Sour Season Is Here

Celebrate the Bourbon Sour, Any Day of the Season

Whether you’re toasting National Whiskey Sour Day on August 25 or just looking for a refreshing classic to serve at your next gathering, the Bourbon Sour is always in season. Made with the signature smoothness of Maker’s Mark^®, it’s citrusy, balanced, and endlessly adaptable.

This year, we’re giving the classic sour a few modern updates. From unexpected garnishes to creative riffs, we’ve got fresh ways to enjoy your favorite bourbon cocktail.

Make a Classic Bourbon Sour

4 Ways to Elevate Your Bourbon Sour

Give your go-to cocktail a seasonal twist with one of these unexpected garnishes or finishing touches. Each one adds a new layer of flavor without complicating the mix.

Bottle Bitters Red Label Wood Maker’s Mark

Red Aromatic Bitters

Add a few dashes for deeper color and a more herbaceous profile.

Hand Holding Yuzu Green Background Maker’s Mark

Fresh  Yuzu

Swap lemon juice for this bright, citrusy Japanese fruit for a zingy refresh.

Thyme  Honey

Replace simple syrup with an herb-infused honey for earthy sweetness and extra depth.

Chili Slice Herbs Cocktail Overhead Maker’s Mark

Fresh  Chili Slice

Top your sour with a thin round of red chili pepper for just a hint of heat.

Looking for a New Favorite? Try These Bourbon Sour Variations

Keep the sour base but change up the vibe. Each of these cocktails takes the familiar structure and adds something new — perfect for summer sipping.

Maker's® Sour Highball

A lighter, sparkling take on the bourbon sour that’s ideal for warm-weather sipping. Topped with premium lemon soda, it’s bright, effervescent, and perfect for daytime gatherings or casual hangs.

Maker's Sour Highball recipe

New York Sour

This classic sour gets a bold twist with a float of red wine, adding striking color and a layer of dark fruit flavor. It’s an elevated, eye-catching cocktail that tastes as good as it looks.

New York Sour recipe

Gold Rush

Simple, bold, and perfectly balanced, the Gold Rush swaps out simple syrup for rich honey for a smooth twist on the classic sour. With just bourbon, lemon, and honey, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that shines year-round.

Gold Rush recipe

Bourbon Renewal

A jammy, fruit-forward riff on the sour, made with crème de cassis and fresh lemon juice. Rich yet refreshing, this modern classic brings out the deeper notes of Maker’s Mark in every sip.

Bourbon Renewal recipe

Hand Holding Sour Cocktail Yellow Lemon Maker’s Mark

Glass Red Layer Cherry Ice Outdoor Table Maker’s Mark

Glass Lemon Peel Honey Color Indoor Plate Maker’s Mark

BBQ Ribs Plate Bottle Label Closeup Maker’s Mark

What to Eat When a Sour’s on the Menu

If your spread already features bold, salty, or savory flavors, a bourbon sour might be the perfect pour. Its citrusy tang and smooth bourbon base make it a versatile match for all kinds of dishes, especially these:

Crispy fried chicken or hot chicken sliders
Deviled eggs with smoked paprika or candied bacon
Sharp cheddar or gouda on a charcuterie board
Citrus-marinated olives or mixed nuts
Shrimp skewers with a chili-lime glaze

In other words: if it’s good for grazing, it’s great with a sour.

Raise a Glass
to the Sour,
All Season Long

Whether you like yours classic or with a twist, the Maker’s Mark Bourbon Sour deserves a spot on your summer menu. Bookmark this page, try something new, and toast to the cocktail that’s always in good taste.

Explore more cocktail recipes