Chicago Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour
A smoky twist on the classic bourbon sour, featuring rich maple syrup and a hint of charred wood aroma inspired by Chicago’s top dining scene. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together bourbon, 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 210 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
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz pure maple syrup
- 1/4 oz smoked water
- 1 small egg white
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the brim. Pour in 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz pure maple syrup, and 1/4 oz smoked water.
- Step 2: Add 1 small egg white for a silky texture. Shake vigorously without ice (dry shake) for 15 seconds to emulsify.
- Step 3: Add ice to the shaker and shake again vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled rocks glass filled with a large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of lemon peel over the drink to release oils, then twist and rest it on the rim.
- Step 6: Finish by dropping 2 dashes of Angostura bitters onto the frothy surface for aroma and visual contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicago Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Chicago Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover chicago smoked maple bourbon sour in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicago Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chicago Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chicago Smoked Maple Bourbon Sour?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
