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My bourbon lemonade is made with bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, rhubarb bitters (interesting fruity and tart bitters), fresh mint, and a splash of ginger beer. It sounds like a spin on a bourbon Southside or whiskey smash but it’s definitely more of a citrus-forward cocktail, earning its lemonade name.
This citrusy imbibe is inspired by a cocktail Patty and I tried in Portland, Maine. It’s a phenomenal and refreshing cocktail that’s a little more sophisticated than the name implies. If your significant other buys a 5-pound bag of lemons when they only needed three, this is a great way to use the surplus.
If the thought of whiskey scares you to death, I’m here to assure you this is not a big whiskey-forward drink. I think all whiskey lovers and haters alike can find at least some common ground with this one.
Looking for more lemony goodness? Try your hand at steeping your own limoncello and using it in a limoncello martini. If you start to enjoy bourbon, reach for a blackberry bourbon smash.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Bourbon: use your favorite bourbon! You can also experiment with rye or cognac for a different vibe. A higher proof bourbon will make the cocktail more spirit forward. As written, it’s very balanced.
- Fresh lemon juice: always use fresh lemon. Use a citrus squeezer for easy lemon juicing.
- Simple syrup: 50-50 simple syrup (sugar and water) or you can use rich demerara for more distinct caramel and richer flavor.
- Fresh mint leaves + garnish, gently muddled:
- Rhubarb bitters: rhubarb bitters are tart and citrusy with mild spice. Fee Brothers is the brand I use. It’s not 100% necessary to make a good cocktail but it does add nice character. Substitutes could be any fruity/citrusy bitters such as cherry, cranberry, lemon, plum, grapefruit, or orange.
- Ginger beer or soda water: ginger beer adds subtle ginger flavor that is very complimentary. I recommend over soda water if you enjoy ginger beer.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1.
Optionally very gently muddle the simple syrup and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. You can also reserve for just the garnish for aroma.
Step 2.
Add bourbon, lemon, simple syrup, and rhubarb bitters to the shaker. Add a large cup of ice and shake for 10 seconds.
Step 3.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass (image 3a). Top with a splash of ginger beer for a little fizz (image 3b). Wipe the rim of the glass with a mint sprig and garnish (image 3c).
Expert Tips
- This cocktail calls for double straining. Double straining is pouring a cocktail through two strainers as you fill your glass, eliminating tiny ice chips. Cocktails with fresh muddled fruits or herbs benefit from being poured through a fine-mesh strainer to avoid bits of fruit or herbs floating in the drink.
- Freeze your glasses! This keeps your drink colder for longer. I love to use coupe since they’re compact and easily fit in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make this cocktail with rye or Canadian whiskey. You could also experiment with vodka or gin, I just don’t think it’s quite as smooth.
You can use any citrusy bitters, I personally just like rhubarb for its tartness. You can omit entirely and still make a tasty cocktail but you should be able to find them on Amazon!
More Cocktails You’ll Love
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, about one lemon
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2-3 fresh mint leaves + garnish, gently muddled
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers Rhubarb bitters
- splash ginger beer or soda water, 1/2-3/4 ounces
Instructions
- Optionally very gently muddle the simple syrup and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. You can also reserve for just the garnish for aroma.
- Add bourbon, lemon, simple syrup, and rhubarb bitters to the shaker. Add a large cup of ice and shake for 10 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with a splash of ginger beer for a little fizz. Wipe the rim of the glass with a mint sprig and garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
delicious and simple 🙂