Stirred Citrus Bourbon Sour
A smooth bourbon sour balanced with fresh citrus and a hint of honey for a warm, approachable flavor. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, 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 whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz honey syrup, and 2 dashes of orange bitters into a mixing glass.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with large ice cubes to chill efficiently.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to achieve a silky texture without over-dilution.
- Step 4: Strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 5: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twisting to release the oils, then rim the glass and rest the peel on the ice as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stirred Citrus Bourbon Sour 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 Stirred Citrus Bourbon Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover stirred citrus 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 Stirred Citrus 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 Stirred Citrus 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 Stirred Citrus 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.
