Roasted Orange and Thyme Bourbon Sour
Deep roasted orange elevates classic bourbon sour with herbal thyme notes for a warming and aromatic cocktail. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together bourbon, fresh lemon juice, roasted orange 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 roasted orange syrup
- 1 egg white
- 1 sprig fresh thyme sprig
- enough to fill shaker ice cubes
- 1 strip orange twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare 3/4 oz roasted orange syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with roasted orange slices until thickened, then cool.
- Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker without ice and add 2 oz bourbon, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz roasted orange syrup, and 1 egg white.
- Step 3: Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 4: Add ice cubes to the shaker to the brim and shake again for 20 seconds until the shaker is cold and frosty.
- Step 5: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and pulp.
- Step 6: Garnish by expressing an orange twist over the glass to release oils, then rest it on the rim; lay a fresh thyme sprig across the top for aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Orange and Thyme Bourbon Sour take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Roasted Orange and Thyme Bourbon Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover roasted orange and thyme 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 Roasted Orange and Thyme 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 Roasted Orange and Thyme 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 Roasted Orange and Thyme Bourbon 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.
