Ginger-Basil Bourbon Sour
A vibrant bourbon sour elevated by fresh ginger juice and aromatic basil, delivering a perfect balance of spice, herbaceousness, and citrus. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together Bourbon whiskey, Fresh lemon juice, Fresh ginger juice 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 195 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
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh ginger juice
- 0.75 oz Simple syrup
- 3 Fresh basil leaves
- as needed Ice cubes
- 1 Basil sprig
- 1 Lemon twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Tear 3 fresh basil leaves and place them gently in the bottom of a cocktail shaker with 0.75 oz simple syrup. Muddle lightly to release the basil aroma without shredding.
- Step 2: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim, then pour in 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz fresh ginger juice.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is cold to the touch.
- Step 4: Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled rocks glass over a large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express a lemon twist over the drink, rubbing the peel around the rim, then rest it on the edge of the glass.
- Step 6: Garnish with a fresh basil sprig placed upright for a fragrant finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Basil Bourbon 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 Ginger-Basil Bourbon Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger-basil 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 Ginger-Basil 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 Ginger-Basil 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 Ginger-Basil Bourbon Sour?
Cocktails & Beverages 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.
