BOURBON SOUR

MADE WITH MAKER'S MARK®

The Bourbon Sour is a refined and refreshing blend of sour and sweet.

A bottle of Maker's Mark sits on a wooden round tray next to a Whisky Sour in a glass tumbler, garnished with cocktail cherries and lemon peel. Cherries and lemons sit in bowls around the bottle.

About the Bourbon Sour

The first printed mention of the Bourbon Sour that anyone is aware of is in the 1862 book "The Bartender's Guide" by Jerry Thomas. This cocktail has had enduring appeal and reaches a new level of refreshing when the sour notes are mixed with Maker’s® sweetness.
Difficulty
Medium
Preparation Time
5 min
Flavor Profile
Light and Bright
Vanilla
Citrus
Spice

Ingredients

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Preparation
Instructions

  • Step 1
    Mix all ingredients

    Add Maker's Mark®, lemon juice and simple syrup to an ice-filled shaker.

  • Step 2
    Shake everything together
    Give it a good shake.
  • Step 3
    Strain carefully
    Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  • Step 4
    Finish with garnishes
    Garnish with a lemon peel and a cherry.
A bottle of Maker's Mark bourbon whisky behind a tall glass with a Bourbon Bloody Mary over ice and a pickle, celery, and lime garnish. A small bowl of lime slices is to the left.

TIPS FOR A GREAT 
Bourbon Sour

Red icon on a cream-colored background, representing a slice of lemon.

Do get fresh

Bottled juices will work in a pinch, but nothing beats fresh squeezed. Lemon is such an important component here. In fact, it's what makes your sour…sour.
Red icon on a cream-colored background, representing a lemon.

Pre-roll

Firmly rolling the lemon under your hand before you cut it loosens up the pulp making the fruit easier to juice.
Red icon on a cream-colored background, representing a can with motion lines.

Show off your shake face

When mixing drinks for guests there is much entertainment value to be had during the shake. So, get working on your signature shake.
Red icon on a cream-colored background, representing a coupe glass.

Glassware upgrade

A wise barkeep once said "The first taste is with the eyes". Chilling your rocks glass or a fancy coup glass can enhance presentation and overall experience.
Red icon on a cream-colored background, representing an egg.

A good egg

For a traditional Whisky Sour, add an egg white before you shake the drink. This imparts no flavor but creates a rich, incredibly satisfying texture. And, it’s perfectly safe. Use only fresh eggs.

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Maker's Mark®

Sweet with balance of oak, vanilla and fruity essences 

A photo of the classic Maker's Mark bourbon whisky bottle.
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