What Exactly is a Bourbon Sour Cocktail?
The Bourbon Sour is a classic cocktail that perfectly balances the boldness of bourbon with the tartness of lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. This cocktail has been enjoyed for over a century and remains a favorite because of its simplicity and refreshing taste. The acidity from the lemon juice brightens the rich flavors of the bourbon, making it an approachable yet flavorful drink for any occasion.
The Best Occasions to Enjoy a Bourbon Sour
The Bourbon Sour is incredibly versatile, making it great for both casual and formal occasions. It’s a refreshing choice for summer parties, barbecues, or even as a pre-dinner drink. Its bright, citrusy profile makes it perfect for those warm afternoons or evenings when you want something that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
How to Make It
Here’s the classic Bourbon Sour recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
- Directions:
- Shake bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
Recipe Credit: This recipe comes from Liquor.com’s Bourbon Sour Recipe.
What People Are Saying about the Bourbon Sour
Reviewers love the Bourbon Sour for its simple yet balanced flavor. One review on Liquor.com notes, “This drink brings out the best in bourbon—it’s bold, but the citrus and sweetness mellow it out in all the right ways.” It’s often praised for being approachable, even for people who don’t typically drink bourbon.
Here's a Fun Fact
The Bourbon Sour has its roots in the mid-19th century and was originally created to make spirits more palatable, especially when ingredients like lemon and sugar were scarce.
Just like the balance between sweet, sour, and strong flavors in a Bourbon Sour, Rickhouse Holding Company balances the risk and reward in bourbon barrel investments. We invest in young bourbon barrels and hold them through their most valuable aging years. Much like the way lemon juice enhances the bourbon’s natural richness in a Bourbon Sour, the aging process in our barrels helps bourbon reach its peak value, delivering a strong return for our investors.
