decorative presentation.

Ways To Serve Bourbon Sour

Classic Presentation

• Rocks Glass: The most traditional way to serve a Bourbon Sour is in a rocks glass or an old-fashioned glass. This allows the drinker to appreciate the rich color and frothy top of the cocktail.
• Garnish: Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange on the rim of the glass. This adds visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.

On the Rocks

• Ice-Cold Refreshment: Serve the Bourbon Sour on the rocks in a rocks glass filled with ice cubes. This method keeps the drink colder for longer and slightly dilutes it, making it more refreshing.
• Garnish: Garnish with a cherry and a twist of orange peel for a touch of elegance.

Up in a Coupe Glass

• Sophisticated Twist: For a more refined presentation, strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. This method is perfect for formal occasions or when you want to elevate the drinking experience.
• Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist or a dehydrated citrus wheel for an elegant touch.

Seasonal Variations

• Winter Warmer: Serve the Bourbon Sour warm by gently heating the lemon juice and simple syrup before mixing with the bourbon. This cozy version is perfect for cold winter nights.
• Spiced Bourbon Sour: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the simple syrup for a seasonal twist. This variation adds warmth and depth to the cocktail, making it perfect for autumn or winter.

Party-Ready Options

• Batch Preparation: For larger gatherings, prepare a batch of Bourbon Sours in advance. Mix the ingredients (excluding the ice and egg white) in a large pitcher and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, shake individual portions with ice and egg white (if using) and strain into glasses.
• Bourbon Sour Punch: Serve the cocktail as a punch in a large bowl with a ladle. Add slices of lemon and orange to the punch bowl for an eye-catching presentation.

Pairing with Foods

• Sweet Treats: Pair your Bourbon Sour with desserts like lemon bars, cheesecake, or pecan pie. The tart and sweet flavors of the cocktail complement these rich and creamy desserts beautifully.
• Savory Bites: Balance the drink’s tartness with savory appetizers like cheese platters, charcuterie, or smoked salmon. The contrasting flavors enhance the overall tasting experience.

Notes

Ingredient Quality

• Bourbon: The quality of the bourbon plays a significant role in the final taste of your Bourbon Sour cocktail. Opt for a premium bourbon with a rich, smooth flavor. Avoid overly harsh or excessively aged bourbons that might overpower the cocktail's balance.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for achieving the bright and tart flavor that characterizes a Bourbon Sour. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it often contains preservatives that can affect the taste.

Shaking Technique

• Dry Shake: When using egg white, start with a dry shake (shaking without ice) for about 10-15 seconds. This helps to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
• Wet Shake: Follow the dry shake with a wet shake (shaking with ice) for another 10-15 seconds. This chills the drink and further mixes the ingredients.

Adjusting Sweetness

• Balance the Sweetness: The sweetness of the Bourbon Sour can be adjusted by varying the amount of simple syrup. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the amount of simple syrup slightly.
• Alternative Sweeteners: While simple syrup is traditionally used, you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey syrup or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.

Presentation Tips

• Chilled Glassware: Serving the Bourbon Sour in a chilled glass helps maintain its temperature and enhances the drinking experience.
• Garnish Options: While a maraschino cherry and orange slice are traditional, you can also experiment with other garnishes like a lemon twist or a sprig of mint for a fresh touch.

Flavor Enhancements

• Spiced Syrups: For a twist on the classic recipe, try using spiced syrups like cinnamon or ginger simple syrup. These can add subtle layers of flavor to the cocktail.
• Additional Liqueurs: Consider adding a splash of other liqueurs like Cointreau or Amaretto for a unique twist on the traditional Bourbon Sour.

Serving Suggestions

• Temperature Control: Serve the cocktail immediately after shaking to ensure it is perfectly chilled and refreshing. Delays can cause the drink to warm up and lose its crispness.
• Seasonal Variations: Adapt the cocktail to the season by adding seasonal fruits or spices. For example, a hint of nutmeg in winter or a touch of fresh mint in summer can add a new dimension to the drink.

Bourbon Sour Nutrition Information

Standard Serving Size

• Volume: 1 serving (approximately 150 ml)

Nutritional Breakdown

• Calories: 160-200 kcal
  • The calorie content can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, particularly the type and amount of simple syrup.
• Alcohol Content: Approximately 15-20% ABV (Alcohol By Volume)
  • The alcohol content is influenced by the type and amount of bourbon used in the recipe.
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
  • Most of the carbohydrates come from the simple syrup and the natural sugars in the lemon juice. Adjusting the amount of these ingredients can change the carbohydrate content.
• Sugars: 8-12 grams
  • This is a subset of the total carbohydrates and is primarily derived from the simple syrup and the natural sugars in the lemon juice.
• Fat: 0 grams
  • The Bourbon Sour is typically fat-free unless additional ingredients like cream or flavored liqueurs are added.
• Protein: 0-1 gram
  • The use of egg white can add a small amount of protein to the cocktail.

Ingredient-Specific Information

• Bourbon: Provides the alcoholic base without adding any significant calories from fat or sugar.
• Lemon Juice: Contributes a small number of calories and natural sugars from the fruit.
• Simple Syrup: Adds sweetness and calories from sugar. The amount used can be adjusted to control the sweetness and calorie content of the drink.
• Egg White: Adds a small amount of protein and a frothy texture, enhancing the mouthfeel of the cocktail.

Health Considerations

• Moderation: Due to its alcohol and sugar content, it's best to enjoy Bourbon Sours in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to increased calorie intake and potential negative health effects.
• Caloric Balance: When enjoying a Bourbon Sour as part of a balanced diet, consider the cocktail's calorie content within your overall daily intake. Pairing it with lower-calorie food options can help maintain nutritional balance.
• Allergies: Ensure that any additional ingredients or garnishes do not contain allergens for you or your guests. If using egg white, be aware of potential egg allergies.