Bourbon Lemon Cocktail
This Bourbon Lemon Cocktail is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, combining smooth bourbon, tart fresh lemon juice and a touch of simple syrup for balance. Served over fresh ice in a rocks glass, it's the perfect drink for whiskey lovers who enjoy bold, citrus-forward flavors.
Think of it as a lighter, brighter version of a whiskey sour - simple, elegant and endlessly customizable. Whether you're craving something that feels like bourbon lemonade or experimenting with a new bourbon cocktail, this is a good one to have in your rotation for any occasion.
For more cocktails with bourbon, try our Cranberry Shrub and our Bulleit Old Fashioned Cocktail.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just bourbon, lemon juice and syrup; no fancy tools required.
- Perfect Balance: Sweet, tart and smooth all in one glass.
- Versatile Base: Easily customize with maple syrup, honey syrup or even a splash of orange liqueur.
- Great for Gatherings: Mix a large pitcher to share with friends during cocktail hour or summer evenings.
Ingredients
Just a few easy ingredients come together to create this crowd-pleasing drink.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Bourbon: Choose your favorite bourbon for a rich, smooth flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The key to bright, fresh citrus flavor.
- Simple Syrup: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart lemon and smooth whiskey.
Grab your cocktail shaker, a measuring spoon and jigger to shake up this cocktail.
Variations
- Maple Syrup: Adds warmth and depth, especially during cooler months.
- Honey Syrup: Brings a floral note.
- Add Orange Liqueur: Gives a subtle orange sweetness and makes it taste like a citrus-forward whiskey sour.
- Add Fresh Mint: For a mint julep twist, muddle a few mint leaves before shaking.
- Include Fresh Fruit: Muddle berries or peach slices to create your own seasonal smash cocktail.
How to Make a Bourbon Lemon Cocktail
You'll have this drink ready in minutes with just a few simple steps.
Add bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker half full of ice and shake until chilled.
Strain into a lowball glass with some ice.
Hint: Use freshly squeezed juice, bottled lemon juice won't deliver the same vibrant flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Shaken: Shake in a cocktail shaker to quickly chill and infuse flavors together.
- Glass: A rocks glass keeps the drink classic and comfortable to hold.
- Garnishes: A twist of lemon peel, lemon wedge, and maraschino cherry adds a burst of freshness.
- Sweetness: Adjust the syrup level to taste.
- Make Ahead: Combine ingredients in a large pitcher without ice for easy party serving.
If you enjoy bourbon drinks, try our Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail for a seasonal twist.
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Serving Suggestions
- Savory Appetizers: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers, Mini Cheese Balls, Spinach and Artichoke Dip or Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip.
- Small Handhelds: Turkey Sliders, Brisket Sliders or Pulled Pork Sliders.
Bourbon Lemon Cocktail Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use rye or blended whiskey, but bourbon gives the smoothest and richest flavor profile.
Choose one of your favorite bourbons, a mid-range bottle with caramel and vanilla notes works well.
This version is lighter and simpler. It has no egg whites or bitters, making it more like a bourbon lemonade or whiskey smash.
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Bourbon Lemon Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2- ounce bourbon
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup or more
- ice
Instructions
- Add bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker half full of ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a lowball glass with some ice.
Notes
- Use Freshly Squeezed Juice: Bottled lemon juice won't deliver the same vibrant flavor.
- Shaken: Shake in a cocktail shaker to quickly chill and infuse flavors together.
- Glass: A rocks glass keeps the drink classic and comfortable to hold.
- Garnishes: A twist of lemon peel, lemon wedge, and maraschino cherry adds a burst of freshness.
- Sweetness: Adjust the syrup level to taste.
- Make Ahead: Combine ingredients in a large pitcher without ice for easy party serving.
Nutrition
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Such a simple drink but it has so much flavor! Love it.
This sounds amazing. I think we will be sipping on a few of these this weekend!
Perfect weekend drink! Enjoy.
Wohoo I found it! I was looking for one with some lemony flavor, going to try it tonight! Thanks for the recipe!
My pleasure, Abi! I hope you enjoy it.