Charcoal Smoked Maple Whiskey Sour
A smoky interpretation of the whiskey sour, enriched with maple syrup and a touch of activated charcoal for an eye-catching dark hue and complex flavor. This recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp activated charcoal powder
- 1/2 oz egg white (optional)
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz pure maple syrup, 1/8 tsp activated charcoal powder, and 1/2 oz egg white (if using) to a dry cocktail shaker.
- Step 2: Shake vigorously without ice for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and charcoal.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Garnish with a thin lemon twist, expressing its oils over the surface and resting it on the rim.







