Rosemary Honey Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, there’s something great about mixing up drinks that are both refreshing and easy to pull off at home. This rosemary honey bourbon lemonade cocktail? It totally nails that vibe.

It’s got fresh lemonade, smooth bourbon, sweet honey, and just a hint of rosemary all coming together in one glass.

You get this zesty citrus kick, a little warmth from the bourbon, and those herbal notes that just work—especially if you’re hanging out on a sunny afternoon or want to impress your friends a bit.

I have to say, the honey takes the edge off the bourbon, and that rosemary? It adds a little something that keeps each sip interesting.

You won’t need any weird ingredients or fancy bar gear for this one. It’s quick to throw together, and somehow it still feels like you put in extra effort.

Rosemary Honey Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

What I like most is how this drink brings together the bold bourbon, tangy lemon, and a subtle herbal twist from the rosemary.

The honey smooths everything out, and a splash of soda gives it this crisp, refreshing finish that’s hard to beat.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I use this to get the bourbon, lemon juice, and syrup all mixed up nicely.
• Jigger or measuring tool – Makes it way easier to get the right amounts, no guesswork.
• Small saucepan – Needed for making that rosemary honey syrup.
• Wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring the syrup as it heats, so the honey melts in.
• Fine mesh strainer – I use this to fish out the rosemary sprigs once the syrup cools down.
• Rocks glass – Always serve this over ice in a short glass—it just looks and tastes better.
• Bar spoon – Handy for gently stirring in the club soda without killing the bubbles.
• Ice cubes – Don’t skimp here; the drink’s best when it’s nice and cold.

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (I usually reach for Woodford Reserve or Maker’s Mark)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz rosemary honey syrup (equal parts honey and water, simmered with fresh rosemary)
• 2–3 dashes bitters (optional, but it adds depth)
• Club soda, for topping
• Ice cubes
• Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
• Lemon wheel or wedge, for garnish

That rosemary honey syrup is what really makes this cocktail pop. I usually whip up a batch ahead of time and stash it in the fridge—it’s a lifesaver when you want a quick drink.

Instructions

• Pour bourbon, lemon juice, and rosemary honey syrup into your cocktail shaker.
• Toss in some ice and shake it up for about 15 seconds—just enough to chill everything down.
• Strain it into a rocks glass packed with fresh ice.
• If I’m in the mood for a more layered flavor, I’ll add a couple dashes of bitters.
• Top it off with a splash of club soda for that light, fizzy finish.
• Pop in a sprig of rosemary and a lemon wheel for garnish.
• Serve it up right away while it’s still cold and bubbly.

Notes

I’m a fan of using good bourbon here—it really does make the drink smoother. Woodford Reserve has a bolder taste, but Maker’s Mark is a bit softer if that’s more your thing.

The rosemary honey syrup is super easy: just simmer equal parts honey and water with a rosemary sprig for about five minutes, let it cool, and strain.

It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make a few rounds if you want.

If you like your drink on the sweeter side, just add a touch more syrup.

Craving more citrus? Squeeze in extra lemon juice.

The club soda isn’t a must, but I like the fizz.

The rosemary garnish isn’t just for looks—it gives off this fresh aroma every time you take a sip.

Tasting Notes

So, when I take that first sip, the lemon jumps out at me right away. It’s got this crisp, lively vibe—almost zesty, honestly—and there’s a tang that really wakes up my taste buds.

Then the honey comes in, smoothing things out with this gentle sweetness. I appreciate how it doesn’t overpower or turn the drink into a sugar bomb; it just sort of softens the tartness.

The bourbon? Oh, that’s where the warmth hits. I catch these subtle hints of vanilla and maybe a bit of oak, which gives the whole thing a little more heft.

And the rosemary—wow, it really pops in the aroma. There’s this clean, piney note that’s kind of refreshing, and honestly, it makes the drink smell fantastic.

Each sip feels like it’s got a lot going on, but it’s never overwhelming. Somehow, all those flavors just work together and keep things really drinkable.

Flavor highlights:

• Citrus: bright, sharp, refreshing
• Sweet: mellow honey smoothness
• Herbal: light rosemary aroma
• Spirit: warm bourbon depth