Bourbon Rosemary Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m a sucker for drinks that feel easy but have a little something extra going on. That’s why this bourbon rosemary lemonade cocktail is my go-to when I’m craving a refreshing sip with a bit of depth.

It’s a mix of smooth bourbon, fresh lemonade, and fragrant rosemary—balanced and honestly, just a fun drink to have any time of year.

The citrus keeps things lively and bright. Bourbon brings that cozy warmth and some body.

Rosemary? It’s subtle but adds an herbal twist that makes you pause and think, “Wait, what’s that?” Not in a bad way—just enough to keep things interesting.

You don’t need any fancy gear or weird ingredients. I like that I can throw this together without much fuss.

Mix one up for yourself, or if you’ve got friends over, it’s easy to make a few. Either way, you end up with a crisp, just-sweet-enough drink that’s got a lot going on in every sip.

Bourbon Rosemary Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

What I love here is how the smooth bourbon and zippy lemon juice play off each other. The rosemary sneaks in with a hint of herbal flavor, and club soda finishes it off light and bubbly.

Equipment

I keep things simple—no need to overcomplicate cocktail hour. A cocktail shaker is pretty much a must for chilling and blending.

A jigger helps me get the measurements right, but honestly, a small measuring cup works too.

Here’s what I grab:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or small measuring cup
• Muddler or spoon (if you want to smash the rosemary a bit)
• Strainer
• Rocks glass
• Small saucepan (for making the rosemary syrup)
• Ice tray or just a bag of ice

I always reach for a sturdy rocks glass—it holds the ice well and keeps the drink colder, longer.

Ingredients

I’m partial to Maker’s Mark bourbon because it’s smooth and a little sweet, but use whatever you like. Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable for me—bottled just doesn’t hit the same.

Rosemary simple syrup is what gives this drink its signature aroma.

• 2 oz bourbon (Maker’s Mark or similar)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.75 oz rosemary simple syrup
• 2 oz club soda
• Ice (enough to fill your glass)
• Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)
• Optional: smoked rosemary for extra aroma

To make the rosemary simple syrup, I just simmer equal parts sugar and water with a couple sprigs of rosemary until it smells amazing.

Instructions

First, I fill my shaker with ice—gotta get everything nice and cold. Then in goes the bourbon, lemon juice, and rosemary syrup.

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice
• Add bourbon, lemon juice, and rosemary simple syrup
• Shake for about 10–15 seconds (no need to overdo it)
• Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice
• Top with club soda
• Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig (or smoked rosemary if you’re feeling fancy)

I usually give the rosemary sprig a little smack between my hands before tossing it in. It’s a weird move, but it really wakes up the aroma.

Notes

Seriously, use fresh lemon juice if you can—it’s worth the tiny bit of extra effort. Want more rosemary flavor? Just let the syrup steep longer before you strain it.

Sometimes I’ll light the tip of a rosemary sprig, blow it out, and stick it in the glass before pouring. Adds a gentle smoky scent that’s kind of cool if you’re into that.

If you like things sweeter, go a touch heavier on the rosemary syrup. Prefer it drier? Cut back on the syrup and splash in a bit more club soda.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip of this rosemary bourbon cocktail, the scent of fresh rosemary jumps out at me immediately. It’s earthy and herbal—kind of grounding, honestly—which really helps balance out the lemonade’s sweetness.

The bourbon itself brings this mellow, warming feeling. There’s a hint of caramel in there, mixing nicely with the tartness from the lemon juice.

I can pick up a little oakiness in the background, too. It’s subtle, but it’s there if you’re paying attention.

The lemonade keeps everything bright and refreshing. It’s got just the right amount of tang to cut through the bourbon’s richness.

I really like how the rosemary’s pine-like flavor sort of lingers after each sip. It’s a little unexpected, but in a good way.

Here’s how I’d sum up the main flavors:

• Herbal: Fresh rosemary, a bit piney
• Sweet: That gentle, honey-like sweetness from the bourbon
• Tart: Crisp edge from the fresh lemon juice
• Warm: Soft heat from the bourbon’s alcohol

The mouthfeel? Pretty smooth, honestly, and the lemonade gives it a lighter texture.

If you chill the drink well, the flavors seem sharper—more defined, somehow.

Letting the rosemary sprig hang out in the glass a bit longer makes the flavor even stronger. The drink grows more aromatic with every sip, which is kind of fun.