Classic Bourbon Sour Recipe cooked to perfection, served on a plate - Yumaroma Save Pin

Classic Bourbon Sour Recipe

Rich, balanced Bourbon Sour cocktail shaken with Kentucky bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and optional egg white foam.

Prep Time 5 min
Cook Time 0 min
Servings 1
Difficulty Easy
Calories 170 kcal
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Crafted for those who appreciate nuanced, artisanal drinks, this Classic Bourbon Sour Recipe combines kentucky bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup with precise dilution and chilled temperature, ensuring every sip is crisp, invigorating, and perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

1 servings
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Dry Shake First (2 Min)

Add bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into cocktail shaker without ice. Dry shake for 15 seconds.

2

Add Ice & Chill (2 Min)

Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until cold.

3

Strain & Serve (1 Min)

Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry!

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

  • Fresh Lemon Juice Only: Freshly squeezed lemons give true citrus acidity missing from bottled juice.
  • Egg White Texture: Egg white creates a silky, velvety mouthfeel without altering bourbon flavor.

1. Use Fresh, Solid Ice: Avoid hollow or cloudy ice cubes that melt rapidly and water down your drink. Large, solid ice chills efficiently while maintaining ideal dilution and crisp flavor. 2. Zest Before You Squeeze: The citrus peel contains natural aromatic essential oils that provide brighter flavor than juice alone. Microplane the colorful zest first, then roll and juice the fruit at room temperature. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Fresh Lemon Juice Only: Freshly squeezed lemons give true citrus acidity missing from bottled juice.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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  • What if My Classic Bourbon Sour Recipe Tastes Overly Sweet?: Brighten with a fresh squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or stir in a splash of chilled soda water or tonic to cut cloying sugar notes and restore crisp balance.
  • Why Does My Drink Taste Watery?: If drinks sit too long over small ice, excessive dilution mutes the flavor. Use large solid ice cubes and shake or stir vigorously for only 12–15 seconds before straining immediately.
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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Best served immediately for optimal carbonation and temperature. If preparing a party batch without sparkling liquids, mix bases up to 24 hours in advance and keep chilled in a sealed glass pitcher. Add fresh ice and bubbly liquids right at serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare this as a non-alcoholic mocktail? A: Absolutely. Replace spirits with premium zero-proof botanical spirits, flavored kombucha, or craft club soda.

Q: Can this recipe be scaled for large party crowds? A: Yes! Simply multiply all measurements by 6 or 8 and chill in a large glass beverage dispenser.

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Step 1 of 3

Dry Shake First (2 Min)

Add bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into cocktail shaker without ice. Dry shake for 15 seconds.

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