Citrus-Basil Stirred Sour
A vibrant sour cocktail balanced with fresh citrus and aromatic basil, stirred to a silky texture and served over large ice cubes. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup (1:1 honey to water) 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
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- large ice cubes
- 1 piece lemon twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 4 fresh basil leaves with 0.5 oz honey syrup to release the basil’s aroma.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon and 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, then fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with one large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express a lemon twist over the surface by holding it over the glass and twisting to release oils, then rest it on the rim as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Basil Stirred Sour take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Citrus-Basil Stirred Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-basil stirred 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 Citrus-Basil Stirred 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 Citrus-Basil Stirred 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 Citrus-Basil Stirred Sour?
Cocktails 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.
