Bourbon Lemonade is a refreshing cocktail that blends the smooth richness of bourbon with the bright, tangy flavor of lemonade. It’s a simple yet surprisingly sophisticated drink—just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, and you’re set for a summer gathering or a laid-back evening at home.
This cocktail brings together sweet and sour notes. The bourbon adds both warmth and a little complexity, and you can play around with different brands to suit your mood or taste.
Feel free to tweak the recipe as you like. Fresh herbs like mint or rosemary can add a little extra something, and a lemon wheel or cherry on top makes the drink look as good as it tastes.
Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Muddler
- Cocktail strainer
- Collins glass or highball glass
- Ice bucket
- Bar spoon: for stirring.
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Cutting board and knife for garnishes
- Cocktail picks for garnish (optional)
Ingredients
For one cocktail:
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 4 oz fresh lemonade store-bought or homemade
- ½ oz simple syrup optional, depending on lemonade sweetness
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- 1 lemon wheel for garnish
- Ice cubes
For homemade lemonade (makes about 4 servings):
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 cups cold water
Fresh ingredients really do make a difference here.
Instructions
- Make simple syrup (if needed): Mix equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool down.
- Prepare lemonade (if making homemade): Combine lemon juice, sugar, and water in a pitcher. Stir until the sugar’s gone, then chill it.
- Build the cocktail: Drop mint leaves into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle them.
- Add bourbon, lemonade, and simple syrup (if you’re using it) to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Shake hard for 15-20 seconds until it’s nice and cold.
- Fill a collins glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
- Serve right away.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
Bourbon lemonade is a lively mix of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. You get the tartness from fresh lemon juice and the warm, caramel vibe from bourbon.
First sip? The lemonade’s bright acidity jumps out. Right after, you’ll notice the oak-aged depth of the bourbon coming through.
Dial the sweetness up or down to suit your taste. More simple syrup gives you a dessert-like drink, while less keeps it crisp and lets the bourbon shine.
Flavor Profile:
- First impression: Tart lemon, a touch of honey sweetness
- Mid-palate: Warm bourbon, vanilla, caramel
- Finish: Lingering oak and citrus
The texture is smooth but still refreshing. Ice matters here—it softens the bourbon’s edge but keeps its character intact.
Different bourbons bring out different sides of the cocktail. Wheated bourbons are softer and sweeter; high-rye ones add some spice and a bit of intrigue.
Fresh mint as a garnish adds a lovely aroma that works with both the bourbon and the lemonade. A lemon wheel on top makes the citrus notes pop and just looks inviting, doesn’t it?
Honestly, this drink isn’t just for summer. It cools you off on hot days and still feels cozy when it’s chilly out, thanks to that bourbon backbone.
Substitutes
Don’t have bourbon on hand? No worries—you can still whip up this cocktail with other spirits.
Whiskey steps in as a direct replacement for bourbon. Rye whiskey will give you a spicier kick, while Scotch brings a smoky note that’s hard to miss.
Craving something lighter? Vodka or gin can do the trick. These clear spirits let the lemon flavor really stand out.
If you need a non-alcoholic version, try one of these:
- Unsweetened tea
- Apple cider
- Ginger beer
- Non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives
Lemonade can be swapped out too. Store-bought lemonade is fine in a pinch, though it’s usually sweeter than homemade. Limeade is another option if you’re in the mood for a citrus twist.
For sweeteners, honey or agave nectar can stand in for simple syrup. Both bring their own subtle flavors, which can be a nice touch.
