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Cocktails

Bourbon Sour

Served in a Whiskey Sour Glass

Cocktailalcoholic5 ingredients

Nutrition information is not yet available for this drink.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients & Tools

Tools:Cocktail Shaker

How to Make It

  1. In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and sugar.Shaken
  2. Shake well.Shaken
  3. Strain into a whiskey Sour glass, garnish with the orange slice and cherry.Strain

How to Serve

Glass
Whiskey Sour Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Cubed ice
Method
Shaken
Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Supporting notes

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

SweetnessDrySweet
AcidityFlatCrisp
FruitinessEarthyFruity
  • Bright and citrusy
  • Fruity and vibrant

What do these dimensions mean?

Food pairings

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Bourbon2 oz

Rye WhiskeyWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Use the same amount; adjust sweetener if the drink becomes too dry.
What changes
Rye whiskey can replace bourbon when a spicier, drier version is acceptable.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Lemon Juice1 oz

Lime JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if the drink tastes too sharp.
What changes
Lime juice can usually replace lemon juice, but the drink becomes sharper and more tropical.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sugar1/2 tsp superfine

Simple SyrupWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Use about 1/4 oz simple syrup per teaspoon of sugar as a starting point.
What changes
Simple syrup can replace sugar, but it also adds water and dissolves more easily.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Bourbon Sour?
The Bourbon Sour is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Whiskey Sour Glass. It is a non-alcoholic drink.
What does a Bourbon Sour taste like?
Bourbon Sour has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Bourbon Sour?
Bourbon Sour pairs well with Seafood, Ceviche, Salads. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Bourbon Sour?
The strength of Bourbon Sour depends on the exact measures and spirits used. Check the individual ingredient quantities in the recipe above for a precise estimate.
What drinks are similar to a Bourbon Sour?
If you enjoy Bourbon Sour, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a Bourbon Sour at home?
Yes. The Bourbon Sour uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Whiskey Sour Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Bourbon Sour with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.