Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail
Why this recipe works
- Clean sweet-sour balance: Fresh lemon juice gives the drink sharpness, while simple syrup rounds the acidity without making it heavy.
- Fast to mix: Shaking the bourbon, lemon and syrup with ice chills and blends the drink in seconds.
- Easy to adjust: Cold water lets you lengthen the drink to taste, from stronger and punchier to lighter and more refreshing.
Get the most out of this recipe
Cocktail variations
- Use rye for a drier finish: Rye whiskey gives the drink a sharper, spicier edge while keeping the same lemon-and-syrup structure.
- Make it sparkling: Top with chilled sparkling water instead of still water for a lighter, fizzier serve.
- Add a herbal note: A small sprig of mint or basil as garnish can add freshness without changing the core flavour.
Alcohol-free alternatives
- Make a lemon cooler: Skip the bourbon and shake the lemon juice and syrup with ice, then top with cold water or sparkling water.
- Add depth without alcohol: A splash of strong chilled black tea can bring gentle tannin and structure in place of the whiskey.
Ingredient notes
- Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon gives a cleaner, brighter flavour than bottled juice, which can taste flat or harsh.
- Adjust the syrup last: Taste after shaking and diluting, then add a little more syrup only if the lemon feels too sharp.
Make-ahead tips
- Mix the base ahead: The bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup can be combined and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Add ice and water to serve: For the best texture, shake with ice and add cold water only just before serving.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with the ice cubes. Add the bourbon, squeeze in the lemon juice, and pour in the simple syrup.
- Shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold. Strain into a glass over fresh ice, or strain into the same glass if you prefer it stronger.
- Top with the cold water to taste and give it a brief stir. Garnish with the lemon slice and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the cleanest flavour, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and strain out any pips before shaking.
- Adjust sweetness by adding a little more simple syrup, then balance with a splash more water if needed.
Substitutions
- Replace Bourbon with rye whiskey for a drier, spicier finish.
- Replace Simple syrup with agave syrup for a slightly rounder sweetness.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Best served immediately. If needed, mix the bourbon, lemon juice and simple syrup and refrigerate for up to 1 day; add ice cubes and water just before serving.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 10min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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