The perfect mix of smoked rosemary, sweet lemonade and the warmth of bourbon makes this Bourbon Sour Cocktail perfect for entertaining or just kicking back.

Bourbon is not just for sipping.  I’ve been known to sneak it into cakes and cookies too! Bacon Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookies are a bacon lovers dream cookie, and Caramel Butter Pecan Cake With Bourbon Frosting is the best way to spice up dessert. 

 Bourbon Sour with smoked rosemary in coupe glasses

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Smoked Rosemary Bourbon Sour Cocktail

Bourbon? Yes, please! First, though, let’s talk about smoked rosemary! Adding a quick flame to your sprig of rosemary adds so much flavor it’s so tasty that it will be your new favorite way to make any cocktail.

Next, we pair the smoked rosemary with fresh lemonade, tasty bourbon, and just a dash of bitters. Grab your favorite bourbon and get ready for this amazing bourbon sour with a smoky aroma that finishes off this beauty perfectly. I love the mixture of smelling the smoked herbs with the earthiness of the bourbon. Mmmm!

overhead shot of Bourbon Sour with smoked rosemary

How To Make A Smoked Bourbon Sour

Who said making a fun craft cocktail had to be left to the professionals? Get ready to feel like you’re having a night out a the new trendy bar in town, but from the comfort of your own home! It’s the best of both worlds because not only is this bourbon sour insanely delicious, it’s also crazy easy to make. 

Just carefully light the rosemary on fire, letting burn until some of the leaves are ash and place it into a glass. Next just combine the bourbon, lemonade, and bitters in a shaker half-filled with ice and shake well. Strain into glass over the smoked rosemary and enjoy. Cheers!

 

 Bourbon Sour with smoked rosemary sprig in coupe glass

What Other Alcohol Could I Use?

If you aren’t a big bourbon fan, try this recipe with any of your favorite spirits. I’m sure it would be just as good mixed with vodka, or gin. 

I haven’t personally tried this with another liquor, so I can’t attest to how the flavors differ when mixed with anything other than the bourbon. If you decide to try this smoked bourbon sour a different way, be sure to let me know in the comments below!

Can I Make This Bourbon Sour Non-Alcoholic?

Yes you can make this recipe non-alcoholic, but it will take a bit of extra prep. To still get the same essence of the alcoholic version, you will want to replace the bourbon, and not just omit it altogether. 

For this cocktail, the best option will be to make a peach nectar and cider vinegar mixture. The mixture will need to be three parts peach nectar for every one part cider vinegar. You will want the mixture to measure out to the same amount of bourbon that would have been used in the cocktail. 

Note that while this is the closest substitute it still won’t taste just like the original, just as close as you can get. 

 Bourbon Sour with smoked rosemary garnish

Do I Have To Use Smoked Rosemary?

Nope, but I highly suggest trying it! Skipping the smoked rosemary is not going to make this bourbon sour undrinkable, but I do think everyone should give it a try at least once. Mostly because lighting the rosemary on fire, then adding it to the glass makes you feel like one of those craft cocktail bartenders we all stare at with amazement as they sling ingredients around the bar. 

The process of making smoked rosemary is simple, just takes a few extra seconds, and is so worth the time. If you are worried about the flavor it will add, there’s really no need to. The smoky flavor is subtle and does not overpower the amazing flavors of the rest of the cocktail.

Tips For Sipping And Serving The Best Bourbon Sour

  • A wise barkeep once said, “The first taste is with the eyes.” Serving this bourbon sour in a fancy coupe glass can enhance the presentation and overall experience.
  • This drink can be enjoyed year-round “a cocktail that you can enjoy now, and all the way through the chilliest time of year”
  • Be sure to serve immediately for the best ice-cold cocktail everyone will love. 
  • Speaking of ice-cold, you won’t want to skip using a shaker if you want a well mixed and refreshingly cold-smoked bourbon sour. 

Tray of Bourbon Sour cocktails with smoked rosemary

Like This Cocktail? Then You’ll Love These Bourbon Recipes

Ginger Peach Bourbon Smash – Fresh peaches, ginger beer, and bourbon come together in one light and refreshing summer cocktail.

Maple Whiskey Milkshake With Espresso – You have to make these maple whiskey milkshakes! The flavors of whiskey, maple, vanilla, and espresso work together in a dreamy way to make this the perfect milkshake.

Raspberry Hard Iced Tea – Mix in iced tea classics like raspberries, lemon, and mint along with a spike whiskey and you have the perfect porch sipping summer cocktail. 

Bourbon Slush – A slushy, sweet, boozy drink, perfect for summer sipping!

Cran-Cherry Rye Whiskey Sour – The fruity cherry and cranberry notes in this cocktail complement the spicy rye for a perfectly sweet and refreshing cocktail. Add in some lime juice and egg whites and you’ve got yourself a drink you’ll love and enjoy all year long.

Bourbon Aperol Cocktail – The gorgeous orange hue of these bubbly Bourbon Aperol Cocktails is sure to kickstart any party.

Like This Bourbon Sour Cocktail? Pin It!pinterest-image

 Bourbon Sour with smoked rosemary photo collage

Tools used to make this Smoked Rosemary Bourbon Sour:

Shaker:

A good cocktail shaker is a basic tool every home bar should have. This copper shaker makes the cutest addition to any bar cart. 

Shot Glass: 

I love my shot glass that is labeled with different measurements> It’s perfect for when you have cocktails that need more than just one shot of this or that. 

Bitters:

Bitters are like the salt of the cocktail world, so if you ever think a mixture needs a little extra flavor, try these aromatic bitters. 

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Bourbon Sour with smoked rosemary garnish

Smoked Rosemary Bourbon Sour Cocktail

Yield: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

The perfect mix of smoked rosemary, sweet lemonade and the warmth of bourbon makes this Bourbon Sour Cocktail perfect for entertaining or just kicking back.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Bourbon
  • 3 ounces lemonade
  • Dash bitters
  • Rosemary sprig

Instructions

  1. Carefully light rosemary on fire, letting burn until some of the leaves are ash. Place into a glass.
  2. Combine bourbon, lemonade, and bitters in a shaker half-filled with ice and shake well.
  3. Strain into glass over the smoked rosemary.

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