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Bourbon Sour

This classic cocktail strikes the perfect balance between the warm spice of bourbon, the bright tang of fresh lemon juice, and just enough sweetness to make you want another sip. Simple enough to master in under five minutes, yet impressive enough to make you look like you actually know your way around a bar.
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Prep Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 165
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 0.75 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 ounces simple syrup
  • Ice cubed or crushed
  • Orange slice or cherry for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger
  • Bar spoon
  • Strainer
  • Citrus juicer
  • Cocktail glass or rocks glass

Method
 

  1. Fill your rocks glass or cocktail glass with ice and let it sit while you prepare the drink.
  2. Add fresh ice to your cocktail shaker, filling it about halfway.
  3. Pour exactly 2 ounces of bourbon into your jigger, then transfer it to the shaker.
  4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice until you have 0.75 ounces, then add it to the shaker with the bourbon.
  5. Measure 0.5 ounces of simple syrup into your jigger and add it to the shaker.
  6. Place the shaker lid firmly on top and hold it securely with both hands. Give the shaker a vigorous shake for about 10 seconds.
  7. Remove the ice from your chilled glass and position your strainer over the top. Pour the contents of the shaker through the strainer into the glass in one smooth motion.
  8. Express an orange twist over the drink by twisting it to release the oils, then drop it in as garnish or add a cherry.

Notes

Always use fresh lemon juice squeezed minutes before you mix, and invest in a jigger so your proportions stay consistent every single time you make this drink. Choose a bourbon you actually like drinking neat, since its character drives the entire cocktail. For an egg white variation, add one egg white to the shaker and shake vigorously for an extra 5 seconds to create a silky foam top.