Smoked Rosemary Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I’m a sucker for drinks that are simple but still feel kind of special. Smoked rosemary bourbon lemonade is one of those cocktails I keep coming back to, especially when friends drop by.

There’s something about the combo of fresh lemon, smooth bourbon, and that smoky rosemary twist that just works.

Whenever I want to mix things up or impress someone (without spending all day on prep), this is the drink I reach for. It’s not fussy, and you don’t need to hunt down rare ingredients.

The smoked rosemary really does give the lemonade a flavor that’s both cozy and fresh—kind of hard to describe, but you’ll get it once you try it.

Curious how to make it? Here’s what you’ll need and how to pull it off at home.

Smoked Rosemary Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this cocktail is how the bourbon’s richness plays off that tangy lemon. Smoking the rosemary? It adds this wild, woodsy aroma that makes every sip a little adventure.

It’s a fun one for a chill night in or when you want to serve something different at a small get-together.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Smoker kit (handheld or cloche-style)
• Small butane torch or lighter
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Muddler
• Highball or rocks glass
• Spoon
• Citrus juicer
• Ice

Ingredients

• 2 oz bourbon (I like campfire whiskey for extra smokiness)
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz smoked cherry simple syrup
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig (plus more for garnish)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wheel (for garnish)
• Optional: extra rosemary sprig for added smoke

Instructions

• Put a fresh rosemary sprig on a heatproof surface and light it with a torch or lighter until it’s smoking.
• Flip your glass upside down over the smoking rosemary to trap that aroma.
• In your cocktail shaker, combine bourbon, smoked cherry simple syrup, and lemon juice.
• Add ice and shake it up—about 15 seconds does the trick.
• Strain into your smoky glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel and another torched rosemary sprig if you want more aroma.
• Got a smoker kit? Feel free to add a little extra smoke to the finished drink for more oomph.

Notes

I’d go with a good bourbon here—campfire whiskey is my pick when I want that extra smokiness. Smoked cherry simple syrup adds a nice sweet, fruity note, but honestly, regular simple syrup works if that’s what you have.

Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference. Bottled just doesn’t have the same pop.

If you don’t have a smoker kit, don’t stress; just torching the rosemary gets you most of the way there. For parties, you can scale up the recipe, but heads up—the smoky aroma fades if you prep too early.

Tweak the sweetness or tartness by adding more syrup or lemon as you like. Sometimes I’ll toss in a candied cherry or a splash of club soda if I’m feeling adventurous.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the smoky rosemary hits right away. It kind of cozies up with the bourbon, giving off this woodsy, almost campfire vibe.

Fresh lemon juice cuts through next. Honestly, that little bit of tartness just wakes up the whole drink.

The sweetness from the simple syrup and bourbon hangs in the background. It never gets too sugary, which I appreciate.

Each taste feels crisp and a bit surprising. The smoke, rosemary, and citrus seem to get along really well—nothing shouts over the rest.

I love how the drink feels on my tongue. It’s cold from the ice, but there’s a warm hug from the bourbon and that whisper of smoke.

The rosemary garnish? It’s a nice touch. Every time I pick up my glass, that herbal aroma just begs me to take another sip.