Kentucky Sour with Lemon Verbena Foam

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refined whiskey sour featuring Kentucky bourbon, house-made lemon verbena syrup, and a velvety egg white foam that melts on the tongue. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together Kentucky straight bourbon, fresh lemon juice, lemon verbena 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 190 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz lemon verbena syrup, and 1/2 oz egg white.
  2. Step 2: Add ice to fill the shaker, then dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frothy and the shaker becomes cold to the touch.
  3. Step 3: Add fresh ice, then shake again for 10 seconds until well-chilled and the foam is dense and billowy.
  4. Step 4: Strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnish with a lemon twist, and express the oils over the drink by twisting the peel over the surface.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kentucky Sour with Lemon Verbena Foam take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Kentucky Sour with Lemon Verbena Foam?

Refrigerate any leftover kentucky sour with lemon verbena foam 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 Kentucky Sour with Lemon Verbena Foam?

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 Kentucky Sour with Lemon Verbena Foam 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 Kentucky Sour with Lemon Verbena Foam?

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.

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